Event Description
Dissertation Defense:
"Joint Effects of Environmental Risk Factors on Childhood Asthma
Exacerbation"
by Wanyu Huang, MS,
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
Dissertation advisors: Anneclaire De Roos and Amy Auchincloss
Multiple environmental factors are asthma exacerbation triggers, calling
for more epidemiologic studies to evaluate their joint effects. First, the
interactions were estimated between PM2.5 and aeroallergens (i.e., pollen,
molds) on childhood asthma exacerbation in Philadelphia, PA. Following, effects
of detected local respiratory virus infections were assessed – in modifying the
independent effects of PM2.5 and aeroallergens, respectively. Last, prediction
models were constructed, considering independent and joint effects of multiple
time-varying predictors (trigger levels), to identify local exposure scenarios
on days with higher-than-normal risk of exacerbation events.
Wanyu’s research focuses on different environmental epidemiologic issues.
Her research interest includes environmental triggers and allergic respiratory
outcomes. Her past research work assessed the effects of air pollutants on
childhood asthma exacerbation in the Philadelphia metropolitan region. In
addition, part of her research work also focuses on urban greenspace and
cardiovascular mortality.
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