Abigail Tompkins graduated from the University of Iowa in 2017 with an MS degree in industrial hygiene (IH). Since then, she has earned the qualifications of Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional and has served in an IH role in a variety of industries. She recently shared some details about her current work that takes place both high above and deep below ground.

Where do you currently work?

I work in Golden, Colorado, where the mountains are high (our site is at 11,000 feet), the air is crisp, and the molybdenum runs deep.

What is your current job title and employer?

I’m the senior supervisor of industrial hygiene at Climax Molybdenum Henderson Mine and Mill, a Freeport-McMoRan company. I lead IH programs for underground metal mining and milling operations—think 3,000 feet underground, hard hats, headlamps, and a whole lot of air sampling.

So… what is molybdenum and what is it used for, anyway?

Great question! Molybdenum is a powerhouse metal used in everything from stainless steel and aerospace parts to oil and gas pipelines, electronics, and even medical equipment. It strengthens steel, resists corrosion, and handles extreme heat—making it essential for things like spacecraft components, automotive parts, and high-performance tools. The metal we mine here in Colorado might just be in your kitchen appliances, your car, or even orbiting Earth.

Tell us about the type of work you do, or what a typical day is like.

My days are a mix of underground adventure and above-ground strategy. I oversee exposure assessments, update safety protocols, and collaborate with teams across operations, maintenance, and environmental compliance. Whether I’m mentoring a new IH tech or implementing controls for silica and welding fumes, there’s never a dull moment. And yes, I’ve calibrated more air sampling pumps than I can count.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work helps people stay healthy, not just today, but for the long haul. Industrial hygiene is often invisible when it’s working well, but that’s the beauty of it. We’re the quiet force behind safer workplaces.

What made you choose a career in industrial hygiene, or how did you find yourself on this career path?

Funnily enough, I originally wanted to be a nurse. But the more I learned, the more I realized I wanted to prevent injuries and illnesses, not just treat them after the fact. Industrial hygiene gave me that opportunity. Since then, my IH career has taken me from manufacturing plants at Altria to serving as the Radiation and Laser Safety Officer for over 50 R&D labs. I’ve supported satellite builds at Lockheed Martin Space, managed radiation safety for an irradiator, and even worked at a Department of Energy site in Ohio focused on decontaminating an old uranium enrichment site. Eventually, I found my way underground—and I’ve been loving the challenge ever since.

What attributes of your MS program prepared you for success in your career?

The University of Iowa’s IH program gave me the technical chops and confidence to walk into any facility—whether it’s a cleanroom, a mine, or a tobacco processing plant—and ask the right questions. The hands-on labs, fieldwork, and supportive faculty were invaluable. Plus, the program emphasized communication and critical thinking—two skills I use daily, whether I’m writing a safety protocol or explaining exposure data to frontline workers who keep this world literally moving forward.

This story appeared in the fall 2025 issue of Iowa Public Health Magazine