Housing, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Health in Weatherized Homes

Academic Mentor | Sheena Martenies (Health and Kinesiology
Community Partner | Indoor Climate Research and Training (ICRT), Champaign Country Regional Planning Commission

Project Description
Housing conditions play a critical role in shaping health, yet many low-income households experience indoor environmental challenges like poor air quality, excess moisture, and allergens. These conditions can worsen respiratory and other health outcomes. Weatherization programs are widely used to reduce energy costs and improve comfort by sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation, and improving heating and ventilation systems. However, the impacts of these interventions on indoor environmental quality and health are not always well understood.

This project seeks to better understand how housing conditions and weatherization interventions influence indoor environmental quality in residential homes. The research focuses on identifying key indoor environmental factors—such as particulate matter, moisture, and ventilation—that may affect health and evaluating how housing improvements can reduce environmental risks while supporting healthier living environments.

Working with community partners, the project combines field-based data collection in homes with analysis of environmental and housing data to inform community practice and housing-related health efforts. Findings will help strengthen understanding of how housing interventions can support health and equity in residential settings.

Role of the Community-Academic Scholar:
The Community-Academic Scholar will be involved primarily in the field implementation and applied research stages of this project, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, community-based data collection. After receiving training in research ethics, field safety, and data collection protocols, the scholar will work alongside community researchers to support field activities in residential homes.

Primary responsibilities will include assisting with the deployment, maintenance, and retrieval of indoor environmental monitoring equipment; documenting housing and building conditions using standardized tools; and supporting field logistics such as scheduling, equipment tracking, and data organization. The scholar will also assist with data quality checks and basic data processing following field visits.

The scholar will have direct, supervised interaction with community members during field activities. These interactions will be respectful and purpose-driven, such as explaining monitoring equipment, confirming access for scheduled visits, and responding to basic questions. Field engagement will occur regularly throughout the project and will be guided by community researchers experienced in ethical, community-centered practice. The scholar may also contribute to limited background research and basic data analysis or visualization to help interpret field findings.