College of Health and Human Services

Susan Mirlohi

Assistant Professor

Public Health | 559.278.7024 | Office: McLane Hall, J-Wing, Room 19

susanmirlohi@csufresno.edu

Education

  • PhD in Civil Engineering; Emphasis: Environmental & Water Resources Engineering. Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA. (2012)
  • M.S. in Environmental Sciences and Engineering. Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA. (1997)
  • B.S. in Biology / Chemistry Minor. Radford University - Radford, VA. (1991)

Courses Taught

  • Environment and Human Health       
  • Water Quality and Health 
  • Public Health Statistics
  • Public Health Laboratory Techniques
  • Epidemiology of Disease
  • Solid Waste Management
  • Introduction to Public Health 
  • Research Methods 
  • Global Environmental Health (Graduate level)
  • Professional Seminar in Public Health 
  • Internship in Public Health
  • Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science 
  • Global Climate Change                        
  • Hydrology Laboratory
  • Air Quality Laboratory
  • Principles of Environmental Science & Engineering (Lecture and Lab);
  • Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (Graduate level)
  • Introduction to Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Toxicology

Dr. Mirlohi currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (EOHS) with the Department of Public Health at the California State University (CSU), Fresno, CA, USA.  Prior to joining the CSU Fresno, Dr. Mirlohi served as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Health in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA and a visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA. She has over 30 years of combined, continuous professional experience in private environmental consulting, state government, and academia/research sectors, including serving 8 years in acedmia as educator and scholar, 9 years as the founder, vice president, and laboratory director of a Virginia, United States certified environmental laboratory; 15 years of serving in various scientific and leadership roles within the private industry and governmental sectors, providing a wide range of expertise in environmental/aquatic toxicology, environmental engineering applications for drinking water and wastewater treatment, environmental regulatory compliance, monitoring, and environmental and public health laboratory management and accreditation. Dr. Mirlohi holds a Doctoral degree in civil engineering/environmental and water resources engineering; a Master of Science degree in environmental sciences and engineering, both from Virginia Tech, USA. Dr. Mirlohi holds  professional registration as an environmental health specialist (REHS) in the State of California.

Professional Experience: 

Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health; California State University Fresno; Fresno, CA (2018 - Present).

Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; Temple University; Philadelphia, PA (2015 - 2017).

Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences; Wilkes University; Wilkes-Barre, PA (2014 - 2015).

Senior Scientist and Training Coordinator, State Public Health Laboratory; Commonwealth of Virginia-Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS); Richmond, VA. (2012 - 2014).

Co-founder, Vice President and Laboratory Director, Safe Water, Incorporated – Virginia State-Certified Water Analysis and Research Company; Radford, VA. (2004 - 2013).

Research Fellow, Water for Health Graduate Education Program; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA (2010 - 2012).

Teaching Fellow/Instructor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA (2009 - 2010). 

Research Fellow/Instructor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA (2007 - 2008).

Research Fellow; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA (1995 - 1997).

Environmental Scientist, Senior Environmental Scientist, Manager and Director of Aquatic Toxicology/ Environmental Microbiology, and Water/Wastewater Treatability Laboratory; CHA Inc.; Blacksburg, VA. (1991 - 2007).

Study of off-flavor producing metals and their nanoparticles in the environment and their impacts on drinking water quality and human health;

Characterization of taste/odors from off-flavor producing metals, and chemicals/disinfection byproducts in drinking water;

Study of consumers behaviors on water/beverage intake, preferences, and sensory detection of contaminants.

Biomonitoring and environmental exposure assessment for protection of aquatic life and human health;

Water/wastewater quality and treatment;

Water and sustainability education and outreach;

Environmental health education and outreach;

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and outreach.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Mirlohi, S. (2020). In Vitro Evaluation of Iron-Induced Salivary Lipid Oxidation Associated with Exposure to Iron Nanoparticles: Application Possibilities and Limitations for Food and Exposure Sciences. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 3622. Open Access Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/10/3622

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, AM, Duncan, SE, Lesser, G., Harmon, H., and Case, D.; (2014) “Analysis of Salivary Fluid and Chemosensory Functions in Patients Treated for Malignant Brain Tumors.” Clinical Oral Investigations. March 2014. DOI 10.1007/s00784-014-1211-8. Open Access Link: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00784-014-1211-8 

Leyrer, CM, Chan, MD, Peiffer, AM, Horne, E., Harmon, M., Carter, AF, Hinson, WH, Mirlohi, S., Duncan, SE, Dietrich, AM, and Lesser, GJ (2014). Taste and smell disturbances after brain irradiation: A dose–volume histogram analysis of a prospective observational study. Practical Radiation Oncology - March 2014 (Vol. 4, Issue 2, Pages 130-135, DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2013.06.003.

