Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a combination of neurological and developmental abnormalities, with 1 in every 36 children diagnosed worldwide. Brain Selective Kinase 2 (BRSK2) is one of the strongest autism-associated genes, with 35 de novo mutations reported to date. Patients harboring BRSK2 variants clinically present with neurodevelopmental disorders, including speech delay, intellectual disability, motor dysfunction, and behavioral abnormalities. Despite its strong ASD association, the molecular functions of BRSK2 and the mechanisms through which it regulates neurodevelopment remain unclear. My project aims to investigate the molecular role of BRSK2 by identifying its localization in the developing hippocampal and cortical neurons. The function of a gene is reliant upon its localization within the cell. To identify the subcellular localization of BRSK2 during early neurodevelopment, I am analyzing the subcellular distribution of BRSK2 in cultured primary embryonic rat neurons at different developmental time points, using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. To delineate the impact of missense mutations in BRSK2 on its localization, I am analyzing the phenotype of cultured hippocampal rat neurons with GFP-tagged engineered constructs harboring the BRSK2 mutants. My analysis found that both hippocampal and cortical neurons display mostly cytoplasmic BRSK2 localization, with a significant association with the subcellular endomembrane as well as the plasma membrane (PM). Interestingly, BRSK2 was also found at the dendritic spines at day in vitro (DIV) 12. We are currently investigating whether any of these missense mutations disrupt inter-organelle communication between the endomembranes and plasma membrane. BRSK2’s localization in the endomembranes could explain disruptions in protein processing, dendritic development, or neuronal polarity linked with the missense mutations that eventually impact neurodevelopment, leading to autism. Discovering BRSK2’s localization will help contribute toward the future development of targeted therapies for ASD caused by the dysfunction of the BRSK2 kinase.

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.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare skin cancer, is mostly driven by integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus which encodes T-antigen (T-Ag) proteins. Previous research has shown that T & B cells target T-Ag. Indeed, patients with virus-driven MCC produce T-Ag-specific antibodies that are useful to track disease progression. These antibodies do not play a direct role in MCC immunity as T-Ag proteins are intracellular. Our group has recently found that in tumors, T-Ag-specific B cells with germinal center or antibody-secreting phenotypes strongly predict improved MCC outcomes. These intratumoral B cell phenotypes reflect a robust cancer-specific T cell response. In contrast, T-Ag-specific B cells in the blood of MCC patients are predicted to predominantly have a memory or naive phenotype, and it is unknown if they contribute to anti-tumor immunity. We used fluorescently labeled T-Ag-proteins and flow cytometry to assess B cell responses in blood at the time of MCC diagnosis. In total, we analyzed samples from 23 patients whose MCC recurred within 3 years of diagnosis and 24 samples from stage- and age-matched MCC patients whose disease did not recur. We found no difference in the frequency of all circulating B cells (regardless of T-Ag-specificity) between patients who did and did not develop MCC recurrence. In contrast, higher frequencies of total memory B cells (CD27+IgD-IgM-) were associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence (HR 3.67 [1.58- 8.55], p=0.003). Intriguingly, T-Ag-specific memory B cells were also more abundant in the blood of patients who ultimately developed MCC recurrence (HR 2.82 [1.22- 6.53], p=0.012). Together, our results demonstrate that higher frequencies of circulating memory B cells associate with worse MCC outcomes. These findings suggest that the functional state of total and T-Ag-specific circulating B cells reflect their immune response within MCC tumors.

Unlawful behavior by both the government and its civilians in Mexico has developed into a crisis of violent crimes and corruption. There is a culture of high disregard of the law that is fueled by distrust in the government, subcultures such as Narco-culture, as well as institutional weakness. The aims of this study are to learn of the experiences Mexican citizens have with unlawful behavior and corruption in their government as well as understand the motivations behind this kind of behavior. For the purpose of this study, unlawful behavior will be defined as any behavior or action that violates Mexican law. Through semi-structured interviews of adult Mexican citizens I will gain insight on their thoughts and experiences. They will be asked questions regarding their participation and experiences with unlawful behavior. Due to travel limitations, the Mexican citizens interviewed for this study will be residents of Washington state. It is Mexican citizens that are facing the consequences of the high crime and corruption which makes it imperative to amplify their stories and understand their experiences and perceptions. The information collected through this research may aid in finding a solution to Mexico's crisis of crime and corruption in hope of providing Mexican civilians with a better quality of life. 

