Jennifer M. First

Dr. Jennifer First is an Assistant Professor in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Missouri. She studies the impacts of climate and weather-related hazards (e.g., tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, heat) on human health. Her work encompasses various topics, including assessing environmental health disparities, studying risk communication and behavioral processes, formulating hazard mitigation strategies, and implementing resources and interventions to foster adaptive coping and well-being. Her research is solution-focused and interdisciplinary, integrating physical, natural, and social sciences with community stakeholder engagement to translate research findings into actionable strategies. Her work has been supported by funders such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Integrated Heat Health Information Systems (NIHHIS), Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the Natural Hazards Center.