Mirlohi, S.; Dietrich, AM; Duncan, SE; (2011). “Age-Associated Variation in Sensory Perception of Iron in Drinking Water and the Potential for Overexposure in the Human Population”. Environmental Science & Technology; 45(15): 6575-6583; doi: 10. 10.1021/es200633p.

Dietrich, AM; Mirlohi, S.; DaCosta, WF; Dodd, JP; Sauer, R; Homan, M; Schultz, J; (1999). “Flavor Profile Analysis and GC/MS Detection of Phenolic Iodinated Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water for the USA Space Program”; Water Science and Technology; 40 (6): 45-51.

Conference Presentations, Invited Talks, and Public Lectures

Mirlohi S. (2022). "Motivating the next generation of learners through “real-world” applications: How learning in science and engineering classrooms can be applied to save lives ".  Annual National Conference of the American Chemical Society (ACS); San Diego, California; Division of Chemical Education; Session: Engaging Students with Real-World Context; March 24, 2022.

Mirlohi S. (2021). "Enhancing Environmental Health Education through Faculty Internships: A Case Study Highlights Needs and Opportunities for Improvement".  Annual National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Conference. Virtual Conference; April 21, 2021.

Mirlohi S. and Joshi K. (2021). "Water Quality and Safety in Treated Recreational Waters: A Review of the Aquatic Health Code Compliance Records in Fresno County, California". 42nd Annual Central California Research Symposium. Virtual Conference; April 14, 2021.

Mirlohi S. (2021). "Preparing the Next Generation of Environmental Health Workforce through Faculty Internship Programs: Existing Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement". 42nd Annual Central California Research Symposium. Virtual Conference; April 14, 2021.

Mirlohi S. (2021). "How Academic Training in Environmental Health Sciences can be Applied to Save Lives: Will you be a Life Saver? Community Outreach Event; Fresno State University; Fresno, CA. April 9, 2021

Mirlohi S. (2021). "Teaching Solid Waste Management to Environmental Public Health Students through Personal Waste Audit, Energy Saving, and Self-reflection Analysis". Accepted for Presentation at the Thirty-Sixth International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management. Virtual Conference; March 2021.

Mirlohi S. (2020). "Water for Human Health and Everyday Living: How Access to Safe Water Plays a Vital Public Health Role in the Age of Coronavirus Pandemic". Community Event; Virtual Earth Day 2020 Event Presentation; California State University; Fresno, CA

Mirlohi, S. (2019). “A Hand-on Approach to Teaching Solid Waste Management to Environmental Public Health Students”. Poster presentation; 18th Annual Research and Education Conference for the National Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), May 13-15, 2019 at Tempe, AZ.

Mirlohi, S. (2017). “Pictures Speak a Thousand Words in an Undergraduate Environmental Public Health Classroom”. Poster presentation; 17th Annual Research and Education Conference for the National Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), June 20-22, 2017 at Ann Arbor, MI.

Mirlohi (2017). “Water Quality Issues in Philadelphia and Human Factors”. Invited Lecture presented at “Teach-In” event for student organization, “Defend our Future” at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, April 2017.

Mirlohi, S. (2017). “Inspiring Learning, Honoring Earth Day 2016: Pictures Speak a Thousand Words in an Undergraduate Environmental Health Classroom”. Poster presentation; 15th Annual Faculty Conference on Teaching Excellence; Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, January 10, 2017.

Mirlohi (2016). “Water for Health: Connecting the Consumers, Environment, and Public Health”. Invited Talk: Presentation to the board members of the National Water Research Institute (NWRI). Fountain Valley, CA. December 2016.

E. Sain, S. Mirlohi, S. E. Duncan, and A. M. Dietrich (2015). "The Human Monitoring Element: Is Current Aesthetic Guidance for Iron and Manganese Adequate for Consumer Acceptance?" Poster presentation at the 9th International Water Association Symposium IWA Symposium on Lake and Reservoir Management 2015; Mountain Lake, Pembroke, Virginia, USA; August 4 - 7, 2015.

Mirlohi, S. (2014). “Water for Health and Everyday Living”. Wilkes University Second Annual Passport to Science Event, Department of Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA, October 25, 2014.

