By: Nathan Anderson
As a fourth-year PhD candidate in Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Samuel Stowe is investigating one of today's emerging public health questions: how vaping during pregnancy may affect maternal and fetal health. His research reflects a broader commitment to understanding environmental exposures and using science to inform public health practice, policy, and prevention.
Stowe's interest in the intersection of science, health, and the environment began long before graduate school. Through a variety of lived experiences growing up, he became increasingly interested in understanding how environmental factors influence health outcomes and quality of life.
That interest ultimately led him to UAB as an undergraduate student.
"I originally came to after learning about the many opportunities the university offered for students to become involved in research early in their academic careers," Stowe said. "Opportunities that I did not see emphasized as strongly at many other universities I considered."
As a sophomore exploring research opportunities, Stowe learned about Dr. Ruzmyn Vilcassim, a faculty member whose work focused on the health effects of air pollution and environmental exposures. After reaching out and learning more about the research taking place in the lab, Stowe joined as an undergraduate researcher.
What began as an undergraduate opportunity quickly grew into a long-term mentorship and research partnership. Stowe continued working with Vilcassim throughout his undergraduate studies and master's program, developing a passion for environmental and public health research along the way.
As he considered his next academic steps, an opportunity emerged to expand his research interests into the health effects of vaping and other tobacco product use while continuing to work alongside the mentor who had helped shape his scientific journey.
"After carefully considering my options, I decided to remain at UAB for my PhD because of the strong mentorship, the interesting research opportunities, and most importantly, the community I had found during my time at the university," he said.
Today, Stowe's research focuses on understanding the maternal and fetal health effects of vaping during pregnancy, an area of growing importance as electronic cigarette use continues to evolve.
"I hope to contribute to a better understanding of emerging public health risks and help inform future research, clinical practice, and policy related to tobacco product use and environmental exposures," he said.
One of the most meaningful milestones of his graduate career came when he received a National Institutes of Health Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31) fellowship to support his dissertation research.
The accomplishment represented months of dedicated effort. Stowe spent approximately eight months writing, revising, and refining the proposal while working closely with his advisor and faculty members across the department.
"Throughout that process, I learned an incredible amount—not only about grant writing and research design, but also about collaboration, mentorship, and scientific communication," he said.
While receiving the fellowship was rewarding, Stowe says the experience reinforced something even more important: the value of mentorship and collaboration.
"I deeply appreciated the opportunity to work with and learn from so many supportive faculty members and mentors who invested their time and expertise in helping me succeed," Stowe said.
Throughout his academic journey, UAB has played a significant role in shaping him both professionally and personally.
Academically, early research opportunities helped him discover his passion for environmental and public health science. Professionally, experiences conducting interdisciplinary research, presenting findings, publishing manuscripts, and securing competitive funding have strengthened his confidence as a scientist and researcher.
Beyond the classroom and laboratory, Birmingham has also become home.
"The relationships I have developed and the sense of community I have found here have had a lasting impact on my life and have played a major role in shaping who I am today," Stowe said.
Like many researchers, Stowe has learned that scientific discovery rarely follows a straight path. Unexpected challenges, project delays, and unforeseen obstacles are all part of the process.
"Over time, I have learned that a major part of being a successful researcher is not avoiding challenges, but learning how to work through them creatively and persistently," he said.
Those experiences have strengthened his abilities as both a researcher and a leader, teaching him resilience, adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that he believes will serve him throughout his career.
For current and future graduate students, Stowe encourages building connections with peers.
"Some of the best advice and support I received during graduate school came from students who were a few years ahead of me and had already experienced many of the same challenges I was facing," he said.
He believes those relationships create a valuable support system and help make graduate school more rewarding.
Looking ahead, Stowe expects to graduate in Fall 2026 and plans to continue working in environmental and public health research. He is exploring opportunities that include environmental health fellowships, service with the United States Public Health Service, positions within state or federal public health agencies, and roles at private research institutions.
As he prepares for the next stage of his career, Stowe remains grateful for the experiences, mentorship, and community that have shaped his journey at UAB. He also encourages students to take advantage of everything Birmingham has to offer.