Although cardiovascular disease is not typically diagnosed until mid-life, risk factors for the disease including high blood pressure and stress can begin early in life.

 

We hope to learn more about how very low levels of lead in children’s blood can affect their cardiovascular health.

 

This information will increase our understanding of why some children are on a trajectory toward increased risk of cardiovascular disease in mid-life and more importantly, what can be done to reduce the risk.

“My son recently participated in a medical study and I would like to recommend the experience to other families. The worst part was, of course, having his blood drawn, but after that the rest was easy and interesting. Although it took several hours of our time I felt that it was a very educational experience. We learned about several medical procedures (and saw a video of his heart beating), observed firsthand how data is collected (2 days of saliva samples, for example), visited an exercise lab at SU, and had many discussions about why they might have asked certain questions or gathered certain data. The motivator for my son was that he got paid $100, but I think he actually got much more out of it than that. I would recommend the experience for other kids especially if you think they might be interested in science, medicine, or related fields. Note: although it is called the Syracuse Lead Study they are studying kids with any level of lead (even a very small amount), as we all carry some level of toxins in our body. –K”

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The Syracuse Lead study is a four year project that is supported by a National Institutes of Health grant. We offer internship opportunities for students looking to gain first-hand research experience (internships are for course credit only). The study tests the effects of lead and other environmental toxicants on children’s cardiovascular system. Participants are children ages 9-11, from the Syracuse area and consider their race either black or white.  Eligible participants will take part in a venous blood draw, survey and assessment measures, 2 echo-cardiograms, anthropometric measures and psycho-physiological stress reactivity.We will then analyze the results to demonstrate connections between harmful environmental factors and cardiovascular health.

Intern tasks:

• CITI Training – required*
• Interaction with participants
• Task administration
• Data collection and reporting
• Literature review for website and possible publication
• Procedure development: reviewing/editing procedures performed during subject testing.

Internships are available during the academic year and summer session, there is a particular need for summer session (we are able to offer a flexible schedule for May, June, July and/or August).
Preference will be given to students that are able to complete an independent study prior to their internship

 

*To apply for an internship:

Please download the following form: SLS Internship Application

Submit form to:  Bryce Hruska: 124 White Hall or email to bjhruska@syr.edu

*CITI training is required by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for everyone on the research team, including interns. This training program is completed online and covers ethical research practices.  Upon completion, certification is valid for three years.

 

 

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