Projects

Norman Chamusah

Research:

Norman is a PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Michigan State University. Norman's current research work seeks to understand the relationship between placental histopathology and perinatal outcomes. An abundant body of evidence has revealed that the intrauterine environment has profound effects on fetal development and health across life course, for example birth weight, neurodevelopment and obesity. Even though the placenta is available from every delivery, few are routinely evaluated. As a result, we lack sufficient information on the mechanism by which placental health relates to birth outcomes, child development and adult health. He is further interested in applying machine learning methods to placental research and perinatal health.

Outreach Project:

Norman fundraises and volunteers for Nyaka, an organization based in Lansing but looking after AIDs orphans in Uganda. In the past he has run the 2020 and 2021 New York Marathon to raise donations to support this impactful organization. Funds donated not only increased Nyaka's ability to provide tuitions, shoes and uniforms for its 800 students, but also help fund community library, health clinic, and robotics and chemistry labs. Additionally, 20,000 grannies who have taken in 80,000 orphans and vulnerable children have been provided with micro loans, new homes, clean water and latrines. Nyaka Global

Kelsi Morris

Research

Kelsi’s research focuses on maternal health and birth outcomes. Pregnancy is a time of increased energy needs, as well as a time of differences in hormonal balances in the body. Various diet and lifestyle factors may impact a woman’s health during pregnancy, and it is important to study how these factors may be associated with the health of the mother and her baby. Kelsi has so far worked on projects that look at diet during pregnancy and gestational weight gain, as well as projects that focus on pesticide exposure and various metabolic and inflammatory blood markers in pregnant women.

Outreach Project

Kelsi plans to volunteer at Michigan State University’s Graduate Women in Science for Girls Math and Science Day. This day is centered around working with middle school girls and giving them an opportunity to participate in different science and math-based activities that are led by students at MSU.

Lisa Zou

Research:

Lisa's research focuses on the mechanisms of early pregnancy. Lisa is interested in the advancement of the application engineering principles and designs in medicine to develop methods to improve healthcare. In her current research projects, Lisa is developing methods for modeling the uterine environment within 3D scaffolding micro-environments to study early pregnancy embryo movement before implantation, as well as studying the nature of uterine contractions at this stage.

Outreach Project:

Lisa plans to volunteer at Michigan State University (MSU) Science Festival 2024. The MSU Science festival celebrates how science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) touch everyday lives and shape the future. This event is about broadening public access to educational opportunities and promoting science literacy in our communities.