Wildfires in Western North America have become more frequent and intense in recent years. Wildfire smoke can cause adverse health impacts creating an urgent public health concern. This study compares wildfire smoke preparedness and response plans developed by jurisdictions and institutions in western North America, including counties, cities, states, provinces, and universities. We used qualitative content analysis methods to assess the characteristics of 20 wildfire smoke preparedness and response plans. The majority of the plans included strategies related to air quality monitoring, household-level exposure reduction, and risk communication. Wildfire smoke poses a bigger risk to susceptible and/or vulnerable populations, however, 25% of the plans did not include strategies related to targeted outreach for at-risk populations. Since wildfire smoke plans are a relatively new strategy within emergency response, a “gold” standard set of components has yet to be established, therefore,  significant variations of included plan components exist. To improve these plans, it is crucial to enhance targeted outreach programs for vulnerable populations, develop a standardized framework for preparedness, and integrate plans with existing public health frameworks. Additionally, training for first responders on health impacts and investing in air quality monitoring are essential. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of outreach strategies, conducting longitudinal health studies, and analyzing the economic impacts of wildfire smoke preparedness. By addressing these recommendations and pursuing further research, jurisdictions can enhance their wildfire smoke preparedness and response plans, ultimately protecting public health more effectively.

As Cannabis use is becoming more widespread there is growing concern regarding the respiratory exposures of employees working in indoor cannabis processing facilities. Employees in these occupational settings are frequently exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), other respiratory irritants, and allergic sensitizers. These exposures are linked to work related illness and disease, such as occupational asthma. Notably, a fatality, in 2022, in a Cannabis worker due to occupational asthma highlights the urgent need for improved exposure controls. Cannabis processing workers experience prolonged and frequent exposure via inhalation with little knowledge on the respiratory hazards of this work. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system to reduce exposure to airborne hazards during automated joint filling. Automated joint filling is a common process in Cannabis production facilities, using mechanized equipment pre-ground material is dispensed into pre-rolled cones. This method is preferred in the field as it increases both consistency and efficiency. Over a ~2-hour sampling period across eight batches of pre-rolled joints, we conducted gravimetric sampling for inhalable PM using two inhalable aerosol samplers (IOMs) positioned at the workbench and in the breathing zone. VOC exposure was assessed using thermal desorption tubes and photoionization detectors (PIDs), while continuous respirable PM concentrations were measured using a Nanozen DustCount monitor. Testing air concentration for PM and VOCs with and without the LEV mechanism is being conducted to determine its effectiveness at reducing exposure. We hypothesize that this may be an effective solution, as the LEV has controlled these agents significantly in other similar workplace settings. As this field grows due to recent state by state legalization of Cannabis, these findings hold great impact for workplace safety regulation and solutions. Additional research should be gathered on long-term exposure effects and preventive mechanisms.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphate pesticide effective in controlling agricultural pests by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine and continuous nerve stimulation. CPF exposure has been linked to increasing autism risk and gut microbiome dysbiosis. However, the underlying mechanism linking CPF to autism remains unclear, and the role of the gut microbiome in CPF-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity remains elusive. Using a high-throughput social behavior assay, we found that embryonic exposure to CPF caused lasting social deficits in zebrafish. We then screened seven common gut microbiome metabolites and found that butyrate effectively rescued CPF-induced social deficits. Butyrate is a known inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs). We discovered that valproic acid, an inhibitor of Class I and IIa HDACs, phenocopied butyrate’s rescue effects. Meanwhile, trichostatin A, an inhibitor of Class I, II, and IV HDACs, and nicotinamide, an inhibitor of Class III HDACs, did not. We are currently conducting multi-omics analyses; including metagenomics, metabolomics, RNA sequencing, and CUT & RUN, to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying CPF’s neurodevelopmental toxicity and butyrate's rescue effects. In the long run, our work will help to uncover how CPF exposure contributes to autism risk and to inspire new therapeutic approaches for alleviating autism-related social deficits.

