Mountaineer Discovery: This story is part of a series highlighting student research, creativity and innovation at App State. Join the Office of Student Research for the 29th annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors on Wednesday, April 22.
By Bret Yager
Appalachian State University Master of Business Administration student Karlee Cook is studying the link between living near chemical accident sites and the risk of adverse birth outcomes and maternal health impacts.
Examining 40 chemical accidents across 35 industrial sites in North Carolina, Cook is researching the outcomes from 1.6 million births within a 10-kilometer radius. Using EPA data to identify reportable accident sites from 2004-19, the study is co-authored with her mentor, Dr. Dennis Guignet, and Dr. Maggie Sugg, associate professor in the Department of Geography and Planning. Preliminary findings reveal that those living nearest to a site experience higher risks of preterm birth, lower birthweight and gestational diabetes after an accident occurs.
”In our preliminary results, we are seeing consistent evidence that newborn and maternal health may be adversely affected among those living within 2 kilometers of a severe accident,” Cook explained. “The ultimate goal of the study is to inform federal regulatory decisions that involve programs and aid, in order to decrease the severity, risk and frequency of chemical accidents.”
The work examines socioeconomic status, age and marital status of mothers, among other variables. Cook and Guignet are also leading a second study encompassing a nationwide analysis of sociodemographic characteristics around chemical facilities.
“We are working on a distributional analysis that finds fairly large inequities in terms of accident risks,” said Guignet, an associate professor in the Department of Economics. “This suggests that certain demographic groups face greater risks from chemical accidents.”
Cook, who is from Charlotte, was awarded 2nd place in App State’s 14th Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition held in November 2025. Her work is sponsored through the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies' GRAM program.
Master of Business Administration student Karlee Cook presents her research on chemical accident sites and birth outcomes at App State’s 14th Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Photo by Troy Tuttle
“This research experience has altered the career path I want to pursue. I started my MBA program wanting to do analytics and sustainability, but had no idea I would enjoy research so much,” Cook said. “The experience has allowed me to see the world in a broader perspective and really understand the full scope of what could be happening behind the scenes.”
App State’s MBA program provides varied concentrations and career paths, Cook said. She chose economics and sustainable business.
“This research fits right into both paths,” Cook said. “I’m learning deeper analytical skills and how sustainability in large industries can protect our communities and our environment. Research on the health outcomes of babies near chemical accidents helps to shape industrial organization, safety and policy around manufacturing facilities. It is crucial to understanding the full picture of how a business works and the role they play in our communities, environment and society.”
Karlee Cook, center, appears with her faculty mentor Dr. Dennis Guignet, left, and Dr. Ashley Colquitt, associate vice provost and dean of the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies, at App State’s 14th Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Photo by Troy Tuttle
About Student Research in the Walker College of Business
Given the speed at which the world changes, students must learn to adapt constantly. While the traditional classroom setting plays an important role, it may be complemented with other approaches that fully develop students' adaptive capabilities and enhance readiness for an ever-changing world. To reach this goal, the Walker College supports project-based applied research and learning opportunities through partnerships with external entities, encourages research collaboration across departments, campus, and other institutions, and promotes student involvement in faculty-led research. Learn more at business.appstate.edu/students/research.
App State Master of Business Administration student Karlee Cook has analyzed data from 1.6 million births spanning 15 years, with preliminary findings linking lower birth weight and preterm birth to chemical accident sites in North Carolina.
Photo by Chase Reynolds