Substance use in Indigenous communities remains a significant public health concern for Indigenous communities worldwide, greatly affecting physical, mental, and social well-being. Substance use in Indigenous communities is nearly double that observed in the non-Indigenous population (Geia, et al., 2018). Such prevalence of substance use among Indigenous populations has been a source of stigma greatly related to colonialism. This study examines the prevalence of substance use among Indigenous populations in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States identifying patterns within communities and successful intervention strategies to decrease substance use in these communities. A systematic review of literature conducted in the countries mentioned above reveals that Indigenous communities experience high rates of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use. Secondary to trauma and socioeconomic disparities paired with limited access to secular healthcare contributes to the exacerbation of the cycle of addiction (Spillane, et al., 2023). Specific led interventions sculpted around Indigenous culture and various community-driven, utilised participatory approaches show a high chance of decreasing substance use in these communities (Geia, et al., 2018). With such findings, the need for healthcare services that remain respectful to Indigenous culture and overall strengthen community engagement can be put in place to mitigate the prevalence of substance use in these communities and the corresponding risk factors that contribute to such circumstances. My presentation will demonstrate how the high levels of alcohol and substance use can be reduced in Indigenous communities when ethical interventions are implemented that provide long-term care for rehabilitation. This long-term care should include education, harm reduction, and encouragement for partnership between Indigenous individuals and their families and healthcare providers within the programs. The long-term care is to be residential to those struggling with substance use, rather than mainstream outside of reservations, to ensure the patients feel safe.

Despite advances in modern medicine in the United States, maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes continue to decline due to the social determinants of health (SDOH), resulting in poor health outcomes and death for mothers and babies. However, community-based models (CBM) of maternal and child health care have been identified as effective interventions that mitigate these negative outcomes by addressing the SDOH. Existing literature identifies CBMs as effective interventions using quantitative methods and analysis. However, my research focuses on qualitative methods and their human-centered real-world applications of CBMs. The goal of my study is to highlight the role that communities play in influencing maternal and child health outcomes and understand the effect of CMBs on participants. To investigate the impact of community-based models on MCH outcomes, I am using two questions to guide semi-structured interviews with expectant families, parents, and community health workers. My research questions are, 1) What are the experiences of providers and recipients of community-based models of maternal and child health care? and 2) Do Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and White communities in King County experience gaps in maternal and child health care services, and, if so, how do these gaps differ among communities? I am recording demographic data from participants for coding after interviews have concluded. This study will help create a more comprehensive understanding of CBMs of MCH in the field. These narratives will help further legitimize the practice of community care in traditional Western medical spaces as an effective tool to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the United States.

