WEAR

In the past few years, WEAR has aimed to make a direct impact on the existence and awareness of the Fifth Ward Cancer Cluster. A cancer cluster is defined as a geographic area with a statistically higher than average occurrence of cancer among its residents. The unfolding of the Fifth Ward Cancer Cluster has been a result of decades of neglect. In the 1970s and 1980s, residents of Houston's Fifth Ward began noticing an alarming number of cancer cases, particularly among children. These observations, initially anecdotal, led to growing concerns about a potential cancer cluster in the neighborhood.

As the years went by, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started investigating the area. Their studies revealed elevated levels of creosote—a probable carcinogen used as a wood preservative—in the soil and groundwater. This contamination was traced back to a nearby railroad facility.

By the 2020s, the Fifth Ward cancer cluster had become a prominent example of environmental injustice. The community's struggle for recognition, adequate support, and remediation efforts underscores the broader challenges faced by marginalized neighborhoods dealing with industrial pollution and its health impacts.

In this way, environmental health is a critical component of community health, affecting many aspects of our lives such as housing, food security, clean water availability, and more. It is a complex subset of public health which focuses on the relationships between people and the environment.

Member Expectations

WEAR aims to understand and address the environmental challenges our communities face through student-driven research projects. Last year, we presented five projects at Undergraduate Research Day exploring a range of topics under the umbrella of environmental health, using quantitative methods to better capture the lived experiences of local residents and under the mentorship of Dr. Kapral, Dr. Price, and Carlos Mendieta. Our work documents not only the ongoing struggles related to pollution, infrastructure, and public health, but also the resilience and strength that persist in the face of these challenges. Through our research, we seek to identify opportunities for positive change and advocate for solutions rooted in the needs and voices of the community. In doing so, we work toward a more just and hopeful vision of environmental health.

Plans Moving Forward

We are excited to further WEAR’s mission by continuing to drive the theme of research into everyday practice and thought with past and present WEAR members. Additionally, we plan to add and implement exciting new changes to our program, such as providing toxics tours across Houston, collaborative volunteer programs both on campus and off campus, and opportunities for creation

Project Heads

Jyothylakshmi (Jyothi) Manoj, Senior, Honors Biology
Nikhila (Nikki) Achanta, Senior, Honors Biomedical Sciences
Kerry Dinh, Senior, Public Health
Loyed Siby, Senior, Biotechnology
Ritesh Ravi, Senior, Honors Biology

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

■ As a continuing partner for the Fifth Ward Earth Clinic, WEAR aims to bring awareness to the Fifth Ward Cancer Cluster by hosting and attending community events and educating the public on ways to stay healthy and safe despite their living conditions. Additionally, WEAR aims to establish the Earth Clinic in Fifth Ward as a mobilizing center to receive information and resources to combat the Cancer Cluster.

■ Furthermore, WEAR will launch a social media campaign to spotlight environmental health disparities, stories, and organizations in Houston, particularly in fenceline communities like the Fifth Ward. This effort grew from the realization that environmental stories are often difficult to access and understand, especially for the communities most impacted. By using social media - a space where many people already seek information and news - WEAR works to meet people where they are and make environmental issues more engaging, visual, and educational. Through series such as “Fifth Ward Friday”, the campaign hopes to translate complex issues like air quality, illegal dumping, and industrial incidents into clear, community-centered stories that connect local residents to the broader fight for environmental justice.