Our Team
Sciences for Sustainable Earth was founded by a PhD-trained environmental public health expert with deep experience in transdisciplinary research, community collaboration, and science-policy translation. With roots in both academic research and on-the-ground implementation, our approach combines analytical insight with practical, people-centered solutions.
Whether navigating climate adaptation, environmental justice, or public health risks, we work across sectors to empower decision-makers, uplift communities, and make science matter.
Katya Altman, Ph.D.
Katya Altman, Ph.D., is an experienced Environmental Public Health professional with a strong background in community-based research, environmental justice, and sustainability planning. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Public Health and experience working with diverse communities across the United States, Dr. Altman brings both subject matter expertise and practical facilitation skills. Her work emphasizes collaborative engagement, science translation, and actionable policy recommendations.
Dwayne E. Porter, Ph.D.
Dwayne E. Porter, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health. He also directs the Geographic Information Processing Lab at the Baruch Institute. Additionally, Dr. Porter leads the NOAA Estuarine Research Reserves System’s Data Management Office and the Community Engagement Core for the NIEHS Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Center. He is a faculty member in the Environment and Sustainability Program in the School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment.