Current methods for quantifying microplastics via LC-MS/MS analysis have been adapted from environmental monitoring protocols and are often inadequate for sampling within complex matrices. This study explores the application of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the detection of microplastics. The initial phase of this research utilized pork kidney samples to establish a baseline for background and efficacy of sample processing. These findings underscore the complexity of developing a sensitive and specific analytical technique for microplastics in tissues. The observed discrepancies in contamination and replicability between samples emphasize the need for continual method optimization.

A review of the experience of running a fully-remote, nationwide clinical trial centered around intermittent fasting and its effects on cognitive health in a midlife population that is living with stress, obesity, and a memory that is not as good as it used to be. As the two project managers, we had a myriad of responsibilities, which came with many challenges and successes. The preliminary results have been analyzed and the study is now in the process of manuscript development.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the progressive loss of cognitive function and memory, and is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer's disease targets the brain and is associated with the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates that disrupt neural network communication and lead to various facets of cognitive decline. Current problems in AD research originates from the inability to identify individuals that are at risk. With the limitations of patients already displaying signs of neurodegeneration, strategies for prevention are not effective. Through developing a comprehensive cognitive test that tests a range of mental abilities, data can be collected, and a longitudinal study can be proposed to track cognitive decline in a multifaceted approach over a period of time. Previous literature indicates that functional decline is present years before the manifestation of symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease. Identifying pre-diagnostic cognitive and functional changes could lead to an improved and wider selection for preventive treatment trials. By designing a comprehensive cognitive experiment, an initial data set was obtained, and trends related to time and answer response were analyzed. The scope, applications and limitations within this experimental design is discussed, and future directions are proposed.

Can Body Height and BMI predict cancer trends in humans? Using a dataset of 220,181 individuals, with 31,822 individuals having malignancy records, we found that body height (p < 2e-16) and Body Mass Index (BMI) (p < 5.6e-05) are significant predictors of developing cancer. After stratifying by sex, we determined that men and women face an elevated risk of developing cancer with increases in body height, but a very slight increase in cancer risk with increases in BMI.

Climate change is a well-known global threat to societal systems; however, its effects on the health of individuals are often less evident. Physicians who aim to properly treat patients holistically must be educated on the various forms of illness and disease projected to be exacerbated by climate change. Without this necessary climate education, physicians run the risk of being unable to fulfill the most sacred charge of the Hippocratic oath: Do No Harm. To ensure that physicians moving forward are prepared to face this new global health threat, the prevalence of climate change in current medical school curricula must be examined. Content analysis of publicly available medical school curricula in the Southwest U.S. was done using ChatGPT to track the frequency of climate health search terms. Medical school curricula analyzed included mandatory degree programs as well as optional dual degree programs or pathways for medical student education. Researchers found that medical schools within the Southwest region of the United States are not sufficiently preparing students to mitigate the regional effects of climate change on the health of patients. Mandatory medical degree curriculum does not sufficiently educate on climate health issues, nor is it present in Utah, New Mexico, or Colorado. Optional degrees and pathways are available to medical students to enroll in and may be sufficient to educate a medical student, but are not enticing enough to sufficiently educate all medical students. Some medical schools have recently conducted revisals of their mandatory curriculum and still show a lack of education available about climate health issues. The lack of educational resources for future providers could lead to detrimental health outcomes for patients, and medical schools in development should take the lead in educating their students about climate health issues.

This creative thesis project consists of a singing performance and literary review analysis. The interest for this project was fueled by my own experiences as an Undergraduate student with a musical background pursuing a major in Biological Sciences and minor in Business at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University. Through an exploration of current research, this project analyzes the transformative impacts of playing music on individuals’ academic, creative, and life skills. Through the literature review, I found that music improves academic performance in students, leads to cognitive brain development, develops critical life skills including communication and leadership, as well as increases self-expression as an emotional outlet. The main goal of this project was to shed light on the benefits of playing music through a singing performance of five pieces to showcase my musical abilities, as well as advocate for the necessity of music in the school curriculum.