Montana Tech's Lorri Birkenbuel Named 2021 Distinguished Industrial Hygienist

Lorri Birkenbuel, Associate Professor in the Safety, Healthy & Industrial Hygiene Department at Montana Tech, was named the 2021 Distinguished Industrial Hygienist by the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (PNS-AIHA) at the Northwest Occupational Health Conference this fall. Professor Birkenbuel, who serves as the Montana Local Educational Officer with the PNS-AIHA, was recognized by her peers for her outstanding contributions to the profession of Industrial Hygiene.

Lorri began teaching courses in the undergraduate Occupational Safety and Health program and graduate Industrial Hygiene programs in 2016. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has served as the faculty advisor for the Big Sky American Society of Safety Professionals student chapter. She has directed leading-edge research on respiratory protection practices associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Before returning to Montana Tech, the SHIH alumna managed environmental health and safety professionals teams for a multinational energy company.

“We are very fortunate to have Professor Birkenbuel on our Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene team. Her passion for the field of Occupational Safety and Health and her dedication to student success and transformative learning experiences are unparalleled. Lorri is very deserving of this prestigious award”, said Dr. Julie Hart, Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene Department Chair.