Determining the Health Effects on Human Lungs Due to Air Pollution Exposure

Student Name: Tiankun Lu
UCD Department: Center for Health and the Environment
UCD Mentor: Dr. Laura Van Winkle

Tiankun’s project uses animal models to simulate health effects of exposure to air pollution on human lungs and involves the quantification and comparison of cellular damage caused by certain particulate matter (PM) between animals with different ages and between different compartments of lungs. Based on the previous work of his professor and through his own research, he might be able to determinethe harmful portion of air pollution and potential biomarkers for susceptibility to PM that could be used either to identify or to treat afflicted individuals. The findings might also serve as reference and guidance to the government in regard of making environmental regulations and health policies.