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Sunshine Education & Research Center

Overview

Sunshine ERC: A NIOSH-supported Education and Research Center

Education and Research Centers are funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). ERC’s play a key role in providing national and world leadership to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.  The purpose of the Sunshine Education and Research Center (ERC) is to promote graduate training and research related to occupational health and safety. We provide well-trained graduates to meet the demand for a professional occupational health and safety workforce for federal, state, and local government agencies; not-for-profit agencies; industry; academia; business; healthcare; and labor organizations. Occupational Health and Safety Professionals are a necessary part of programs designed to protect the health and well-being of working men and women, a fundamental purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Sunshine Education and Research Center is one of only 18 NIOSH funded and research centers nationwide.
The numbers "810"

Sunshine ERC Trainee Graduates to date

Established in 1997

In the Spotlight

Palm trees blowing in the wind and rain as a hurricane approaches a tropical island

Building a More Disaster Resilient Future: Hillsborough County Community Conversations

Wednesday May 28, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | El Bethel Church 2121 South 7th Street, Tampa, FL 33619

The Hillsborough County Communities Active in Disasters (COAD) and the Sunshine ERC, in partnership with Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management and WellBuilt Cities, are inviting all community partners (faith-based leaders, non-profits, coalitions, government agency leaders, and all who support community) to attend this disaster management event.

We will discuss innovative ways to help the community, examine key vulnerabilities, reflect on past preparedness events, build and sustain the disaster workforce, and identify existing resources and capabilities to ensure our residents are prepared for and will recover quickly from a major disaster like the devastating effects from the 2024 hurricanes.

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Under the Florida Sun titlecard

Under the Florida Sun

This short film, developed by the USF Activist Lab captures the role of climate change impacting farmworkers. This video incorporates information from experts on the role of climate change, the plight of the farmworkers, resulting heat-related health issues, strategies for change, and especially the advances made by the Fair Food program.

Watch the video

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In new study, USF researchers focus on occupational burnout from hurricanes and COVID

After Hurricane Helene sent its storm surge into Florida’s west coast in late September, local emergency responders and health care workers pulled long hours on the job. Then came Hurricane Milton right behind it, with Category 3 winds and rains wreaking havoc not just to property, but the patience and nerves of those same exhausted crews.

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