Carol Hanchette, PhD
University of Louisville
Ovarian Cancer and Pulp and Paper Manufacturing in the US: A Geospatial Analysis
The primary aim of Dr. Hanchette‘s project is to discover whether high rates of ovarian cancer occurrence in the United States correspond with the locations of pulp and paper mills. An association between the two has been reported, using state rates, and is of concern because of the effluents released by the industry. She plans to explore this potential ovarian cancer-paper mill relationship using smaller units of geography, such as counties, which would provide a better approximation of exposure. Dr. Hanchette will use geographic information system (GIS) software for mapping, visualization, spatial statistics, and environmental modeling of pollutants.