Jerry Poplin spent a decade building a significant research program in Spokane before federal layoff notices disrupted his career at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The notices, issued in spring, prompted him to accept a position as Associate Dean for Research at the Joint School of Public Health, an inter-institutional program between Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University in Virginia. This move followed administrative workforce reductions that initially threatened the closure of the Spokane Mining Research Division and the Western States Division.
Federal occupational health and safety researchers in Spokane faced significant administrative upheaval. In April, the Trump administration issued termination notices to numerous employees within the Spokane Research Division of NIOSH. A subsequent federal court injunction allowed these workers to retain their positions, but many were restricted from continuing their research. Last week, the government informed affected personnel that their employment would be restored. By then, however, many researchers had already secured employment elsewhere during the period of uncertainty.
Poplin’s departure illustrates the impact of these administrative actions. He received a layoff notice in spring and subsequently moved to Virginia, where his new role in academic leadership allows him to continue his research dedication. NIOSH, where Poplin previously worked, operates as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the Department of Health and Human Services.
During his approximately ten years in Spokane, Poplin developed and expanded a research program focused on the health and safety of mineworkers across the United States. His work extended beyond reducing immediate injury and fatality risk to fostering workplace environments where miners could maintain their health and functional capacity throughout their careers and into retirement. This comprehensive approach drew upon principles established in the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act, which differentiates between safety and health as distinct yet interconnected objectives.
The research team Poplin led experienced substantial growth. Starting with four individuals in late 2016, the multidisciplinary branch eventually comprised epidemiologists, statisticians, mechanical and electrical engineers, industrial hygienists, and psychologists. This diverse expertise enabled the team to tackle complex occupational health issues using innovative methodologies. The research program cultivated extensive partnerships involving approximately 180 individuals from mining companies, trade organizations, equipment manufacturers, academic institutions, and federal agencies, gaining increasing international recognition.
Poplin consistently emphasized the tangible economic benefits of NIOSH research. By reducing workplace injuries and improving employee retention, the research contributed to decreased costs for businesses, including those related to overtime coverage and worker replacement. He viewed the agency not as a drain on taxpayer funds, but as a source of net financial benefit, while simultaneously enhancing worker longevity and quality of life.
The layoff notices in April created uncertainty throughout the division. The reduction-in-force notifications indicated that positions would be terminated within two months, posing a direct threat to both the Spokane Mining Research Division and the Western States Division. While Spokane leadership provided considerable support and information to affected employees, the pervasive uncertainty compelled researchers to explore alternative career paths, even as they advocated for their programs’ continuation.
Throughout this period, the Spokane team demonstrated profound commitment to their mission. Rather than ceasing activities as directed, researchers dedicated themselves to preserving and packaging their work for public access. This effort ensured that their valuable research would not be lost if the division closed, reflecting the deep professional dedication characteristic of the group.
Poplin’s move to Virginia did not sever his ties to former colleagues. He maintains regular contact with numerous team members through phone calls, text messages, and weekly communications. He continues to identify with NIOSH’s mission and has expressed willingness to support its objectives in any capacity that becomes available, whether within or outside federal employment.
Regarding a possible return to NIOSH, Poplin remains open to future opportunities, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of circumstances. His primary motivation centers on making meaningful contributions to occupational health and safety research, with flexibility concerning the specific institutional setting. The experience has reinforced his commitment to public service and underscored the critical importance of research that directly improves the lives and working conditions of laborers.
Jerry Poplin recently spoke with Spokane Public Radio about his departure from NIOSH, noting that he received a layoff notice in spring [Poplin, 2026]. He was among the Spokane federal mine safety researchers affected by federal layoff notices [Poplin, 2026].
Sources
- https://www.spokanepublicradio.org/regional-news/2026-01-24/a-mine-safety-researcher-talks-about-leaving-spokane-after-federal-layoffs