The fitness industry actively influences how people define health, shaping their actions and self-image. My qualitative research examines how University of Washington students navigate fitness messaging in gym culture, social media, and advertising, analyzing its effects on self-perception, mental health, and behaviors. Since Winter 2024, I have used ethnographic methods, including semi-structured interviews with 30 consenting individuals and participant observations at the IMA gym, with IRB certification for ethical compliance, to identify key trends. This research focuses on four objectives: analyzing fitness industry messages around body image, exercise, and diet; investigating how these messages shape student perceptions and behaviors; examining intersections with public health, media studies, and psychology; and evaluating the ethical implications of these narratives. Preliminary findings reveal that while fitness and nutrition can improve health, commercialized messaging often leads to the opposite. Without evidence-based guidance, individuals accept and internalize health narratives that may not align with their needs, which can be detrimental. My research has revealed fitness culture reinforcing societal pressures, creating confusion about health, and leaving young adults vulnerable to misinformation, with some experiencing serious health consequences from extreme regimens promoted online. The emphasis on aesthetics often overshadows long-term well-being, contributing to over-exercise, disordered eating, and supplement misuse. This presentation will initiate critical dialogue on how fitness industry messaging impacts health behaviors and inform strategies for public health, policy, and education to address these issues. It will also raise awareness of the urgent need to evaluate health messages critically, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. I want to ensure that fitness is used as a tool for sustainable health rather than a driver of harmful standards. As I prepare for graduate studies in medical anthropology and global health this work is a critical step in my commitment to addressing health disparities.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Improper cleavage of amyloid precursor protein by a complex containing presenilin 1 or presenilin 2 (PSEN2) can result in pathological amyloid beta plaques. Recent work from the Valdmanis group found novel PSEN2 RNA isoform variants in AD. Specifically, we identified two PSEN2 3'UTR isoforms - a short (507bp) and a long (3976bp) 3'UTR. The 3'UTR harbors essential regulatory elements such as microRNA binding sites and Alu elements that control transcript maturation, stability, and abundance. Here, we sought to elucidate the functional significance of the PSEN2 3'UTR isoforms. To accomplish this, we completed small RNA sequencing to identify microRNA levels in human AD and control frontal cortex brains and used TargetScan7 to map these reads to the PSEN2 3'UTR isoforms. Our analysis identified 53 miRNAs with significant differential regulation in AD frontal cortex bulk homogenate and 76 miRNAs in purified synaptosomes. One miRNA, miR-34c, was significantly downregulated in both fractions. We identified five different miRNAs with significant regulation changes in AD, including miR-326, miR-346, miR-548p, miR-890, and miR-217. Of note, the long PSEN2 3'UTR had nine miRNA binding sites and two Alu elements, while the short PSEN2 3'UTR only contained one miRNA binding site. We next tested PSEN2 3'UTR isoform localization in human AD and control frontal cortex brain tissue using BaseScope in-situ hybridization. We found a marked decrease in PSEN2 expression in AD samples. To develop in vitro PSEN2 3'UTR isoform models, we designed constructs containing the PSEN2 3'UTR isoforms to overexpress in either HMC3 human microglial or SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines. In vitro validation results indicated increased long PSEN2 3'UTR isoform abundance to the short isoform. Determining the functional relevance of the short and long 3'UTR of the PSEN2 transcript will further our understanding of AD pathology.

Previous research has suggested that Dynorphin, the endogenous opioid peptide, signals through KOR (Kappa Opioid Receptor) binding and causes negative affective states like anxiety and stress. Dyn-KOR signal activation has been found to instigate drug reinstatement. Based on previous research, questions about why Dyn-KOR signaling leads to drug reinstatement and what level of Dyn-KOR antagonism will mediate this behavior arose. The current project focused on characterizing Dyn-KOR signaling during Cocaine Self-Administration using in-vivo Fiber Photometry recording. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent cranial surgery where I injected a kLight sensor in the Prelimbic Cortex and the Nucleus Accumbens and implanted a fiber optic into each injection site. Chronic IV (intravenous) catheters were inserted into the right jugular vein and then threaded through the right shoulder into a pedestal implanted between the shoulder blades. Rats were attached to IV lines threaded through an operant chamber that was attached to a syringe of 5mg/mL cocaine. Following training, rats would undergo five days of Short Access in the operant chamber for an hour. Following Short Access, rats would go through two weeks of Long Access where they are run in the operant chambers for six hours each day. Fiber Photometry recordings were taken on the last two days of the Short Access week and Long Access weeks. Animals were put through a thirty-day Incubation period where, once over, were injected with KOR agonist U-50 (10mg/kg) and recorded. The day after were injected with KOR antagonist norBNI (nor-Binaltorphimine dihydrochloride, 15mg/kg) and injected with U-50 thirty minutes following and recorded. I collected brain samples from perfusion and fixed samples in 4% PFA (Paraformaldehyde).

Decision-making is important for quality of life. Adaptive decision-making can improve one’s quality of life, while maladaptive decision-making may be detrimental. Here, we investigate the effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on neuroeconomic decision-making in rats, specifically cognitive flexibility, and inflexibility. Rats were trained in a concurrent choice task, where a set number of lever presses resulted in a high reward (HR, 4 food pellets) and a low reward (LR, 1 food pellet). The first treatment level consisted of two behavioral treatment groups, where one group had the HR lever alternating between the left and right side of the operant chamber (flexible group), and the other group (inflexible group) had the HR lever stay on the same side for 20 sessions, where each session had forced trials (one lever accessible) and choice trials (both levers accessible). The metric used for assessing flexible and inflexible choice behavior was the number of choice trials needed to reach the criterion, criterion defined as 10 choice trials within a 12-choice trial sliding window being assigned to the HR lever, which is considered significant bias according to the binomial statistics. The next treatment level is the vehicle vs CBD, where the flexible or inflexible groups receive 20 vapes of vehicle or CBD. As a control experiment, we tested for any effect of vehicle (vegetable-glycerin/propylene-glycol, 20/80) between or within flexible and inflexible groups by administering vehicle vape or no vape in the vape chambers. Preliminarily, we found no statistical effect of vehicle exposure to either behavioral group no main effect in a three-way ANOVA (F1, 20 = 1.753, p=0.2005), however more subjects need to be added as there is a small trend towards vehicle affecting the development of inflexibility. After the control experiment, we will compare the effects of CBD in this behavioral paradigm.