Mirlohi, S., Murphy, S., York, T. (2013). “Going to the Source: An Assessment of Workforce Training Needs in a Public Health Laboratory”. Oral presentation, at the second Annual Interagency Distance Learning Summit – Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health; Richmond, Virginia; November 21, 2013.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, A., Davy, B., Duncan, SE, Lesser, G. (2013). “Water for Health: Water as a Beverage Choice and the Impact of Metallic Flavor Detection And Age”. Oral presentation, at the American Water Works Association (AWWA) ACE13 in Denver, Colorado, June 9 – 13. Presentation at University Forum II on June 11, 2013, at 10 AM.

Dietrich, A., Mirlohi, S., Phetxumphou K. (2012). “Lipid Oxidation for Measuring Bioreactivity of Iron Nanomaterials” ACS National Conference, Philadelphia, PA; August 23, 2012, Oral Presentation.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, A., Davy, B., Duncan, SE (2011). “Water Consumption in Healthy Adults: Implications of Age, Flavor Preference, and Beverage Choices”.  Presented at the first Interdisciplinary Research Symposium at Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA, November 4, 2011. The poster was awarded 2nd place among 42 graduate and undergraduate level presenters.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich A., Duncan, S. (2011). “Human Variation in Sensory Detection of Metallic Flavor in Drinking Water and its Relationship to Olfactory Functions”. Presented at the Pangborn Symposium (on Sensory Science); Toronto, Canada; September 4-8, 2011, poster presentation.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, A., Duncan S. (2011). “Age Associated Variation in Sensory Detection of Iron in Drinking Water and Its Relationship to Olfactory Functions. Presented at the 9th International Water Association Symposium on Off-Flavors in the Aquatic Environment; Aberdeen, Scotland, Aug. 14 –20, 2011, oral presentation.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, A., Duncan S., Davy, B. (2011). “Genetic variation for taste: are you a super taster, medium taster, or non- taster?” Presented at the 9th International Water Association Symposium on Off-Flavors in the Aquatic Environment; Aberdeen, Scotland, Aug. 14 –20, 2011, oral poster.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, A., Duncan S. Lesser, G. Case, D, Harmon, M. (2011). “Impact of Cancer Therapy on Chemosensory Functions in Patients with Malignant Brain Tumor and its Relationship to Salivary Constituents”. Presented at the first annual Cancer Research Symposium at Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA; April 29, 2011, poster presentation.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, A., Duncan S. (2011). “Human Variation in Sensory Detection of Metallic Flavor in Drinking Water and its Relationship to Olfactory Functions.” Presented at the 27th Annual Graduate Research Symposium, Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA; March 23, 2011, poster presentation.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, A., Duncan S. (2010). “Metallic Flavor Perception and the Effects of Cancer Therapies”. Presented at the ACC Interdisciplinary Forum for Discovery in Life Sciences; Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, October, oral presentation.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, A., Duncan S. (2010). “Metallic Flavor Perception and the Effects of Cancer Therapies”.  ACS National Conference, Boston, MA; August 2010, oral Presentation.

Mirlohi, S., Dietrich, A., Duncan S. (2009).  “Metallic Flavor Perception by Drinking Water Consumers”.  Presented at the VAWEF and VAWWA – Water JAM Conference; Richmond, VA, September 2009, poster presentation.

Mirlohi S. (2006). “Biological Toxicity Characterization”. A case study on toxicity evaluation of aerobic, anaerobic, and aquatic toxicity of cleaning products and process chemicals on wastewater treatment processes. Presented at the VAWEF and VAWWA Annual Good Laboratory Practices Conference; August 1, 2006, oral presentation.

Mirlohi S. (2006). “Hold the Polymer Please”. A case study that evaluated the effects of excessive polymer use on anaerobic digestion process and sludge dewatering. Presented at the VAWEF and VAWWA Water Quality (WEFTEC), May 3, 2006, oral presentation.

Mirlohi S. "Fish, Invertebrates, and Aquatic Toxicology". Invited Lecture. Presented for a Graduate Level Environmental Toxicology Course, Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, April 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Mirlohi S. (2000). "Toxics Monitoring for Point-Source Pollution". Invited Lecture. Presented at the graduate students Environmental Seminar Series, Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, February 25, 2000.

A.M. Dietrich, J.P. Dodd, S. Mirlohi (Virginia Tech, USA) and W.F. DaCosta (Univ. of Maringa, Brazil). Flavor Profile Analysis and GC/MS Detection of Iodinated Disinfection By-Products for the USA Space Programs; Presented at the Fifth International Symposium on Off-Flavors in the Aquatic Environment. Paris, France, October 13-16, 1997.

University, Community, and Professional Service

General Education Committee for the California State University (CSU), Fresno (Fall 2020-Spring 2022).

Curriculum Committee for the College of Health and Human Services at CSU Fresno (Fall 2020-Present).

