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Roxana Chicas

Roxana Chicas

Nurse scientist focused on occupational heat and kidney health

Atlanta, Georgia
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Summary

Occupational and environmental health researcher: Chicas is a nurse scientist whose scholarship centers on the physiological impacts of heat exposure among agricultural workers, with an emphasis on hydration, cooling interventions, renal function, and biomarkers of acute kidney injury. emory+2
Community-engaged translational work: She conducts field-based studies in close partnership with farmworker communities (e.g., recruitment through Farmworker Association of Florida) and leads testing of practical interventions and monitoring tools — from cooling vests and hydration protocols to wearable biopatches aimed at preventing heat-related illness. gatech+2
Academic educator and scholar at Emory University: As an assistant professor at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Chicas combines teaching and mentorship with an active publication record and postdoctoral training to advance knowledge on climate-related occupational health threats. emory+2
Leadership and advocacy for Hispanic nursing communities: Chicas has held leadership roles in the Georgia chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and is engaged in activities that support Hispanic communities and aspiring Hispanic nurses, reflecting a commitment to equity and community health. google+2

Work

Education

Projects

Writing

Retention of Agricultural Workers Participating in a Renal Longitudinal Study

January 1, 2024

Longitudinal study (OHEaRD) tracking renal function in Florida agricultural workers over 32 months; paper evaluates retention rates, predictors of retention, and strategies (e.g., providing point-of-care health results) to support longitudinal participation.

Favicon imagepubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of heat exposures on biomarkers of AKI and plasma metabolome among agricultural and non-agricultural workers

January 1, 2023

Study examining associations between occupational heat exposures and biomarkers of acute kidney injury and metabolomic profiles among agricultural and comparison worker groups.

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Hydration Interventions Among Agricultural Workers: A Pilot Study

January 1, 2022

Randomized pilot study comparing plain water to electrolyte water interventions among agricultural workers, assessing post-workday hydration status and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI); results suggest electrolytes may reduce AKI risk.

Favicon imagepubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cooling Interventions Among Agricultural Workers: Qualitative Field-Based Study

January 1, 2021

Qualitative analysis of agricultural workers' perceptions and experiences using personal cooling interventions (bandana and cooling vest) in the field; findings support feasibility and worker acceptance of personal cooling gear.

Favicon imagepubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov