A federal mine safety researcher affected by workforce reductions at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Spokane has relocated to Virginia to pursue academic opportunities. Jerry Poplin, formerly a mine safety researcher at the Spokane Research Division, now serves as Associate Dean for Research for the Joint School of Public Health at Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University. This transition follows termination notices distributed in April, a federal court injunction that allowed employees to retain their positions but often restricted their research activities, and subsequent employment restoration. Many affected personnel, including Poplin, had already secured new roles by then.
Poplin’s departure marks a significant change after he led a comprehensive research program aimed at protecting miners’ health across the United States. NIOSH, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services, is the federal agency responsible for occupational health and safety nationwide. During his time in Spokane, Poplin expressed deep satisfaction with his role, highlighting his dedication to public service and making research findings accessible. He valued collaborative relationships with various industries and the opportunity to conduct fieldwork directly with miners, with the goal of improving workplace conditions so workers could retire with their physical function and quality of life intact.
The mining industry showed considerable receptiveness to Poplin’s research approach. His miner health program eventually involved approximately 180 participants from mining companies, trade organizations, equipment manufacturers, academic institutions, and federal agencies, gaining increasing international recognition. Under Poplin’s leadership, the Spokane team grew from four members in late 2016 into a multidisciplinary branch that included epidemiologists, statisticians, mechanical and electrical engineers, industrial hygienists, and psychologists. This breadth of expertise enabled the team to tackle complex occupational health challenges using innovative methodologies.
The April layoff notices created significant disruption for the entire division. Reduction-in-force documentation indicated that positions would be terminated within two months, threatening both the Spokane Mining Research Division and the Western States Division housed at the same location, with the exception of Commissioned Corps officers. Poplin and his colleagues pursued a dual strategy: they engaged in extensive outreach to understand the reasoning behind the layoffs and advocate against what they viewed as counterproductive, while simultaneously exploring alternative employment prospects.
During the months of uncertainty, the Spokane division demonstrated strong commitment to public stewardship. Instead of halting activities as instructed, staff members worked to ensure that ongoing research would reach public audiences and maintain its relevance, even if the division were to close.
Despite his relocation to Virginia, Poplin maintains regular contact with former colleagues through phone calls, text messages, and weekly communications. He continues to identify with the NIOSH mission and has expressed willingness to support its objectives in any feasible capacity, whether within or outside federal employment. Reflecting on his career path, Poplin remains noncommittal about returning to federal service, acknowledging that unforeseen circumstances have already altered his previous expectations. He emphasizes his desire to make meaningful contributions to occupational health and safety research and indicates openness to reassessing his career trajectory should suitable opportunities arise.
The experiences of Poplin and his former colleagues highlight broader challenges faced by federal research institutions during periods of administrative transition. Their resilience in the face of institutional uncertainty, coupled with continued commitment to their professional missions, underscores the dedication of public servants advancing critical research and public safety. Poplin’s current role at Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University allows him to continue contributing to public health research in a different capacity than his previous federal service. His move to academia represents a common path for researchers who face disruptions in federal employment, seeking stability and continued impact in academic settings. The Joint School of Public Health, as a collaborative effort between the two universities, provides a platform for interdisciplinary research and education aligned with Poplin’s expertise in occupational health and safety.
Sources
- https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2026-01-24/a-mine-safety-researcher-talks-about-leaving-spokane-after-federal-layoffs
