Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

项目总结/文摘

Project Summary/Abstract The evidence is strong that underrepresentation of minorities in the STEM fields is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. One of the objectives of this proposal is to recruit, support, and mentor a trainee, Mr. Myron Lard, from an underrepresented background, for Project 5 of LSU Superfund Research Center – Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (NIEHS grant #2-P42ES013648-09) through a research supplement to promote diversity in health-related research (following PA-21-071). The aim of the research at the LSU Center is to understand how environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are formed and how they impact pulmonary and cardiovascular health, as well as to develop prevention, remediation, and human health protective strategies based on fundamental physical, chemical, and biological understanding, with Project 5 focusing on the fundamental physical and chemical understanding. The project can be viewed as two components. The first component is the scientific research in which laboratory-generated EPFR systems, mimicking EPFR-containing soils, will be studied to determine if 1) EPFR formation by multiple redox centers is additive and 2) biological inputs, such as laccase, induce further EPFR formation beyond that seen in abiotic systems. The laboratory-generated EPFRs will then be studied by advanced analytical methods to gain an atomic-level understanding of EPFR formation and the nature of the formed EPFRs. Subsequently, and in conjunction with Projects 1 and 2, biological exposure to the laboratory-generated EPFRs will be performed, with the main goal of using atomic-level information to predict the nature and magnitude of the biological responses to these EPFRs. In addition to the experimental training, in the second component of this project, Mr. Lard will be mentored in scientific research presentation skills, new methodologies, methods for enhancing rigor and the reproducibility of data as well as data sharing, the Responsible Conduct of Research, grant writing, and career development. When combined, these training activities will enhance Myron's research capabilities, particularly in the field of biomedical research.