Misti Allison ’11 MPH honored for East Palestine train derailment advocacy

Misti Allison ’11 MPH received The Ohio State University Alumni Association’s 2025 Robert M. Duncan Alumni Citizenship Award, recognizing her public health advocacy in the aftermath of an environmental disaster in her hometown.

Two years ago, a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spewing toxic chemicals into the air and nearby creeks. Allison was determined to use her public health background to educate herself on the environmental and human health impact of these chemicals and share that information with others. She is deeply involved in local recovery and health monitoring efforts and has testified in front of Congress twice.

Read more about Allison’s drive to ensure communities are protected from similar disasters in the future.