This project aims to compare and contrast Little Free Pantries (LFPs) and Community Fridges (CFs) as models of micro pantries for those facing food insecurity. The primary focus is on the ability of each to safely provide nutrient-dense food. There is extensive research on what a nutrient-dense diet is and its importance on a person's health as well as budding research detailing the quality of food provided by food pantry organizations. However, this research is limited in the scope of donation programs being researched. Furthermore, there is a lack of understanding how different donation programs differ in their ability to provide nutritional food to those utilizing their services. This project compares five CFs to five geographically matched LFPs within the City of Seattle. To assess the nutrient-density of food donated to CFs and LFPs two dimensions of food nutrition are analyzed utilizing the FAST score and NOVA categorization methodologies. Each micro pantry is briefly assessed on its food safety standards as well. CFs are expected to provide food with higher nutritional quality than LFPs, and in a safer manner. This is due to their ability to be temperature controlled, allowing for a wider variety of foods to be collected and stored safely. This research will be presented in a final paper and poster detailing the findings of the project as well as any recommendations drawn for the City of Seattle. This project is significant because it addresses the nutrition of food made available to those facing food insecurity. Understanding the difference in quality of food offered between the CFs and LFPs will allow for an assessment regarding how accessibility to nutrient dense food for all residents of Seattle falters and how it can be improved.

Wildfire smoke is a significant environmental health risk for Latino agricultural workers, particularly in Washington State counties with high concentrations of both agricultural activity and smoke exposure, such as Yakima, Chelan, and Douglas. Young workers face unique and poorly understood risks due to potential biological susceptibility and a lack of safety communication tailored to their demographic.

This project explores how social media interventions can reach at-risk populations during smoke emergencies. A short Spanish-language video was developed to deliver protective guidance for agricultural workers in a clear, culturally relevant format. As the first in a planned series of short-form videos, this content promotes protective mask use and introduces key health messages in an engaging, accessible way. Designed for platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, the video serves as an entry point to a broader educational campaign launching during the 2025 wildfire season.

This pilot will test the reach and engagement of short-form content among younger audiences, who may be less responsive to traditional public health channels. Engagement metrics—including views, likes, shares, and viewer retention—will be collected and analyzed to assess effectiveness and guide refinements in message design and delivery.

Insights from this evaluation will inform a summer campaign focused on improving wildfire smoke safety through practical, culturally grounded messaging. The campaign aims to promote protective behaviors and reinforce employer responsibilities under occupational health regulations. By integrating community-informed design and real-time platform analytics, this work contributes to the development of scalable tools for occupational risk communication and supports ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable workers during wildfire smoke events.

This research aims to enhance the food literacy of volunteers at the University of Washington (UW) Food Pantry by providing foundational knowledge on food security, food policy, nutrition, dietary needs, and allergies. Many pantry volunteers lack a background in nutrition or public health, which limits their understanding of the complex issues surrounding food insecurity and food literacy. Through the Winter 2025 Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Capstone project, my team and I will create a comprehensive brochure that will be incorporated into the pantry’s volunteer training materials. The brochure will include sections on the pantry’s background and goals, the scope of food insecurity among college students both at UW and across the nation, food policies that affect access to nutritious foods, and basic nutrition education. Our objective is to foster empathy and understanding among volunteers, encouraging a deeper connection to the shoppers they serve and the challenges faced by people who rely on the pantry. At the end of the quarter, my team will present the brochure along with other deliverables to community stakeholders. In Spring quarter, I will administer a pre-survey to pantry volunteers to assess their current food literacy and knowledge of food insecurity. Following the brochure’s distribution and review, volunteers will complete the same survey, allowing for an analysis of any changes in their understanding. The study will evaluate whether the brochure improves volunteers' knowledge of food insecurity, ultimately testing if this intervention leads to better food literacy outcomes. If the brochure proves effective in this regard we also hope it will foster increased empathy among pantry shoppers and volunteers.

Infertility, the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse, affects about 15% of the global population. Nearly half of couples diagnosed with infertility have a contributing male or sperm factor (male-factor infertility). Preparation of purified sperm is an important component of fertility treatments. Most purification techniques rely on centrifugation, although the effects of centrifugation on sperm motility (movement) and DNA integrity are not well understood. Our objective is to manipulate centrifugation g-force and time settings following sperm preparation to investigate potential impacts of centrifugation on sperm quality for fertile and infertile men. Our hypothesis is that the highest centrifugation g-force and time will result in reduced motility and maximum DNA damage. Participants with normal semen parameters are recruited. A semen analysis is performed to determine volume, concentration, and baseline motility, which is measured using an automated visual sperm analyzer. Motile sperm are isolated via “direct swim out,” a standard purification technique. Nine different centrifugation settings are applied to the sample (time and g-force parameters studied: 7, 30, and 60 minutes, and 250xg, 600xg, and 800xg), and motility is evaluated. For each condition, DNA integrity is assessed with a COMET assay (uses single-cell gel electrophoresis to detect double-stranded DNA breaks). Preliminary results from 11 participants (ages 26-35) demonstrate substantial variability in motility for each participant. We observe that while the highest centrifugation g-force and time condition (60 minutes at 800xg) reduces motility for some participants, it has the opposite effect for others. Data collection for motility analysis and DNA integrity assays are in progress and will continue over the next three months. This project aims to provide high quality evidence to support current laboratory practices in sperm preparation, an essential part of fertility treatments.

