We have to be part of something larger than ourselves, because our dreams are often bigger than our lifetimes. Religion has a profound effect on our staying power."

Rosalie Bertell has worked for more than 50 years to expose the effects of radiation on the citizens of the world. A member of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, this "antinuclear nun" is an internationally recognized expert in the field of radiation. A doctorate in biometry gave her the academic background and her faith gave her the spiritual strength for her life's work–to fight against the earth's environmental contamination. She is founder and president of the International Institute of Concern for Public Health and editor-in-chief of International Perspectives in Public Health.

A public meeting in Buffalo in which county officials wanted to build a nuclear plant next to farms producing baby food became a watershed for Rosalie. When she saw that the only chairs on the stage were for five men advocating for the plant, she was the first person to march to the microphone, whereupon she demanded that the five nuclear experts give up their seats. The men were replaced with five women. Rosalie is a formidable authority. When she testified before congress on the use of X-rays in shoe stores and annual medical X-rays in schools and at work, the practices were halted. She directed the International Medical Commission Bhopal which investigated the aftermath of the Bhopal disaster in India, organized the International Medical Commission Chernobyl to present testimony at the permanent people's tribunal, and helped the people of the Philippines with problems stemming from toxic waste left by the US military. She has worked with the Irish government to hold Britain responsible for the radioactive pollution of the Irish Sea, and is assisting the Gulf War Veterans and Iraqi citizens to deal with Gulf War syndrome. She is the author of "Handbook for Estimating the Health Effects of Ionizing Radiation" and the popular nonfiction book "No Immediate Danger: Prognosis for a Radioactive Earth", which has been translated into five languages.

International Institute of Concern for Public Health (IICPH) International Perspectives in Public Health Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart