Public Health

ERG’s cadre of experienced public health professionals supports clients in strengthening the health, safety, and well-being of people throughout United States. We research and analyze the implications of all types of public health concerns, from unmet medical needs to food safety to environmental contaminant releases. We help design, implement, and evaluate programs and policies aimed at tackling these issues as effectively and efficiently as possible. And we provide training and communications support with audience appeal. At ERG, we pride ourselves on combining proven, sound scientific principles with innovative, forward-looking thinking to anticipate and address both current and potential future concerns. Whether examining health disparities in vulnerable populations or conceptualizing incentives to encourage innovation, ERG consistently considers how emerging patterns and trends may influence the problem and contribute to evidence-based solutions.

Risk Assessment

Hazard analysis
Exposure assessment
Vulnerable population assessment
Toxicological evaluation
Dose-response analysis
Health outcome data review
Health indicator development and tracking
Health risk characterization
Uncertainty analysis
Risk communication

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology

Study design and objectives
Sampling protocol development
Sample collection
Data analysis and interpretation
Data reporting and visualization
Public health communication

Health Economics

Benefit-cost analysis
Cost-effectiveness analysis
Statistical/economic modeling and analysis
Health outcomes research
Health policy evaluations

Program Evaluation

Program description and logic models
Stakeholder engagement
Focused evaluation and methodology design
Multiple method data collection and analysis
Credible, evidence-based assessment of implementation, effectiveness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and attributions
Life cycle studies

Peer Review Management

Identification and selection of reviewers
Conflict-of-interest determinations
Charge development
Organization and facilitation of peer review meetings
Review documentation
Summary report preparation

Other Services

Health and wellness programs
Injury and illness prevention programs
Food safety
Pharmaceutical and biologic safety
Medical device safety
Tobacco control research

Projects

Shower and Household Water-Use Exposure (SHOWER) Model

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Workers wearing full protective gear while processing chicken in a food processing facility

COVID-19 Food Facility Assessment Survey Tool

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Modeling the Cost of Developing a Complex Therapeutic Medical Device for the U.S. Market

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Photo of Clinical Trial use medication and syringe laying on top of a medical form

Evaluating the Potential Impacts of Different Clinical Trial Strategies on Drug, Preventive Vaccine, and Therapeutic Complex Medical Device Development

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Photo of diversified team of people around a table in an office setting

Development of a Roadmap for Equity-Centered Data Strategic Planning

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Photo of various pills loosely piled on top of a stack of cash

Cost of Generic Drug Development and Approval

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

photo of training manual on a table along with bottles of medication and a glass of water

Evaluation and Recommendations for the Massachusetts Medication Administration Program (MAP)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Monitoring Wastewater for Opioid and Other Drug Use

Water Research Foundation

Close-up of FDA-regulated medication pills on a mirror

Assessing the Effectiveness of an Innovative FDA Drug Review Program

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Air monitoring device situated in a yard just outside a home

Measuring Community Exposures to Fill Critical Data Gaps

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Worker wearing a gas mask and visor inspects machinery in an industrial setting

Assessing Chemicals of Potential Concern Under TSCA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Service Area Leads

Often the most vulnerable communities are disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards. In my work, I strive to offer solutions that help address environmental injustices and improve public health for all communities.

Clifton Dassuncao

At ERG, our economic projects often take us into uncharted territory where standard, regularly collected data are few or unavailable and the analytic path to answer our client’s questions is not obvious. This is exactly where I like to be! I find it deeply satisfying to explore new territory, address unique challenges, and use my expertise and creativity to develop approaches that provide meaningful, defensible results.

Calvin Franz

I am passionate about doing all we can to protect people’s health and well-being and the environment in which we live. I have devoted my career to addressing health risks encountered in our communities and workplaces. I strive to solve problems using common sense and sound science.

Naida Gavrelis

I was thrilled when I started working for ERG and found that I could apply my passion for environmental and occupational health by working for government agencies that promote and protect the health of individuals, workers, and the environment. This nexus has allowed me to pursue incredibly interesting work across myriad health-related topics and to help my clients plan, develop, and implement successful programs and initiatives.

Arlene Levin

Environmental science—especially figuring out how and where chemicals move through the environment—is continually challenging and endlessly fascinating. It’s extremely rewarding to know that our work helps protect human health and make sites safer for future generations.

Will Morgan

Agencies tend to manage what can be readily measured, but with a large toolbox of analytical and data collection techniques and some creativity, so much more is possible! I am proud and inspired to apply my program evaluation and economic valuation expertise to help agencies manage better—by providing them with valid, reliable data to enhance decision-making and by effectively communicating this information to my clients, their stakeholders, and upper management.

Lou Nadeau

In today’s world, pioneering innovative solutions requires collaboration between all of us: the people, interested parties, subject experts, information technologists, communicators, and others. I’m proud to be part of an organization that is built around an inclusive approach to progress. ERG empowers us to conceive forward-looking ideas and develop new solutions to meet our present and future needs.

Valerie Overton

Economic analysis has been my field ever since my early 20s, when I first discovered its complexities, potential, and power. At ERG, I’ve had the good fortune to work with great colleagues and clients to research issues and develop solutions for a wide variety of highly consequential public health questions. It has been a consistent joy to do work that is not only impactful but also a path of continuous learning and deepening.

Aylin Sertkaya

Clean air, safe workplaces, a stable climate for generations to follow—these are just some of the ideals that motivate my daily work. I strive to bring the best available science to our nation’s current and emerging environmental health and occupational safety issues.

John Wilhelmi