Adolescents and young adults often experience barriers to accessing inclusive, high-quality, and youth-friendly healthcare. Despite growing attention to these disparities, few standardized tools exist to assess or encourage youth-friendly practices across healthcare settings. This project, conducted under the Adolescent Health Team at the Washington State Department of Health, asks: What criteria define a youth-friendly healthcare environment, and how can these be translated into a sustainable certification model? To answer this, we employed a mixed-methods approach. We conducted a landscape review of existing youth-focused health frameworks, analyzed qualitative feedback from community partners and youth advisory groups, and iteratively developed criteria through stakeholder engagement. Branding materials and an informational flyer were designed to enhance accessibility and understanding of the certification. A draft patient satisfaction survey was also created to capture ongoing youth experiences in certified settings. Preliminary findings highlight key themes in youth feedback, such as the importance of inclusive language, provider relatability, and confidentiality and privacy in care settings. These themes directly shaped the final set of certification criteria and informed outreach materials. This work contributes to the field by piloting a novel framework for Youth-Friendly Certification in Washington State. Findings underscore the value of youth-informed design in public health initiatives and provide a replicable model for other regions seeking to improve healthcare access and equity for young people.

Exposure to air pollution, the fourth leading risk factor for global attributable deaths, has been linked to the development of several noncommunicable diseases. The incidence of thyroid diseases in the United States continues to increase yearly, estimating that over 12% of Americans will develop it during their lifetime. While thyroid disorders are not yet recognized as a noncommunicable disease, they promote the onset of other chronic diseases. Diesel exhaust (DE), an important source of particulate matter and other toxic compounds within traffic-related air pollution, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can lead to oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is the imbalance of ROS and antioxidants in the body and is associated with numerous diseases. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of DE-induced oxidative stress in plasma and the thyroid, specifically examining how effects differ based on sex and a high-fat diet (HFD). We exposed male and female mice (low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice) to filtered air or DE for 18 weeks, while fed HFD or Chow. In plasma, we measured the activity of the antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and the concentration of the acute-phase serum amyloid A (SAA) protein via ELISA. In thyroid tissue, we extracted RNA and used RNA-Seq to assess DE-induced transcriptional reprogramming. We expect that DE exposure will result in higher levels of inflammation (SAA) and lower levels of antioxidants (PON1). We expect that these effects will display sex differences and will be more pronounced in HFD-fed mice fed. Our transcriptomics analysis will help identify new genes and pathways affected by DE, diet, or both. Our results will improve our understanding of the link between air pollution and thyroid disorders, guiding future research and interventions to address the growing health concern of thyroid disorders and related noncommunicable diseases.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is an emerging global human health concern and a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. While the pathogenesis of MAFLD is complex and multifactorial, scientific evidence suggests environmental factors play a role in the development of the disease. Prior studies indicate exposure to particulate matter (PM) leads to MAFLD. A major constituent of ambient PM is diesel exhaust particles (DEPs). This study aims to explore the association between exposure to DEPs and the development of MAFLD using a murine model vulnerable to MAFLD development. DEPs cause oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species within the body. Male and female low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice were exposed to filtered air or freshly generated DE for 18 weeks while fed a high-fat or Chow diet. Plasma and liver tissue were harvested for biochemical measurements. The levels of a panel of lipid markers (triglycerides, cholesterol, free fatty acids) and glucose were measured in plasma and liver via colorimetric assay kits. Liver oxidative stress (8-isoprostane; nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and 3-nitrotyrosine) was quantified via ELISA and Western blot (WB), respectively. Levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) were assessed via WB. We found statistically significant increases in plasma glucose and plasma and liver cholesterol in DE HFD male mice, and plasma triglycerides in DE HFD female mice. We expect to find increased liver oxidative stress and decreased liver PPARα protein, providing insight into the metabolic pathways associated with MAFLD that are disrupted by DE. Our findings will lead to a better understanding of air pollution as a risk factor for MAFLD and inform targeted interventions for affected populations.