Faculty member: Chan Li

Project name: PARC Study

Project goals: Our research team is launching a pilot study (the PARC Study) to explore how exercising in areas with different air pollution levels affects health among middle-aged sedentary adults in Buffalo. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: exercising in a high-pollution area, exercising in a low-pollution area, or serving as a control group with no formal exercise sessions. Over three months, we will collect blood and urine samples, monitor heart rate variability, blood pressure, and physical activity using wearable devices, and track compliance with the exercise program. The primary goal is to assess feasibility and gather preliminary data on the interplay between physical activity, air pollution, and cardiovascular measures.

Project tasks: We seek a motivated student assistant to help recruit participants, organize study visits, and assist with data collection. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in clinical research, health promotion, and environmental epidemiology while contributing to important public health insights.

Duration of research experience: Any

Time commitment: 4-5 hours

Will this be in person or remote: In the community