Department of Environmental Health Sciences Abstracts

Presenter(s): Zhongguo Huang

Showcase Advisor: Xiaobo Romeiko

Abstract: Background/Purpose: Traditional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) faces challenges in capturing spatial heterogeneity and temporal emission dynamics. This study innovates LCA by incorporating Artificial Intelligence to improve spatial explicitness and inventory precision.

Methods: A dual-component methodology is employed: (1) coupling a process-based biogeochemistry model with Machine Learning to generate spatially explicit inventories and identify key environmental drivers; and (2) implementing Computer Vision (CV) algorithms for real-time fruit freshness detection during distribution.

Results: Preliminary findings show that Greenhouse Gas (GHG) impacts of cover crop systems vary by ±5 times across hydrological units, primarily driven by management and climate. Additionally, CV-based monitoring achieved >85% accuracy in freshness assessment, facilitating optimized logistics that significantly mitigate waste-related emissions.

Conclusions: This integrated framework enhances the accuracy and policy relevance of LCA. By addressing spatial variance and post-harvest dynamics, it provides a comprehensive pathway for optimized resource allocation and substantial GHG reduction in agricultural supply chains.

Presenter(s): Molly McGrath

Showcase Advisor: Beth Feingold

Abstract: With increasing political polarization and widespread misinformation, discussions surrounding vaccinations have increasingly intersected with politics. College students navigating new environments are frequently exposed to these debates, particularly regarding the influenza vaccine. This study examines Instagram posts from 60 U.S. higher education institutions—community colleges, public universities, and private universities—across 20 states during September and October of 2024 and 2025. Institutions were classified by state political affiliation and higher-education sector. The analysis counts total flu vaccine–related posts and date of first post, then applies statistical tests to assess whether there are differences in promotion of the influenza vaccine by political context or institution type. We anticipate no significant association between political affiliation or institution type and vaccine promotion, as we expect to fail to reject the null hypothesis. This work contributes to understanding how public health messaging may be influenced by institutional and political factors.

Presenter(s): Oluwatomilayo Desalu

Showcase Advisor: Beth Feingold

Abstract: Malnutrition is a persistent public health issue in the Peruvian Amazon, disproportionately affecting women and children 0-5 years old. Despite the global recognition of Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) Scores for Women (MDD-W) and Children (MDD-C) as key nutrition indicators, they remain underutilized in this culturally diverse and ecologically unique region.

This poster describes a proposed study that will utilize the 2023-2025 RIOIMAS cohort data from Madre de Dios, Peru, focusing on assessing MDD, dietary intake (Food Frequency & 24-hour dietary recall), and anthropometric indicators such as weight-for-height (WHZ), height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and Body Mass Index for Age (BMIZ) in children. It will also evaluate body weight, height, and BMI in adults as indicators of nutritional status. Additionally, the study will examine biomarkers, including hemoglobin levels in children, blood lipid profiles, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels in adults, as health outcome markers.

Presenter(s): Alexis Powers

Showcase Advisor: Xiaobo Romeiko

Abstract: A recent review of ICU’s environmental impacts highlights two knowledge gaps. First, the quantification of ICU’s environmental impacts in the United States (US) lacking. Second, most of the existing studies only focus on greenhouse gas emissions, which don’t track other environmental health impacts. Multi-impact assessment is necessary to understand the comprehensive environmental impacts of ICU and to avoid problem shifts.

We propose to quantify the environmental impacts of ICUs with collaboration with nurses at Albany Medical Center. We will gather first-hand insights and knowledge about ICUs operations and then feed the insights into our in-house life cycle assessment (LCA)model to quantify the environmental impacts of ICUs via building a baseline LCA model. After this, we will assess and identify interventions which may simultaneously improve environmental performances while reducing costs. This is a US-based and multi-impact life-cycle assessment of an ICU, quantifying environmental impacts from energy, pharmaceuticals, medical consumables, and reprocessing.

