The CIRCLE Grant Projects (2020-2024) 

Through the Pierret Lab at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, students will work on novel experiments, designed based on their specific research interests, using Zebrafish as their model. Students will also conduct literature reviews, and then work closely with mentors to develop experiments and drive research forward. Dr. Pierret will guide students toward presentation and publication.

Of the 2,639 protein-coded genes predicted in the genome of Kytococcus sedentarius, 777 have been designated as hypothetical. Students will use bioinformatics tools to annotate and investigate these hypothetical genes. Data will be kept in digital notebooks, uploaded after completion, and shared with the microbial genomics community.

Using state of the art air pollution particulate matter (PM2.5) monitors, students will investigate variations and trends in PM2.5 in both indoor and outdoor settings.  Students will design and carry out their own research projects, while working directly with scientists from the University of Montana.  Student-led research projects will address questions such as:  What is the air pollution exposure within my home or school?  How do sources of air pollution such as air fresheners, cooking, and cleaning activities influence indoor air pollution?  What impacts do specific sources such as vehicles have on outdoor air quality?

Students will be trained in creating and identifying healthcare service areas, incidence, prevalence, past methodology for developing Rational Service Areas (RSAs), and where services are utilized. Students will also research population characteristics, data on healthcare systems, geographical characteristics, and existing healthcare systems data in order to define RASs in Hawaii. Results may be submitted for publication, and funding goes towards subsequent projects based on questions developed during initial investigation.

Students will conduct literature reviews and quantitative analysis to explore gaps in research specific to population health in Hawaii and to identify sub-populations that use the emergency room frequently. Students working on this project will learn how to develop research questions that help policymakers to make decisions on our behalf and will learn how to extract data needed to answer these questions. Results will be submitted for publication and will be disseminated at academic and professional conferences.

Students will be trained in basic research methodology, organizing, implementing, and evaluating student research activities from the UH West Oahu Student Research and Creative Works Symposium. This biannual event is designed to showcase student research and presentation skills. Students will also analyze preliminary quantitative and qualitative data collected from survey evaluation efforts of the event. Results may be submitted for publication and shared in academic and professional spaces.

Research Question: How many doctors do we have in Hawaii? How many doctors do we need?

Students will learn research methodology to figure out the answer to this question and will use the data they collect to compare the supply and demand of physician needs across the state of Hawaii.