Tattooing is an ancient practice with many different significances and cultural meanings across time and space. However, there has been a lack of research on the relatively common themes of transformation and healing that emerge from the ritual of tattooing. This presentation is part of an ongoing research project investigating how tattoos are part of transformative healing processes. By conducting literature review and qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with participants who had tattoos they identified as healing, I identified three (3) frameworks of tattoos that commonly hold healing significance: 1) biomedical tattoos, (such as those used for radiology treatment), 2) paramedical tattoos, including scar camouflage and decoration (for example those after mastectomies), and 3) those that promote abstract healing, focusing on mental health and grief. This research thus shows how tattoos contribute to a transformative healing journey, and how these frameworks of tattoos differ in their symbolism and healing significance. I argue that tattoos of all types are inherently transformative, though the subjective dimensions of such transformation varied immensely. I also found that each recipient’s healing journey is personal, specific, and complex. Furthermore, the process of receiving, healing, and wearing a tattoo indexes healing cosmologies and practices, demanding self-reflection, agency over one’s body and life, undergoing physical pain, self-care, and ultimately, transformation. 

Nepali migrants play a significant role in India’s workforce, facilitated by the open-border policy established under the 1950 Indo-Nepali Treaty of Peace and Friendship. However, they face numerous challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly those employed in informal sectors. This research paper examines the healthcare barriers experienced by Nepali migrants in both North and South India, including overcrowded public hospitals, legal restrictions, language barriers, and work-related health concerns. Using a literature review and qualitative exploratory research based on interviews with Nepali migrant adults aged 20-45, the study highlights how, in North India, the high concentration of Nepali migrants places additional strain on healthcare infrastructure, while seasonal migration disrupts continuity of care. In South India, key challenges include social isolation, language difficulties, and dependence on costly private healthcare. Findings reveal significant policy gaps, such as the absence of a bilateral healthcare agreement between India and Nepal and the exclusion of Nepali migrants from India’s national health insurance programs. To address these issues, this paper proposes solutions, including employer-provided health insurance, mobile clinics, language-inclusive healthcare services, and cross-border cooperation modelled on successful approaches from Thailand and Germany.

I aim to uncover the impact of mass graves on indigenous populations, particularly focusing on how such atrocities contributes to the dehumanization and cultural erasure of these communities. Throughout history, colonization, genocide, and systemic violence have led to the forced removal and killing of indigenous people. When examining these sites, I hope to illuminate how the existence of mass graves strips indigenous populations of their humanity, undermines their grief and cultural practices, and perpetuates cycles of trauma. This research also integrates the concepts of necropower and necropolitics to further understand the dynamics surrounding mass graves and their implications. Necropower refers to the ways in which political power determines who is allowed to live and who must die, thereby shaping life through the control of death. Within this framework, mass graves are not merely sites of death; they symbolize a historical and ongoing exertion of power over indigenous bodies, reflecting systemic oppressions that dictate the value of life within these communities. Similarly, the concept of necropolitics will be explored to analyze the ramifications of governmental and societal decisions regarding the recognition, treatment, and memorialization of mass graves. Necropolitics involves the regulation of populations and life through the lens of death, revealing how political authorities often manipulate narratives around mortality to control and marginalize indigenous peoples. By investigating the political implications of mass grave sites, this research will illuminate the struggles for justice and recognition faced by indigenous communities. Questions that will be explored: How is the relationship between state policies and indigenous rights reflected in the treatment and acknowledgment of mass graves, and what are the potential paths toward justice? How do indigenous communities respond to the existence of mass graves? What strategies do they employ to resist the narratives of dehumanization and cultural loss? 

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.