Presenter(s): Aaima Syed

Showcase Advisor: Haider Khwaja

Abstract: Air pollution in Pakistan poses environmental and public health risks, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contributing to tropospheric ozone, secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects. Lahore, Pakistan is among the world’s most polluted cities and experiences severe air quality degradation driven by traffic, industrial emissions, and fossil fuel combustion. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of VOCs in Lahore, assessing concentrations, chemical reactivity, ozone and SOA formation potential, emission sources, and health risks. Ambient air samples were collected from seven urban locations and analyzed using GC-FID, GC-ECD, and GC-MS. Alkanes dominated VOCs (95.7%), with high levels of ethane, toluene, and benzene. Ozone formation potential was driven by reactive alkenes and aromatics, while SOA formation was dominated by toluene and benzene. Health risk assessment indicated that benzene, trichloromethane, and tetrachloroethylene exceeded the U.S. EPA cancer risk thresholds, highlighting urgent need for emission controls in Lahore.

Presenter(s): Ayotokunbo Egbontan

Showcase Advisor: Romeiko Xiaobo

Abstract: National and state policies incentivize Agrivoltaics (AV) to simultaneously ensure energy and food security. However, there is a lack of systematic quantification of AV's environmental impacts. This study used a process‑based life cycle assessment to compare AV with separate photovoltaic (PV) and open‑field lettuce systems. Using a system‑expanded functional unit of 218 kWh of electricity and 10.5 t of lettuce from a 0.6‑ha field, on‑farm measurements were integrated with the supply‑chain emission dataset. Results show that AV slightly reduces environmental impacts, achieving lower global warming potential (1,747 vs. 1,824 kg CO₂‑eq), cumulative energy demand (50,704 vs. 51,182 MJ), and water footprint (6,512 vs. 6,516 m³). AV also reduced land use by 50%. Lettuce production dominated impacts in both systems, while PV manufacturing drove electricity‑related burdens. Sensitivity analyses indicate that yield reductions up to 20% do not negate AV’s advantages, confirming it as a land‑efficient, environmentally beneficial food–energy strategy.

Presenter(s): Sihao Song

Showcase Advisor: Shao Lin

Abstract: Little is known about whether psychotropic medication use modifies the association between heat exposure and psychiatric disorders. This study assessed the modifying effect of psychotropic medication use on heat-related risks for psychiatric disorder–related emergency department (ED) visits and examined potential effect modification by months, comorbidity burden, and demographic characteristics. Heat effects were estimated using conditional logistic regression models, with analyses stratified by psychotropic medication use. Heat-related risks were stronger among patients taking psychotropic medications (OR = 1.079, 95% CI: 1.027–1.135 at lag 0–2) than among those not taking these medications (OR = 1.020, 95% CI: 1.000–1.039). Stronger associations were observed among users of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics/sedative-hypnotics. Higher heat effects were also found during transitional seasons (May and September–October) and among patients with higher comorbidity burden, females, older adults (≥65 years), Black individuals, and Medicaid-insured patients. These findings suggest that psychotropic medication use may increase vulnerability to heat-related psychiatric ED visits.

Presenter(s): Alina Campbell

Showcase Advisor: Gary Ginsberg

Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent pollutants that lack substantial degradability in the environment. PFAS such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been used in a wide array of consumer products, for their hydrophobicity and grease-resistant properties. Petersburgh NY, is selected for the current analysis because biomonitoring and drinking water (DW) testing found elevated PFOA levels in resident serum and private wells. Our findings confirm this as >90% of Petersburgh residents’ serum exceed the NHANES GM for PFOA. Matching biomonitoring data with environmental samples showed serum and DW levels do not follow expected patterns consistently, and results for approximately 80 residents suggest additional exposure sources. This study seeks to identify these sources in Petersburgh and evaluate outliers. To do so, this work will survey residents, utilize spatial analyses, and pharmacokinetic modelling. This research aims to help drive the national effort assessing PFAS exposure and inform tools to identify at-risk populations.

Presenter(s): Tasnim Ahmed

Showcase Advisor: Erin Bell

Abstract: The thyroid plays a pivotal role in the human body, interacting with many physiological systems. Studies have shown that toxic metals can dysregulate the thyroid's function, altering its metabolism and resulting in thyroid related diseases like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. This poster summarizes the literature to date on the association between thyroid function and exposure to four metals: cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and manganese (Mn). A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed to examine exposure prevalence to these four metals and thyroid function. Evidence shows a clear association between thyroid dysfunction and Cd exposure. However, the associations with Hg, Pb, and Mn appear inconsistent. This study will aid in the future development of an analysis on the association between the thyroid and the four metals in two NY communities within the PFAS Multi-Site Health Study (MSS): the City of Newburgh and Village of Hoosick Falls.

