GeoCAFE

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An NSF Research Coordination Network (RCN) to accelerate research at the intersection of geosciences and health

We’re excited to share that, with support from the National Science Foundation, we’re launching GeoCAFE—a new Research Coordination Network (RCN) designed to connect university researchers in geosciences with professionals in medicine and public health.

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2026 Scholars

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We are delighted to announce the 2026 cohort of GeoCAFE Scholars. This year's cohort is composed of exceptional professionals working across health and geosciences to address the impacts of climate change on health. Congratulations to our 2026 GeoCAFE Scholars!

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Scholars from Geosciences:

Prakrut Kansara
Assistant Research Scientist
John Hopkins University
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Bing Zhou
Assistant Professor University of Tennesse, Knoxville

Kaitlin Creamer
Post Doctoral Researcher
University of California, Berkeley

Shenyue Jia
Assistant Professor in Geography, Director of Geospatial Analysis Center
Miami University

Chanud Yasanayake
Postdoctoral Associate
Duke University

Makoto Kelp
Assistant Professor
University of Utah

Babak Jalalzadeh Fard
Research Assistant, Professor
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Scholars from Health Sciences:

Muinat Abolore Idris
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Nadav Sprague
U.S. Health Equity Fellow
Harvard Medical School

Alexandra Heaney
Assistant Professor
University of California San Diego

Joshua Miller
Assistant Professor
University at Buffalo

Kristen Cowan
Assistant Professor
University at Buffalo

Pablo Knobel
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Ellen Considine
Assistant Professor
University of Colorado Boulder

Stephanie Grady
Postdoctoral Associate
Boston University School of Public Health

About GeoCAFE:
The idea behind GeoCAFE is simple: enviromental exposures are affecting human health in serious ways, but too often, experts in geosciences and health work in separate spaces. GeoCAFE aims to bridge that gap, creating opportunities for collaboration between those who study environmental factors and those who address the health challenges they cause.

By bringing these groups together, we hope to speed up research and improve how we translate scientific findings into real-world solutions. We’re also building on the strong foundation of the CAFE Research Coordinating Center (CAFE RCC), which has been working to support geo-health research through its NIH-funded initiatives.

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Why join GeoCAFE?

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expand your research network

Connect with leading experts in both geosciences and health sciences. You’ll collaborate with professionals who are working on the frontline of interdisciplinary challenges.
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be part of Interdisciplinary solutions

Join a growing community tackling one of today’s most pressing problems—how enviromental exposures impacts human health. Your expertise will be key to developing innovative solutions.
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grow your career

GeoCAFE offers valuable opportunities for professional development through conferences, virtual workshops, and in-person events, helping you gain new perspectives and advance your research.

Objectives of GeoCAFE

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RECRUITING GEOSCIENTISTS OUTSIDE HEALTH/MEDICAL FIELDS

We’re actively looking for doctoral students and faculty from geosciences to diversify and enrich the health and extreme weather research community. You’ll be part of a unique effort that brings new voices and perspectives into this critical area.
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FOSTERING DIALOGUE AND COLLABORATION

Through conferences, workshops, and virtual interactions, GeoCAFE will connect geoscientists and health professionals to spark conversations and collaboration. This cross-pollination of ideas will help create a deeper understanding of how environmental factors impact health.
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ACCELERATING RESEARCH AND IMPACT

Working together across disciplines will help speed up the research process and lead to real-world solutions faster. Whether you’re focused on understanding enviromentally-driven health issues or developing new treatments and mitigation strategies, GeoCAFE will support your work and amplify its impact.

What to expect from GeoCAFE

virtual activities

Tap into virtual events that connect you with researchers from both geosciences and health. We’ll build on what CAFE has already offered, creating inclusive spaces where experts from both fields can meet, exchange ideas, and collaborate.

in-person convenings

Each year, we’ll bring together interdisciplinary cohorts of experts spanning the geosciences and health sciences. PhD students, post-doctoral fellows, and early career or established faculty will participate in quarterly virtual meetings and up to two in-person events at major professional conferences (e.g., AMS, AGU, ISEE, ATS). These events are designed to foster new connections, inspire collaboration, and open doors to innovative research opportunities.

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