Assessing the impact of harmful macroalgal blooms on coastal environmental health

INVESTIGATOR: Lindsay Green-Gavrielidis, Salve Regina University MENTOR: Marta Gomez-Chiarri, University of Rhode Island SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences ABSTRACT: Overall, the goal of this proposed research is to assess the impacts of harmful macroalgal blooms on higher trophic levels and coastal environmental health. The health of coastal ecosystems can impact public health by compromising food sources […]

Continue reading "Assessing the impact of harmful macroalgal blooms on coastal environmental health"

Seminar 2022 Benjamin McDonald

2022 Seminar Series Designing Reactive and Responsive Organochemical Systems Dr. Benjamin R. McDonald presented “Designing Reactive and Responsive Organochemical Systems” at the University of Rhode Island’s Chemistry Seminar on May 2nd. An Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Affiliate Faculty of Engineering at Brown University, Dr. McDonald’s research area includes Nano and Materials Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. […]

Continue reading "Seminar 2022 Benjamin McDonald"

Integrating LC-MS/MS based molecular networking and analysis of medicinal plants

Investigator: Matt Bertin, University of Rhode Island Scientific Theme: Environmental Health Sciences Abstract: In the last decades, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has become the primary analytical technique in the pharmaceutical industry. The incorporation of mass spectrometry in the teaching laboratory is highly relevant to pharmaceutical scientists training in areas such as structure characterization, composition analysis, metabolomics, […]

Continue reading "Integrating LC-MS/MS based molecular networking and analysis of medicinal plants"

A Simulated Cell Culture Laboratory for Student Training on Aseptic Techniques

Investigator: Jyothi Menon, University of Rhode Island Scientific Theme: Environmental Health Sciences Abstract: Early biomedical research experiences are critical for generating enthusiasm, especially among students from underrepresented backgrounds, to consider a STEM career. However, opportunities for student training on essential lab skills like aseptic cell culture techniques in traditional in-person settings are limited due to […]

Continue reading "A Simulated Cell Culture Laboratory for Student Training on Aseptic Techniques"

An Interactive Online Organic Chemistry Textbook With Biomedical Applications

Investigator: Seann Mulcahy, Providence College Scientific Theme: Environmental Health Sciences Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a tremendous upheaval in the conventional teaching modalities in higher education. Over the past year, in-person content delivery, hands-on experiments, and face-to-face lectures and office hours have given way to dedensification and social distancing. This was particular difficult for […]

Continue reading "An Interactive Online Organic Chemistry Textbook With Biomedical Applications"

Translating Research into Public Health Policy

Investigator: Todd Olszewski, Providence College Scientific Theme: Environmental Health Sciences Abstract: This project entails developing a new virtual simulation module for the capstone internship course for Providence College’s Health Policy and Management department. Based on Barnard College’s Reacting to the Past model of historical case studies, the month-long module will expose HPM majors to critical […]

Continue reading "Translating Research into Public Health Policy"

2D Game-Based Nanotechnology Lab as an Enhanced Education/Training Pedagogy

Investigator: Jie Shen, University of Rhode Island Scientific Theme: Environmental Health Sciences Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted education and training programs, and hindered research advancements in the fields of biomedical and health sciences globally. During the pandemic, remote synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid learning modules have been quickly developed and/or adapted to deliver existing […]

Continue reading "2D Game-Based Nanotechnology Lab as an Enhanced Education/Training Pedagogy"

Identifying and Quantifying Drug Metabolism by the Human Gut Microbiome

INVESTIGATOR: Tyler Stack, Providence College MENTOR: Karen Allen, Boston University SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences ABSTRACT: A growing field of research is identifying the myriad of ways that gut bacteria affect human health. Among many known roles, these microbes can aid digestion, prevent infections of virulent bacteria, and impact mood by altering hormones. One growing area […]

Continue reading "Identifying and Quantifying Drug Metabolism by the Human Gut Microbiome"

Towards Ultrasensitive Stochastic Sensing of Lead Ions in Blood

INVESTIGATOR: Jiyeon Kim, University of Rhode Island MENTOR: Brett Lucht, University of Rhode Island SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences ABSTRACT: This project will develop a novel technology for ultrasensitive and rapid analysis of nanomolar lead ions (Pb2+) in the blood by stochastically detecting individual Pb2+-selective polymeric nanoemulsions (NEs) at a nanopipet electrode. Lead exposure is […]

Continue reading "Towards Ultrasensitive Stochastic Sensing of Lead Ions in Blood"

Control of gene expression by specialized ribosomes in Francisella tularensis

INVESTIGATOR: Kathryn Ramsey, University of Rhode Island MENTOR: Steven Gregory, University of Rhode Island THEME:  Environmental Health Sciences ABSTRACT: The rising incidence of tickborne diseases is a public health threat in the United States. A particularly infectious tickborne pathogen and potential bioweapon, the Gram-negative intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis, can be transmitted to humans through arthropod vectors, […]

Continue reading "Control of gene expression by specialized ribosomes in Francisella tularensis"