Gratitude for a Dedicated Civil Servant who Tirelessly Promoted Environmental Health Science
Mike Focazio, the Environmental Health Program Coordinator, editor of the GeoHEALTH-USGS Newsletter, and research scientist retired from the USGS at the end of November. Throughout his 33-year career, Mike’s principle-based leadership focusing on transparency, accountability, and scientific integrity has carried environmental health science forward at USGS and for the Nation.

Mike’s strategic vision, razor-sharp intellect and advancement of science has been instrumental in bringing the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Environmental Health Program through numerous challenges. His empowerment of scientists to conduct the best science possible, has resulted in sustained growth of the Program. During his leadership, program scientists produced well over 2,000 publications.
Mike fostered collaborations among scientists across the USGS and with numerous external partners to promote the role of USGS in environmental health science within a one-health framework that recognizes the interdependence of human and animal health and the health of ecosystems they share. He developed strong collaborations with public health experts to combine their expertise in human-health outcomes with the capabilities of USGS in environmental contaminant and pathogen exposure research.
He has taken an active role in mentorship throughout his career. He fostered professional development of scientists and managers and created powerful interdisciplinary teams that have had and continue to have far-reaching impact on one-health science within and external to USGS.
During his career, Mike has also been actively involved in research. He made significant contributions to understanding the sources and occurrence of environmental contaminants and pathogens in water resources and drinking water, how humans and wildlife are exposed, and if exposure resulted in any adverse effects.
Thank you, Mike, for a career of dedication, commitment, and immense contributions to USGS science in public service.
Mike Focazio, the Environmental Health Program Coordinator, editor of the GeoHEALTH-USGS Newsletter, and research scientist retired from the USGS at the end of November. Throughout his 33-year career, Mike’s principle-based leadership focusing on transparency, accountability, and scientific integrity has carried environmental health science forward at USGS and for the Nation.

Mike’s strategic vision, razor-sharp intellect and advancement of science has been instrumental in bringing the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Environmental Health Program through numerous challenges. His empowerment of scientists to conduct the best science possible, has resulted in sustained growth of the Program. During his leadership, program scientists produced well over 2,000 publications.
Mike fostered collaborations among scientists across the USGS and with numerous external partners to promote the role of USGS in environmental health science within a one-health framework that recognizes the interdependence of human and animal health and the health of ecosystems they share. He developed strong collaborations with public health experts to combine their expertise in human-health outcomes with the capabilities of USGS in environmental contaminant and pathogen exposure research.
He has taken an active role in mentorship throughout his career. He fostered professional development of scientists and managers and created powerful interdisciplinary teams that have had and continue to have far-reaching impact on one-health science within and external to USGS.
During his career, Mike has also been actively involved in research. He made significant contributions to understanding the sources and occurrence of environmental contaminants and pathogens in water resources and drinking water, how humans and wildlife are exposed, and if exposure resulted in any adverse effects.
Thank you, Mike, for a career of dedication, commitment, and immense contributions to USGS science in public service.