More than two years after the BP oil spill, researchers are still trying to address the environmental, economic, and emotional health concerns in Gulf communities since the spill. With PIE Center director Tracy Irani moderating, researchers met with people affected by the spill in Gainesville, Apalachicola, Cantonment and Santa Rosa Beach, using a video link to connect the meetings simultaneously. In Apalachicola, community leaders discussed the the strengths and weaknesses of how the emergency was addressed and communicated locally.

UF Emerging Pathogens Institute Director Glenn Morris is the principal investigator of a grant that is part of a five-year, 25 million dollar program that includes UF and three other universities. He said the oil had a profound impact on Gulf communities well beyond the oil that reached the shores.

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