Spring/Summer 2011
Welcome to the latest edition of the School of Public Health's magazine, Interaction. This edition highlights the significant autism research being conducted by the School of Public Health's faculty and students as well plans for a new, first-of-its kind autism research center.
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FEATURE ARTICLES
Can Public Health Science Unlock the Mysteries of Autism?
One in 110 children in the US are diagnosed with autism, but the causes of the disorder remain unknown. Researchers at the Drexel University School of Public Health are exploring the interplay of genetics and the environment to unlock the mysteries of autism.
President Fry Announces New Autism Institute at Drexel
John A. Fry, the 14th president of Drexel University, announced during his Investiture Speech the creation of a new, first-of-its kind autism institute at the School of Public Health.
Finding the EARLI Causes of Autism
The Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) study is one of the largest prospective studies of autism to date. Led by Drexel's Dr. Craig Newschaffer, the study brings together top researchers from across the country.
Past as Prologue: A Historical View of Autism
From cold, unemotional "refrigerator mothers" stunting their child's development, to MMR vaccines, blame for the cause of autism has shifted substantially. While science has disproven both theories, there remains a deep need for communicating research findings in ethical and appropriate ways.
Monitoring Environmental Impacts on the Mind Across a Lifespan
Dr. Lee is the principal investigator in a pilot study of blood markers during fetal and prenatal life and the risk of autism in childhood as well as lead researcher on a study of gene-environment impact on risk of Alzheimer's disease.
STUDENTS AND ALUMNI
More Overseas Partnerships to Find the Causes of Autism
Nicole Gidaya, PhD student, explores the role of prenatal exposure to prescription drugs on risk of autism.
Training First Responders for Patients with Autism
William Ezzo, MPH, '11, explores training given to firefighters, EMS personnel for helping autistic patients.
Improving ASD Awareness in Diverse Communities
Allysia Houser, MPH, '11, explores role of diversity in awareness, diagnosis and treatment of autism.
Leah Guinn Awarded First Place in KaiserEDU Essay Contest
First-year MPH student Leah Guinn was recently awarded top prize in the graduate category of the KaiserEDU Essay Contest, identifying next steps for health reform.
Spending Spring Break Helping Others in Guatemala
First-year MPH student Emily Burke traveled to Guatemala during Spring Break, where she worked with various public health officials to learn about local health concerns.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Vitamin D, Exercise and Social Connections Help Elderly Stay Healthy
Dr. Yvonne Michael and Dr. Longjian Liu recently contributed to studies linking vitamin D, exercise and social connections to reduction of injury and disease in older individuals.
Exploring Neighborhood Environments, Social Stress and Cognitive Decline
Dr. Brian Lee recently led a study which found that living in a pscyhosocially hazardous neighborhood can worsen cognitive function for elderly adults with a gene linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Study: Racism Shapes Cancer-Related Health Behaviors
Dr. Anne Klassen, associate dean for research at the Drexel University School of Public Health, was recently published as co-author a study linking racism to cancer-related health behaviors.
Trees and Parks Equal Healthier Births
Dr. Yvonne Michael was lead co-author on a report which found that women living in urban houses near trees were less likely to deliver undersized babies.
SCHOOL NEWS
Western Health Advantage Funds Community Public Health Grant at Sacramento Graduate Studies Center
SPH Welcomes New Dean's Advisory Council Members