Presenter(s): Ese Oghaghare

Showcase Advisor: David Carpenter

Abstract: Background: PCBs persist and may contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD), but evidence at contemporary exposures and the role of socioeconomic status (SES) are limited.

Objective: Estimated the association between serum PCBs and prevalent CVD and test modification by SES.

Methods: NHANES 1999–2002 participants ≥12 years with PCB measures (n≈10,277). Twenty-one lipid-adjusted congeners were summed (ΣPCB) and log-transformed. CVD was self-reported physician diagnosis of CHF, CHD, angina, MI, or stroke. Missing covariates were imputed (m=20). Survey-weighted logistic regression and spline models assessed dose–response. SES was poverty–income ratio (PIR) tertiles; interaction was evaluated on multiplicative and additive scales.

Results: Mean ΣPCB was ~235 ng/g lipid; CVD prevalence was 8.4%. Each 1-unit increase in lnΣPCB was associated with higher CVD odds (aOR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.04–1.69) with a linear relationship. PIR interaction was not significant; additive interaction was weak.

Conclusions: Background PCB exposure is independently associated with prevalent CVD; SES modification appears minimal.

Presenter(s): Emily Forand

Showcase Advisor: Wendy Patterson

Abstract: Background: The New York State (NYS) Trauma Registry (NYSTR) receives case reports from designated trauma centers in NYS on patients identified and treated for traumatic injury. This analysis investigated pediatric trauma incidents to determine trends over time, type of trauma incidents, as well as geographic and demographic characteristics.

Methods: NYSTR incidents for children aged 14 years and younger were identified for years 2018-2022. Incidence, mechanism of injury, injury severity score, intention, location where the injury occurred, and mortality were analyzed.

Results: NYSTR received a total of 21,434 pediatric trauma incidents submitted by both Adult and Pediatric trauma centers. The leading cause of pediatric trauma was falls (50.85%), while firearm related pediatric trauma had the highest case fatality rate (5.76%).

Conclusions: These findings were compiled into a report that presented summary statistics and trends of pediatric trauma related incidents at designated trauma centers in NYS from 2018–2022.

Presenter(s): Amelia Brown

Showcase Advisor: Beth Feingold

Abstract: Recently, there has been a sharp rise in concerns related to Community Water Fluoridation, citing potential risks and infringement of personal freedom. However, water fluoridation has been hailed as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century by the CDC. Despite this, many people remain skeptical and water fluoridation is left up to the discretion of local health departments. My research will evaluate the correlation between the percentage of the population served by fluoridated water and the rate of dental caries in children aged 3-5 across New York State Counties.

Presenter(s): Kevin Munir

Showcase Advisor: Xiaobo Romeiko

Abstract: The rapid expansion of cloud computing, streaming services, and digital technologies has increased the environmental footprint of data centres worldwide. Data centres have tripled their energy load over the past decade, now consuming 1.5% of global electricity, with US data centres alone reaching 4.4% of national energy use and projected to double again by 2030. Examining energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water use associated with data centre infrastructure and information and communication technologies (ICT) is necessary for the sustainable growth of data centres and national energy security. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methods in conjunction with process-based energy modelling have been applied to evaluate environmental impacts across infrastructure production, operation, and cooling systems. Electricity consumption is the primary contributor to environmental impacts due to the carbon intensity of grid power. However, improvements in server efficiency, virtualisation, and cooling technologies have helped moderate energy growth despite increasing digital demand.

Presenter(s): Sarah Barber

Showcase Advisor: Sara Adams

Abstract: Families living in economically challenged neighborhoods often struggle with securing essential infant items due to cost and travel logistics. Baby item libraries are a novel community-based approach to supporting economically vulnerable families by providing no-cost rentals of gently used baby furniture. This internship contributed to the development and implementation of a Baby Item Library program at Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region, a nonprofit serving Albany families. Methods included conducting a full inventory audit, developing a standardized item processing system, creating a digitized inventory catalogue, and implementing procedures to ensure product safety. Results were the development of a public website with integrated inventory management software, allowing families to reserve library items with improved tracking of loans. To support program continuity, standard operating procedures and training materials were developed for staff and volunteers. Strong operational systems enhance the accessibility and sustainability of community programs that promote maternal and child health.

