Air Pollution Composition and Oxidative Potential

Project Description: A majority of human health standards related to air pollution are focused on PM2.5 concentration, disregarding factors like the chemical composition or other health-relevant measures of air pollution exposures. We aim to investigate metrics, beyond concentration, to have a better understanding of these ubiquitous exposures.

Desired Student Qualifications: Background in Chemistry and/or Biology Responsible

Project Timeline: 2-3 years

Duties of Student Researcher: Perform sample preparation (filter extraction) Chemical Analysis (GC-MS, ICP-MS, etc.) Oxidative potential analysis Data management Laboratory notebook recording Data analysis Training is readily available for all responsibilities

Last Updated on 2019-07-31 15:49:12

Associations to Human Health

Project Description: Linking the robust characterization of air pollution through chemical and biological responses in zebrafish to human health outcomes will provide information on markers of interest for future research to ultimately improve regulatory standards and protect human health. We aim to measure various metrics of PM2.5 in collaboration with epidemiologists collecting human health outcomes to make associations between laboratory measurements and human health.

Desired Student Qualifications: Statistical analysis background Computer Programming background, not required Geographic Information Systems background, not required

Project Timeline: 2-3 years

Duties of Student Researcher: Data management Statistical analysis Laboratory notebook recording Training is available for all responsibilities

Last Updated on 2019-07-31 15:53:14

Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Filter Extraction

Project Description: Prior to studying filter-collected PM2.5 the particles must be extracted from the filter material. Currently, there is not a standardized method for this procedure and we have demonstrated that varying methods affect subsequent chemical and biological response analyses. We aim to identify an optimized filter extraction method for consistent and accurate data for inter-laboratory comparisons.

Desired Student Qualifications: Coursework in Chemistry (analytical experience a plus)

Project Timeline: 1-2 years

Duties of Student Researcher: Perform filter extractions Conduct chemical analysis with GC-MS, ICP-MS, and other instrumentation Data management and note taking

Last Updated on 2019-07-31 15:46:24

Zebrafish to Study Air Pollution

Project Description: Zebrafish provide an in vivo model to interrogate all levels of development, and the molecular pathways that produce them, in one integrated experiment. Combined with the amenability to high-throughput screening, zebrafish offer a unique model for PM2.5 research to better understand the underlying mechanisms to the known health effects associated with PM2.5 exposures. We aim to establish morphological and behavioral changes in zebrafish following PM2.5 exposure and identify differences based on the collection location of the PM2.5.

Desired Student Qualifications: Biology background Willingness to work with zebrafish (training available) Responsible and reliable

Project Timeline: 2-3 years

Duties of Student Researcher: Perform sample preparation (filter extraction) Zebrafish Husbandry Zebrafish developmental exposures Data management Laboratory notebook recording Data analysis Training is readily available for all responsibilities

Last Updated on 2019-07-31 15:50:51