RESEARCH PROJECTS

Current Research Grants

Trimester-Specific Variation in Air Quality and Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Natural Experiment

This project will evaluate the association of prenatal air pollution exposure with ASD, assessed both as a categorical diagnosis and as a continuous trait, in a population-based sample, leveraging the improvements in air quality surrounding the time of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Countries: China, United States

Sponsors: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH)

Collaborators: Johns Hopkins University

Start Date: July 2019 | End Date: June 2025

Impact of Preconception and Onward Exposures to Air Pollution on Growth Trajectories of Infants and Children (GAAP)

This study will examine critical time windows of air pollution exposure, from preconception to prenatal and postnatal, that affect birth weight and body growth trajectories during the first 2 years of life. Both outcomes are predictors of childhood obesity.

Countries: China, United States

Sponsors: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH)

Collaborators: University of Southern California, Fudan University, Yale University, Columbia University

Start Date: Sept 2019 | End Date: May 2025

Using Indoor Air Filtration to Reduce PM2.5 Cardiometabolic Effects in At-risk Individuals (UL2)

This project will assess the effectiveness of a six-month residential-based PM2.5 exposure reduction strategy in reducing cardiometabolic disorder CVD risk in a sample of an ethnicity-diverse older adults with a baseline health condition of elevated risk for type 2 diabetes. The intervention period will naturally cover wildfire episodes, allowing the evaluation of the acute health impact of indoor filtration during wildfires. This work has the potential to develop a clear strategy (indoor air filtration) that can improve the health of at-risk individuals. 

Countries: United States

Sponsors: The Underwriter’s Laboratories

Collaborators: University of Southern California

Start Date: March 2022 | End Date: Dec 2026

Mongolian Center for Environmental & Occupational Health -Mongolia

This project uses a multidisciplinary approach, integrating epidemiologic observational studies and laboratory cell-model toxicology experiments, to investigate whether and how particulate matter air pollution affects respiratory viral infections. Ancillary pilot study projects will explore the impact of particulate pollution on pulmonary tuberculosis and osteoporosis. Mongolia has high prevalence and incidence of these diseases and high particulate matter levels in the world. 

Countries: Mongolia, United States

Sponsors: The Fogarty International Center (NIH)

Collaborators: Mongolia National University of Medical Sciences

Start Date: June 2022 | End Date: May 2027

Slowing Atherothrombosis Progression through Indoor Air Filtration: A Crossover Trial in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Adults with Ischemic Heart Disease History (SAPIA)

This project is a randomized crossover trial among Los Angeles residents with ischemic heart disease history to investigate the effect of 9-month indoor PM2.5 filtration on both levels and slopes of change in atherothrombosis biomarkers including arterial stiffness, blood pressure, targeted proinflammatory and prothrombotic markers, and novel proteomic makers, as well as CVD risk score.

Countries: United States

Sponsors: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH)

Collaborators: University of Southern California

Start Date: Sept 2022 | End Date: June 2027

Molecular Mechanisms for Resolving Air Pollution Induced Pulmonary Inflammation: Potential Differences by Asthma and Sex (RAPIDAS) 

This project aims to examine how PM2.5, a ubiquitous air pollutant, affects cellular biosynthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and the kinetics of inflammation resolution in the respiratory tract. The project is also to examine sex and asthma as potential modifiers of PM2.5 effects on inflammation resolution. This study uses a translational study framework integrating a human panel study and cell culture experiments. 

Countries: United States, United Kingdom

Sponsors: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH)

Collaborators: Imperial College London

Start Date: Sept 2023 | End Date: June 2028

Mental and Respiratory Health Impacts of the Maui WUI Fire in Children and Adults (MARI)

This time-sensitive project aims to assess the impact of the deadliest wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires in US history on mental and respiratory health in both child and adult victims. Assessments will be made at baseline and one year later with a goal to provide data, biospecimens and environmental samples for future investigation of long-term health effects and lasting community concerns. 

Countries: United States

Sponsors: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH)

Collaborators: University of Hawaii

Start Date: Sept 2024 | End Date: Aug 2026

Completed Research Grants

Potential Pathophysiologic Mechanisms Linking Air Pollution Exposure in Pregnant Women to Reduced Birth Weight 
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Main Principal Investigator

The Combined Influence of Outdoor and Indoor Pollutants on Acute Respiratory Response of School Children in China
Underwriters Laboratory. PI: Mike Bergin
Co-Investigator

Effects of Air Pollution on Cardiopulmonary Disease in Urban and Peri-urban Residents in Beijing (AIRLESS)
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Subcontract Principal Investigator

Health Assessment and Control Mechanisms for PM2.5 and Co-pollutants in the Built Environment
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Co-Investigator

Prospective Evaluation of Air Pollution, Cognition and Autism from Birth Onward
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)-NIH. PI: Heather Volk
Co-Investigator

Prenatal Tobacco Smoke, Genetic and Epigenetic Changes, and Respiratory Health
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)-NIH. PI: Carrie Breton
Co-Investigator

Risk Assessment for Manufactured Nanoparticles Used in Consumer Products (RAMNUC)
US Environmental Protection Agency and UK National Environmental Research Council
Principal Investigator and Program Director

Respiratory Effects of Silver and Carbon Nanoparticles (RESAC)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)-NIH
Principal Investigator and Center Director

Air Pollution Particle Effects on Human Antimycobacterial Immunity
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)-NIH. PI: Stephan Schwander
Co-Investigator

Influence of Indoor Air Filtration Strategies on Occupant Health Indicators
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Co-Principal Investigator