UIC School of Public Health Continues to Lead in Public Water Safety
Text of Article
Swimmers get ready for the start of the historic Chicago River Swim, Sept. 21, 2025. (Photo: Martin Hernandez/UIC)
Chicago history was made in September of this year with the return of the Chicago River Swim, after a 98-year hiatus. This was largely due to the water testing performed by Dr. Abhilasha Shrestha, assistant professor of environmental and occupational health sciences and her students, who were key in determining water safety for the swim. Dr. Shrestha and her team were selected for this important role because of their successful 10-year collaboration with the city in testing water safety at Chicago’s beaches.
Modified on January 12, 2026