Research Trainees of 2019
Kaila Boyer*
- Faculty Mentor: Julie Herbstman
- School: Fordham University
Project: THE EFFECT OF PRENATAL PHTHALATE EXPOSURE AND DNA METHYLATION ON NEURODEVELOPMENT
Studies have shown that there is an association between MBP (mono butyl phthalate) and sex-specific neurodevelopmental effects. We looked at whether DNA methylation mediates these neurodevelopment effects due to phthalate exposure in girls.
Bethelehem Hailu
- Faculty Mentor: Ana Navas Acien
- School: Fordham University
Project: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN RELATION TO METALS: AN OPPORTUNITY OF LEAD CHELATION?
Environmentally acquired lead and cadmium are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. For this project, we assessed changes in total body metal burden after repeated edetate disodium-based treatment. This is a possible mechanism for at risk cardiovascular disease patients who can benefit from chelation therapy to decrease the total burden of lead.
Michael Migliaro*
- Faculty Mentor: Darby Jack
- School: Fordham University
Project: THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC PARTICLES ON NOCTURNAL DIPPING
Exposure to traffic related pollution such as particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) have impacts on both cardiovascular and pulmonary health. The majority of the population experiences nocturnal dipping which is when blood pressure decreases 10-15% at nighttime compared to daytime, but a minority do not. We are analyzing differences in nocturnal dipping between study participants and exposure on a given day, to determine the impact exposure to PM2.5 and BC have on nocturnal dipping. Alterations in nocturnal dipping are suspected to cause further health issues for long term health.
Charlene Redhead*
- Faculty Mentor: Norman Kleiman
- School: Hunter College
Project: Heavy Metal Concentration in Hair from Feral Dogs in Chernobyl
2,400 tons of lead powder were dropped by helicopters in order to shield workers from radiation exposure from the damaged reactor following the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster. During the multi-year cleanup, it is likely that other heavy metals have contaminated the area surrounding the plant. Heavy metal concentrations will be measured in hair samples taken from feral dogs living in the area in addition to dogs from control unexposed areas to inform about potential health risks to the many thousands of humans still working in the area today
*2nd Year in the Program