We are proud and excited to share that Puleng Moshele, a PhD student in Occupational Hygiene, recently had her first lead author paper published by Oxford University Press in Annals of Work Exposures and Health. The paper, Comparing Antoine parameter sources for accurate vapor pressure prediction across a range of temperatures, shares Puleng’s research, which aimed to compare different sources of Antoine parameters to determine the most reliable data source for predicting vapor pressures.
The research stems from the development of the Structured Deterministic Model (SDM 2.0), an Excel-based tool for estimating airborne concentrations representing potential occupational inhalation exposure to various chemicals and chemical mixtures. As part of the development process for SDM 2.0, the research team encountered the challenge of obtaining reliable vapor pressure data for the chemicals and chemical mixtures used in exposure assessments. By addressing this research question, the study sought to enhance the accuracy of exposure estimation within the SDM 2.0 tool and improve occupational health and safety practices.
The study sought to enhance the accuracy of exposure estimation within the SDM 2.0 tool and improve occupational health and safety practices.
Puleng Moshele, lead author
The research highlights the importance of accurate vapor pressure predictions in occupational exposure assessments. Occupational health practitioners and researchers can utilize multiple Antoine parameter sources to enhance the precision of exposure assessment tools. The findings underscore the need for continued efforts to improve data availability and reliability for enhancing occupational health and safety practices.
The research has significant implications for public health and occupational health and safety:
- Improved accuracy in vapor pressure predictions will enhance the precision of exposure assessment tools used in occupational settings.
- Enhanced exposure assessment methodologies will contribute to better understanding and management of chemical exposures in the workplace, ultimately leading to improved worker health and safety.
- By providing insights into selecting reliable data sources for exposure assessment, the study supports evidence-based decision-making in occupational health and safety practices, benefiting both workers and employers.
Comparing Antoine parameter sources for accurate vapor pressure prediction across a range of temperatures
Puleng Moshele, Mark R Stenzel, Daniel Drolet, Susan F Arnold
About Puleng…
Puleng’s journey into the field of environmental health and occupational safety has been deeply influenced by a combination of personal experiences and academic endeavors. Hailing from Lesotho, a country where environmental factors significantly impact community health, she developed a profound interest in public health from a young age. This led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Community and Global Health. While completing the Master’s Program in Environmental Health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, she became interested in the intricate relationship between environmental exposures and human health outcomes, particularly within occupational settings. This led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Environmental Health, focusing on Occupational Hygiene.
Puleng is actively involved in research with the Exposure Science and Sustainability Institute (ESSI) and the Interdisciplinary Training, Education and Research Activities for Assessing and Controlling Contaminants from Emerging Technologies (InTERACCT) program. Within ESSI, she works on laboratory projects that investigate the role of ventilation and capture efficiency in exposure control. She has a deep interest in exposure modeling, which she sees as a pivotal tool in understanding and mitigating environmental health risks in occupational settings.
Puleng is also dedicated to encouraging and helping to develop future leaders in occupational health and safety, guiding students in their education and research pursuits. She serves as mentor to an undergraduate student in the lab, and a Teaching Assistant (TA) in graduate level coursework within the School of Public Health.
The key lesson I learned from this experience, as my first first-author paper, was invaluable. Throughout the project, my advisors and co-authors entrusted me with leading the research while offering valuable feedback and guidance along the way. As a first-generation graduate student, there’s only so much formal education that can prepare you, and one of the biggest challenges I faced was imposter syndrome. However, this paper served as a significant milestone, affirming that I indeed belong in this field. It highlighted the importance of having a supportive network, and I’m grateful for the mentorship and encouragement provided by my advisors and collaborators.
Puleng Moshele
PhD Student, Occupational Hygiene