Research & Projects

Project 1

The Effects of Mutated Amyloid Peptide Expression in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that currently affects over 55 million people worldwide and is expected to affect closer to 140 million people by 2050. AD is characterized by plaques composed of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide, which aggregates and is believed to be a major cause of neurodegeneration in AD. Recent research has demonstrated that amyloid alpha (Aα, commonly known as P3), a truncated form of Aβ without the first 16 amino acids, also aggregates and induces neurodegeneration.

Objectives

A series of assays were used to compare the phenotypes of WT (non-expressing) flies, flies expressing WT Aβ, and flies expressing the mutated forms of Aβ. We began by comparing the phenotypes of flies expressing the various forms of Aβ in the eyes by expressing WT and mutated forms of Aβ exclusively in the developing neurons of the eyes using a GMR-Gal4 driver.

Results

We have shown that flies expressing WT Aβ in eye neurons show defects in eye morphology, and hypothesize that expression of the mutant forms of Aβ will lead to a less severe phenotype. This research will provide essential information about structural elements of Aβ that contribute to its neurotoxicity and may guide the development of more effective therapeutics.

Project 2

Disease Vectors in Cuajiniquil Costa Rica: Implications for Public Health Strategies

Vector-borne diseases pose a significant global health concern, affecting communities worldwide and causing substantial morbidity and economic repercussions. In Costa Rica, several neglected tropical diseases transmitted by vectors impact public health. However, vector-borne diseases in rural areas like Cuajiniquil are underresearched, leading to gaps in understanding disease transmission and prevention. Mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes genus, are pivotal in transmitting Dengue fever within Cuajiniquil. Additionally, Chagas disease, transmitted by Triatoma dimidiata, remains largely unexplored in Cuajiniquil despite its substantial impact on the populace of Costa Rica.

Objectives

This research sought to evaluate the population proportion of Aedes mosquitoes and investigate the presence of Chagas disease in Cuajiniquil. This study also highlights public health approaches for Dengue and Chagas disease prevention in Cuajiniquil, as well as the potential for telemedicine to reduce rural health disparities.

Results

The findings highlighted that 22.22% of captured mosquitoes belonged to the Aedes genus, with four identified as Aedes albopictus. The Aedes mosquitoes displayed the highest activity between 9-10 AM and 5:30-6:30 PM, and no presence was recorded after nightfall. These Aedes mosquitoes were concentrated in the central area of Barrio Cuajiniquil and the Mangroves. The findings also showed a low population of Triatoma dimidiata; however, examination of the specimen revealed the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the disease-causing agent, indicating the existence of Chagas disease within Cuajiniquil.

Project 3

CHRIS Diabetes Project

The CHRIS Diabetes Project is an addition to Dr. Sherrie Kaplan's Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funded grant integrating the self-reported quality of life information from children (ages 4-12) with Type 1 diabetes into routine clinical practice to study the impact of diabetes treatment and treatment intensification on both clinical outcomes and children's quality of life. This study is being conducted at Children's Hospital of Orange County, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and Tufts Floating Hospital in Boston. We now have supplemental funding to expand this study to include adults with Type 1 and 2 diabetes seen at UCI to study the impact of telemedicine in response to COVID-19 and the addition of diabetes quality of life information for adults on the quality of care for diabetes.

Objectives

The goals of this research are to study whether the effects of having diabetes related quality of life information available at the time of a visit improves diabetes care, and whether telemedicine vs. in-person care affects diabetes quality and outcomes.

Results

Ongoing.

Project 4

From Classroom to Career: Identifying Challenges and Solutions in Healthcare Education Pathways at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC

The increasing demand for healthcare professionals underscores the importance of examining the academic and institutional barriers undergraduate students face when pursuing health-related careers. This study investigates these challenges among students at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), with a focus on academic preparedness, financial constraints, and access to career development resources.

Objectives

Using survey data from 37 UCSC undergraduates majoring in Global and Community Health and Human Biology, this study highlights the unique struggles of first-generation students and children of migrant farmworkers.

Results

The findings indicate that many students lack structured career preparation, mentorship, and early clinical exposure. First-generation students and students from farmworker backgrounds report difficulties navigating prerequisite courses, academic advising, and securing hands-on clinical or internship opportunities, which are essential for career advancement. Additionally, many express dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of healthcare career advising and the alignment of their coursework with their professional aspirations. To address these gaps, this paper recommends implementing a "Careers in Health" course for lower-division students, expanding mentorship programs, improving academic advising, increasing clinical training opportunities, and reassessing the Global and Community Health curriculum to better prepare students for diverse healthcare pathways.

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