One of 18 regional education and research centers (ERCs), the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Education and Res ... earch Center is part of the Gillings School of Global Public Health at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Centers were established by NIOSH to ensure an ample supply of well-trained professionals in the area of occupational safety and health. NC OSHERC shares responsibility for the eight southeastern states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. Our Mission The mission of the NC OSHERC at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is to prepare occupational safety and health professionals to promote and protect worker health. This is accomplished through the provision of high-quality interdisciplinary education and training, research and service in occupational safety and health. Goals Education: Provide education and training in the core public health and occupational health sciences, research, and specialty practice areas (e.g., industrial hygiene, safety and ergonomics, occupational medicine, occupational epidemiology, Total Worker Health®) to expand the knowledge base and provide for the delivery of quality occupational safety and health services. Research: Conduct research in occupational safety and health and related fields to advance the science and body of knowledge, reduce work-related injury/illness, and improve worker health and working conditions. Service: Offer continuing education, consultation, and advice to help develop occupational safety and health programs and services, and to address important issues in the occupational safety and health field. Director: Leena Nylander-French, PhD, CIH Deputy Director: David Richardson, PhD Outreach and Continuing Education Director: John Staley, PhD, MSEH Office Manager: Julie Myers read more