Presenter(s): Stephanie Zaloom

Showcase Advisor: Shao Lin

Abstract: Legionnaires’ disease (LD) peaks in warmer periods, and evidence of combined and interactive roles of weather factors in relation to LD is lacking. We assessed warm season associations between LD and multi-meteorological factors’ individual and joint effects. The time-stratified case-crossover study utilized New York State (NYS) Mesonet data (extreme heat (T90), high pressure (HP), relative humidity (RH), rainfall amount (RA), diurnal temperature range (DTR), solar radiation (SR)) and NYS LD hospitalizations (May-October, 2017-2023). Conditional logistic regression examined associations (lag 0-14 days). Individually, HP, RA and SR were strongly associated with LD hospitalization. Significant joint effects for combined T90-HP-lowSR were observed; especially alongside highRA-highRH. Positive interactions were seen between T90-RH and T90-HP. HP, SR, and RH showed positive associations in summer months (July/August). We found that combinations or interactions showed greater risk than individual factors. Further study of weather factors’ joint effects and potential interplay with exposure sources is needed.

Presenter(s): Randy Tangang

Showcase Advisor: Shao Lin

Abstract: Background: limited studies on the individual and joint health effects of multiple winter factors on the autoimmune diseases (AD).  In this study, we aimed to 1) investigate health risks of winter weather factors on overall AD and specific autoimmune subtypes in New York State (NYS). 2) examine whether the associations by different months, interactions and demographic characteristics.

Method: AD hospitalization data from 2017 – 2022 were obtained from NYS Department of Health. We collected daily meteorological data from the NYS Mesonet, including extreme cold (EC), low pressure (LP), snow depth (SD), relative humidity (RH), freezing rain (FR), and windchill (WC).

Results: Our results indicated the positive associations for all individual factors, with the highest risk observed in LP exposure (RR = 1.124, 95% CI: 1.111–1.137). stronger effects were observed in joints, interactions and transitional months of March.

Conclusion: We observe positive associations between all individual winter, joint effects, and interaction effects.

Presenter(s): Junrong Ma

Showcase Advisor: Shao Lin

Abstract: Evidence on effects of multi-weather factors on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remains limited, we examined the individual and combined effects of multiple meteorological factors and their interactions on heat-CVD associations. We conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study of CVD outpatient visits in New York State (NYS) during warm seasons (May-October), 2017-2020. Meteorological data were obtained from the NYS Mesonet including extreme heat (EH), solar radiation (SR), relative humidity (RH), low pressure (LP), and precipitation. Conditional logistic regression was used adjusting for PM2.5, O3, and holidays. SR showed the strongest independent association with CVD, followed by RH, heat index, and EH (RR range: 1.02-1.06, all p-values < 0.05), while LP and precipitation were not significant. The highest joint risk (RR: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.04-1.18) occurred under co-occurring high temperature, SR, and precipitation, combined with low pressure, RH, and rainfall duration. Notably, SR and LP emerged as key modifiers that amplified EH effects.

Presenter(s): Ryan Gainor

Showcase Advisor: Kurunthachalam Kannan

Abstract: Urine and serum are critical biofluids that provide insights into a patient’s health and disease burden. In the present study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the analysis of 18 human serum biomarkers of oxidative stress, nitrative stress, and metabolic disorder. The method was applied for the analysis of 15 serum samples, and the results were compared with paired urine samples. The mean volumetric concentrations of MDA, and the prostaglandin isomers were significantly increased in serum (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation (ρ = 0.775, p < 0.05) existed between the concentrations of CML. Our results suggest that the select biomarkers analyzed in urine and serum exhibited distinct profiles.  The human health implications of biomarkers measured in urine relative to those in serum require further investigation. Combining urinary and serum biomarkers can offer a more comprehensive approach to disease diagnosis, monitoring, and personalized medicine.

