- Cardiovascular Medicine
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Matt Verdin and Zubin Yavar are both sophomores that work together with Dr. Qinghua Sun in the Divisions of Cardiovascular Medicine as well as Environmental Health. Zubin is studying biology, while Matt is majoring in philosophy. As freshmen, they presented at the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum and won an award in their division.
What specifically do you research? What projects are you currently working on?
Ohio has consistently been ranked one of the worst polluted states in the country. As residents and students in Ohio, we wanted to examine just exactly how that air pollution affected our bodies. In order to do this, we collected very small particles, known as fine particulate matter, and exposed a group of mice to the pollution. After a few months of exposure, we analyzed the mice to see what kind of effects the air pollution had on their cardiovascular systems. A childhood model of this study has yet to be carried out, so we have just recently begun a new project in which we are going to examine how exposure to air pollution in childhood affects the development of diabetes through adulthood.
How did you find this research topic?
The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA for short, teamed up with the College of Public Health to bring a few undergraduates to give them early exposure to the field. Our primary investigator got in touch with the URO, and an email was sent out to all first year students to apply. The position was to investigate how exposure to air pollution in childhood would increase susceptibility to diabetes in adulthood. The two of us applied and after an interview were selected for the project.
What have been the benefits of participating in research?
One of the things that was really beneficial was being able to see what we learned in the classroom, applied to current day research. Also, working with doctors, medical students, and everyone in the lab has not only helped us in learning the necessary techniques, but provided many mentors in our educational experience. Foremost, the position has simply been fun for the both of us, while still furthering our educational careers.
What advice would you give to current undergraduates who want to get involved in research?
One thing we want to really stress to our peers is to make sure to find an area of research that they will genuinely be interested in. All research is not the same, and for many students, this will most likely be their first research experience. Whether or not you sincerely care about the project of not has a huge impact on the kind of experience you get out of it.
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