Literature review, data analysis, and policy brief on heat stress, PM2.5 exposure, and reproductive health (pregnancy outcomes, female fertility, male fertility)
Layla Kwong, Professor
Public Health
Applications for Fall 2025 are closed for this project.
Global warming is increasing ambient temperatures, negatively impacting pregnancy outcomes, as well as a female and male fertility - but to what degree? And what are the mechanisms of effect? We have started integrating extensive research on heat and reproduction from animals with the more limited on humans to answer these questions. We have a number of studies-from systematic literature reviews to support of new data collection to analysis of existing data to writing policy briefs.
Role: Tasks:
Participating in a systematic review (reviewing articles and extracting data)
Analyzing data and preparing tables and figures to represent the data in a publication
Compiling finding for policy brief, drafting policy brief
Helping write manuscripts for publication
Learning outcomes:
Critically analyzing scientific literature
Communicating science to decision-makers and the public
The scientific writing and publishing process
Qualifications: Attention to detail and willingness to learn is required. Prior experience with reading and interpreting scientific literature, conducting data analysis and writing policy briefs is a plus. Students must commit to 6-8 hours per week during both Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Cara Schulte, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Work can be performed from any location, with weekly zoom check-ins
Environmental Issues Biological & Health Sciences