Current Research Trainees of 2024
2024
Grace Cammarata
- Faculty Mentor: Julie Herbstman
- School: New York University
Project: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Returning Exposure Results to the Washington Heights & South Bronx Communities
Located at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH), my research project consists of two interrelated components: 1) the report of individual exposure results to study participants; and 2) the report of aggregate exposure results to the broader community.
The first component of my research is the report back of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure results to Washington Heights and South Bronx-based study participants. PAHs are a group of over 1,000 chemicals that act as environmental pollutants and have been associated with unhealthy birth outcomes, respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes, and cancer. Study participants include members of the Fair Start Cohort at CCCEH, which was created to understand the impact of prenatal and early life environmental exposures among mother-child dyads living in urban environments. These participants were a part of a longitudinal study in which they wore a silicon wristband for 48 hours during their third trimester of pregnancy. Through lab analysis at Oregon State University (OSU), these wristbands detect up to 63 PAHs.
A crucial aspect of this study, and an ongoing priority for CCCEH’s research, is the report back of results to study participants. Thus, I have organized data on 311 participants and sent this data to OSU to generate individualized report back forms. These forms include the number of PAHs participants were exposed to, common potential sources and health impacts of these PAHs, and how their results compare to other study participants. The overarching goal of reporting back research results is to increase environmental health literacy, which includes outcomes such as increasing research transparency, adopting actions that reduce individual exposure, and improving health outcomes. Report back has not been traditionally prioritized in Environmental Health research, but is considered an ethical obligation by CCCEH. Most importantly, ethical report back must meet the cultural, linguistic, and practical needs of research participants. In alignment with this goal, we will be evaluating the report back process via study participant surveys that ask questions regarding participants’ understanding, reaction, and overall feedback on the reports.
Community outreach is the second component of my research experience. To further disseminate the results of CCCEH studies, I engaged in conversations on PAHs and air pollution reduction strategies with members of the greater Washington Heights community. At the center of both reporting back research results and disseminating research to community members, lies prioritizing the translation of Environmental Health data to approachable, ethical, and culturally sensitive information and recommendations. This translation is essential to research acting as a form of advocacy and, specifically, Environmental Health research increasing environmental justice.
Claudia Dabie*
- Mentor: Brandon Pearson
- School: Fordham University
Project: Investigating Neurotoxic Effects of Chronic Uranium Exposure
Since the summer of 2023, I have been working on Columbia University's Superfund project, focusing on the validation of immunohistochemical markers related to brain toxicity. Our project initially explored the impact of chronic drinking water exposure to metals like arsenic and uranium on neurological health in mice. These hazardous metals, prevalent in rural areas of the U.S. Northern Plains and Indigenous communities, are known to contribute to cardiovascular diseases and are suspected neurotoxins. Building on our earlier findings, our current research has expanded to investigate the neurotoxic effects of chronic uranium exposure. In addition to using mouse models, we are now incorporating Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a secondary model system. This approach allows us to assess uranium’s impact on neuronal health and cognitive function more comprehensively. Our hypothesis is that even low doses of uranium will adversely affect synapse development, increase neuroinflammation, DNA damage, and oxidative stress in the brain, and potentially impair body growth. C. elegans, with its short lifespan and well-characterized biology, serves as a valuable tool for measuring toxicity and evaluating neurological endpoints. The aim of this research is to deliver a thorough and sensitive assessment of uranium's neurotoxic effects, with implications for understanding and addressing community health concerns in vulnerable populations. By combining insights from both mouse models and C. elegans, we seek to generate crucial data that will inform intervention strategies and enhance our understanding of metal-induced neurotoxicity.
Sheldon Garrick
- Faculty Mentor: Norman Kleiman
- School: Fordham University
Project: Assessing the Mutagenic Potential of 222nm Far-UVC Using the Ames Test
Studies have established that 222nm far-UVC light is an effective antimicrobial technology against airborne pathogenic microbes in occupied indoor spaces. Lingering safety concerns remain, and therefore, it is essential to understand the mutagenic potential of far-UVC before establishing widespread use in healthcare and public settings. My project will determine the mutagenic dose response to 222 nm far-UVC light in bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium) using a form of the Ames assay. This information will better inform scientists and policymakers as they evaluate the risk-to-reward ratio of using this new technology.
Edgar Gracia
- Faculty Mentor: Anirban Basu
- School: New York University
Project: Mapping Uranium (U) Movement in San Luis Valley Groundwater Using 'Isoscapes'
Uranium (U) represents an often-overlooked contaminant within US public drinking water systems, with 63.1% of records from US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show detectable U, while average U concentration of 2.1% of community water exceed the EPA’s maximum contamination limit. In response to this issue, my research focuses on understanding the background redox processes within aquifers which governs the release and removal of uranium, and to track the evolution of uranium concentrations around private wells and ultimately identify safe zones within the aquifers of San Luis Valley.
Ria Mahju*
- Faculty Mentor: Howie (Haotian) Wu
- School: Rutgers University
Project: Investigating the effects of Creatine Supplementation on the Metabolome
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound in the body, playing a vital role in energy production, particularly within muscle tissue and during high-intensity activities. It is also a common supplement used to increase muscle mass and exercise performance. However, the effects of creatine supplementation on the metabolome remains unknown. Our project aimed to explore how creatine supplementation influences the metabolome and the associated metabolic pathways. I analyzed data from a controlled clinical trial, where creatine supplementation was introduced to a previously non-supplementing population. Under the guidance of Dr. Haotian Wu, I analyzed how supplement dosage and duration affected metabolite concentrations using multivariable regression models and other statistical methods to enhance our understanding of creatine metabolism and its broader health implications.
Daysi Martinez
- Faculty Mentor: Kathrin Schilling
- School: Fordham University
Project: Menstrual Cycle-Related Vaginal pH Variations on Metal Leaching from Tampons
Previous research has identified a wide range of metals in tampons, including toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which are known to have harmful health effects. Since these metals can be absorbed directly through the vaginal canal into the bloodstream—bypassing first-pass metabolism by the liver—their presence is a significant health concern. In this study, we investigated how variations in vaginal pH throughout the menstrual cycle influence the leaching of these metals from tampons. By understanding under which pH, metals are more likely to be released, we aim to assess the potential risks to users and improve the safety of menstrual products.
Manuela Montoya
- Faculty Mentor: Marcela Tamayo y Ortiz
- School: Hunter College
Project: Bridging Science to Community: Reporting and Advising Back to Participants
This research project focused on reporting findings back to participants in a rural community in Guanajuato, Mexico, where water sources are heavily contaminated with fluoride and arsenic. The study included a pilot assessment of the health impact on children by measuring toxic metals in their water and urine, and examining biomarkers related to kidney health.
The project aimed to bridge scientific findings with community awareness, emphasizing the importance of effective communication strategies to make scientific data accessible and actionable for non-expert audiences. It also focused on engaging the community in understanding health risks and promoting practical measures to reduce exposure to contaminants. The challenges of conducting research in resource-limited settings were highlighted, along with the need for comprehensive interventions and sustained community education efforts to improve water quality and public health.
* 2nd year in the program