Research Trainees of 2018

Jacintha Halaby
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brandon Pearson
- School: Hunter College
Project: The Influence of an Agricultural Fungicide on Neuronal Polarization

We set out to study how chemical exposures can influence the development of brain disease. Previous research from the Pearson lab PI found that a particular pesticide, fenamidone, elicits brain gene expression signatures that are analogous to those seen in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Since a number of cytoskeletal genes were disrupted, we evaluated the influence of fenamidone on axonal overgrowth in cultured cortical neurons from embryonic mice. Our results to date indicate that fenamidone might modestly increase axonal length in developing neurons. Ongoing experiments are evaluating the chemical’s influence on neuronal network activity in vitro.
Maria Andrade-Gutierrez
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Markus Hilpert
- School: New York University
Project: Effects of e-cigarette aerosol exposure on blood metal levels of mice

Toxic metals and other chemicals have been found in e-cigarette coils and can be transferred into the aerosol when the coil is heated. We designed an exposure chamber in order to examine the potential increase in blood metals levels of mice due to exposure to e-cigarette aerosol.
Michael Migliaro
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Darby Jack
- School: Fordham University
Project: Effect of Potential inhaled particulates in bikers’ cardiovascular indicators

The purpose of the study is to examine the potential inhaled dose (PID) of traffic related pollutants inhaled by NYC bicycle commuters. Using a range of miniaturized sensor systems, we analyze the effects of fine particles (PM2.5) and Black Carbon on a healthy NYC bikers’ cardiovascular health. In my project, I am helping develop new methods to study how extracellular vesicles from saliva samples of these participants might serve as biomarkers of exposure, and potentially generate insights into mechanisms of damage.
Michelle Rodriguez*
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Norman Kleiman
- School: City College of New York
Project: Bacteria and Fungi Contamination on Protective Lead Garments of Interventional Cardiology Personnel

Positive cultures of bacteria and fungi were detected from swabs of protective leaded vests and thyroid collars used during interventional fluoroscopy procedures. Almost 50% of swabs from the neck and collar region were positive. Bacterial cultures were further differentiated by gram stain and specific bacterial species are being identified using PCR.
Nelsa Matienzo
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Shaman
- School: John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Project: Respiratory Viruses in Pediatric Emergency Room Patients and Their Family Members

Nasal swabs were obtained from pediatric emergency room patients presenting influenza-like symptoms, as well as any family members present at the time of the visit. The swabs were tested for seven respiratory viruses. Among the children in question, different viruses were prevalent according to the season of infection and age of the child. In the case of the accompanying adults, those who tested positive for the same virus as the child in question were significantly more likely to have experienced symptoms in the 48 hours prior to being swabbed than adults who tested positive for a different virus than their child.
Kaila Boyer
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Julie Herbstman
- School: Fordham University
Project: Maternal Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates and Parabens from Personal Care Products

Among pregnant women, we explored the association between self-reported personal care product use and phthalate and paraben exposure measured using urinary biomarkers.
Farida Ahmed
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ana Navas Acien
- School: Fordham University
Project: Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Clinical Guidelines

The goal of our study is to access clinical guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention and clinical management and identify the number of extent in which guidelines address the role of air pollution in cardiovascular disease. Our project aims to increase clinical awareness levels of on the effects of air pollution in cardiovascular disease, and possible clinical interventions to reduce the burden of air pollution related cardiovascular disease.
Charlene Redhead
- Faculty Mentor: Dr. Norman Kleiman
- School: Hunter College
Project: Heavy Metal Contamination in Hair from Feral Dogs in Chernobyl

Following the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, 2,400 tons of lead powder were dropped by helicopters in order to shield workers from radiation exposure from the damaged reactor. During the multi-year cleanup that followed, it is likely that other heavy metals have contaminated the industrial area surrounding the plant. To estimate the current level of environmental contamination, heavy metal concentrations were measured in hair samples taken from feral dogs living in the area in addition to dogs from nearby unexposed areas and local pet owners. Comparison of metal concentrations in unwashed vs washed hair will help to reveal the body burden of heavy metals vs the environmental contamination levels. This data may inform potential health risks to the many thousands of humans still working in the area today.