Presenter(s): Ivana Zivkovic

Showcase Advisor: Bryan Duffy

Abstract: Short-chain volatile methyl siloxanes (VMS) are widely used in personal care and industrial products. They have replaced hydrocarbon solvents and enhanced product performance while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, their volatility, hydrophobicity, and widespread use raise concerns about persistence and transport in the environment as well as potential health impacts. The objective of this study is to develop a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical method and to assess the extent of cyclic (D3–D6) and linear (L2–L5) siloxane contamination in surface and drinking waters across New York State. Drinking and surface water samples will be collected across the Hudson River Valley. A GC-MS Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) method will be optimized to improve detection limits, reduce common siloxane background interference, and quantify eight target siloxanes in the environment. The findings will provide new insight into the distribution, fate, and transport of siloxanes and potential sources of human exposure.

Presenter(s): Alex Godinez

Showcase Advisor: Temilayo Adeyeye

Abstract: Background: Environmental epidemiological studies characterize ozone exposure using mean concentrations, extreme values, or percentiles, without examining whether temporal variability independently predicts cardiovascular disease.

Objective: To compare five ozone exposure metrics, including temporal variability (standard deviation), as predictors of county level cardiovascular disease mortality in adults aged 35-64 years.

Methods: We analyzed 42,794 county-year observations (2001- 2014), aggregating daily census-tract ozone predictions to five annual metrics. Random Forest regression with SHAP analysis identified dominant predictors and exposure-response relationships.

Results: Annual standard deviation of daily MDA8 ozone had the highest permutation importance (0.052), exceeding the 95th percentile (0.047), median (0.043), mean (0.042), and maximum (0.028). SHAP analysis showed strongest mortality impacts when high variability co-occurred with elevated mean concentrations, particularly in less populous counties.

Conclusions: Ozone exposure variability outperformed mean concentrations as a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in this dataset.

Presenter(s): Francis Ofori-Awuku

Showcase Advisor: David Carpenter

Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants widely detected in U.S. drinking water and associated with immune, metabolic, developmental, and carcinogenic health effects. Despite growing regulatory attention, federal monitoring and risk assessment frameworks have historically evaluated PFAS as individual compounds, particularly PFOA and PFOS, even though environmental exposure occurs through complex mixtures of co-occurring PFAS. This mismatch between exposure reality and regulatory design limits cumulative risk assessment and may obscure disparities in chemical burden across communities served by public water systems. Using data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5; 2023–2025), this study conducts a national assessment of PFAS contamination in drinking water. The study identifies empirically derived PFAS mixture profiles, evaluates whether mixture complexity varies across sociodemographic and environmental justice indicators, and examines implications for regulatory compliance under emerging PFAS drinking water standards.

Presenter(s): Marco Eugene

Showcase Advisor: Xiaobo Romeiko

Abstract: Emergency food systems rely on donations from a diverse range of donors. However, the supply of donated food can fluctuate over time and may be influenced by external shocks (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic). Additionally, the redistribution of donated food may be uneven across communities, resulting in spatial disparities in food access. Here, we examine the structural resilience and spatial redistribution patterns of a food donation network before and during the COVID-19 pandemic by analyzing historical donation data from partnering emergency food organizations. Our analysis indicates that the donation network is largely driven by a relatively small number of large donors that account for most of the total donation volume. At the same time, small and medium donors contribute to network diversification, which may enhance system resilience and stability during periods of disruption such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotspot analysis further reveals uneven spatial redistribution patterns across communities.

Presenter(s): Joseph Teson

Showcase Advisor: Patrick Parsons

Abstract: Analyses of human placenta tissues can provide important information on nutritional trace element status and exposure to toxic elements in utero. Repositories containing archived formalin-fixed placentae represent a potentially rich source of biospecimens for neonatal exposure studies. However, there are concerns that exogenous contamination or leaching of key analytes during formalin fixation may compromise specimen integrity. To evaluate the effect of formalin fixation on trace element content of human placenta, we analyzed 196 paired fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed samples collected by three cohorts in the NIH-funded Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. Placenta tissues were analyzed for 7 essential trace elements and 19 non-essential toxic elements using a method developed for Inductively Coupled Plasma Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). Except for copper, these data suggest the analysis of formalin-fixed placenta is largely unreliable for determining the trace element content and by extension, assessing environmental exposures in utero.