POB National Executive Board Alum Lia Delaney who devoted all four years of college, today works in an environmental epidemiology lab.

“I first joined Protect Our Breasts five years ago, in the beginning stages, when it was nothing more than a group of incredible women with an idea. Their mission was to help share the health risks of chemicals in everyday products with their peers. I was inspired by them and the mission, and wanted to be a part of this initiative to make a difference.

At that time I had no idea how my involvement would set my trajectory. I dedicated the next four years of my college experience to the organization, as well as researching the effects of chemical exposure on the body. I began to change my own habits as well: replacing my conventional personal care products with organic ones, and swapping in glass for all of the plastic that I was using for food and water storage.

The intersection of Environmental health and women’s health became my passion. As a result, post-graduation, I pursued a research opportunity in an environmental epidemiology lab at the University of Michigan. This group studies the population-level effects of chemical exposure on maternal health and birth outcomes. I have been here for a year and a half, and couldn’t be happier to be continuing this work that I found a passion for five years ago.

Today, these habits that I have learned as an undergraduate have become a lifestyle. Most significant is my commitment to not using plastic water bottles! Even when I am hiking up mountains, I am committed to metal and glass containers :)”

– Lia Delaney