Master of Public Health (MPH) Program Evaluation Committee for the Department of Public Health at CSU Fresno (Spring 2020 - Present)

Committee Chair, Re-Admissions /Academic Probation and Disqualification Committee for the Department of Public Health at CSU Fresno (Fall 2020-Present).

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Committee for the Department of Public Health at CSU Fresno (Spring 2019-Present).

Scholarship Committee for the College of Health and Human Services at CSU Fresno (Spring 2022)

Scholarship Committee for the Department of Public Health at CSU Fresno (Spring 2019-Present). Scholarship Committee Chair (Spring 2022)

Water and Sustainability Advisory Committee for the CSU Fresno (Fall 2018-Present).

Editorial Reviewer Board Member, for the Peer-Reviewed Journal, Sustainability (2020 - Present)

Health, Safety, and Environment Committee Member, American Water Works Association (AWWA) (2020 - Present)

Reviewer for the MDPI Peer-Reviewed Journals, Water, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Sustainability, Remote Sensing, Climate, Urban Science, Nutrients, and Resources (2016 - Present)

Reviewer for the Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology – AQUA - IWA Publishing (2015).

Reviewer for the Journal of American Water Works Association (AWWA) (2015)


Professional Certifications

Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), California (Certification No. 9141)

Certified Pool and Spa Operator (CPSO), National (Certification# 643539)

Certified Professional Food Safety Manager (CFSM), National (Certification No. 2055456)

Certificate of Completion; California State University; Summer Institute; Center for Faculty Excellence; "Transforming your Teaching with Resilient Course Design". June 6-27, 2021.

Certificate of Completion; California State University's Quality Learning and Teaching (QLT) instruments for online course design, including ; developing a conceptual theoretical framework guide, universal designs for learning (UDL), engagement tools/strategies, developing content, and assessment in online courses across 7 modules; July 2020.

Certificate of Completion; Grants and Proposal Writing; National Medical Library Association; July 2020.

Certificate of Completion; DISCOVERe Mobile Technology Program; California State University, Fresno; June 2020.


Professional Affiliations

Member: Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP); (Jan 2015 – Present)

Member: California-Nevada Chapter of American Water Works Association (Jan 2020 - Present)

Member: American Water Works Association (January 2003-January 2016; January 2020 - Present)

Member: National Environmental Health Association (April 2021 - Present)

Member; Laboratory Practices Committee: Virginia American Water Works Association (January 2003-2007)

Member: National Environmental Health Association (NEHA); (July 2013 – July 2014; March 2021 - Present)

Member: American Chemical Society (May 2010 – 2011)

Member: Water Environment Federation (1996-1997), (April 2003-2010)

Member and Officer (Offices held: Vice President, President, and Area Governor): Toastmasters International-Public Speaking, Communication, and Leadership Organization (1992-2014).

Funding Awards

College of Health and Human Services; Fresno State University; Provost - Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities (PRSCA) Award 2022 – 2023; $5000

Center for Faculty Excellence – HyFlex Institute and Faculty Learning Community Award: Fall 2021 – Spring 2022

Environmental Engineering Education Grant Award, $2000. Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professor; March 2021.

Faculty Technology Support Fund; Funding Amount: $675. Funds purpose: To enhance teaching that could lead to improved student learning.  College of Health Human Services (CHHS); California State University; Spring 2020.

Open Access Publishing Fund Award; Henry Madden Library; California State University Fresno; May 2020.

DISCOVERe Mobile Learning Technology Program Award; California State University Fresno; Jan - May 2020.

Awards and Recognitions

Outstanding Faculty Publications 2021; California State University, Fresno, CA.

Nominated for the Fall 2020 Provost's Award for "Extraordinary Teaching in Extraordinary Times".

Provost Merit Salary Award recipient in recognition of notable scholarly contributions to the college of public health, Temple University, Spring 2017.                      

Technology Fellowship Award for Faculty to incorporate technology into teaching practice. Temple University; Spring 2016 semester.

Mentored students’ awards: Reeba Mathen - First place winner of research poster and Mike Rosen, M.D. – Second place winner of research poster; 9th Annual Global Water Alliance Conference at Temple University, April 2016.

Recipient of "Extraordinary Contributor" recognition as a senior scientist and public health training coordinator at the Virginia State Public Health Laboratory; Richmond, VA; October 2013.

Second place research poster award Interdisciplinary Research Symposium at Virginia Tech; Blacksburg, VA; Nov. 2012.

Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program (IGEP) Doctoral Fellowship Award in “Water for Health”. Virginia Tech; 2010-2012.

Virginia Tech Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering; Via Teaching Fellowship Award: Fall 2008, Spring 2009 and 2010.