Rachel Conner100 Years of Malaria Prevalence in Zanzibar, East Africa This project presents and interprets 100 years of malaria prevalence data from the island of Zanzibar. Malaria control measures have been present in Zanzibar for over a century, and the island has been the site of a great deal of scientific hope and expectation. However, more than once, Zanzibaris have suffered epidemics of rebound malaria that were a direct result of international efforts to reduce malaria that failed. This project seeks to find and interpret available archival materials to construct a full history of malaria prevalence and control in Zanzibar. This project sources archival materials from the World Health Organization and Zanzibar National Archives, among others. All available prevalence data was extracted and compiled, and community-based surveys of children under 5 were selected as a marker of overall prevalence. Results indicate that in many cases, large-scale attempts to control malaria have initially been very successful, with rates decreasing as much as 80% in less than a decade. However, many projects begin with the goal of eradication, and even low rates of malaria may be perceived as a failure, leading to project termination. It is essential to use the historical record to understand the full picture of malaria control and understand how and when measures have been effective or ineffective. This better understanding of history isn’t just relevant for understanding the past—it is essential to future decisions regarding malaria control and prevention.
Jackson Valentine The Relationship Between Vehicle Emissions and Asthma The project's purpose was to find and draw a connection between airborne particle pollution and asthma rates in the United States. Data was gathered primarily from online sources such as articles published by the CDC and EPA. This data was compared with overall asthma data to infer a cumulative influence on asthma rates. Data specific to asthma and vehicular particulates was limited, but a plethora of data highlighted the harmful effects of particulate matter from similar sources. There was an increase in asthma rates for people located near roadways and big cities where elevated levels of vehicular pollutants were produced. The research results concluded that vehicle emissions directly correlate to overall asthma rates across the United States and that direct exposure to particulates should be minimized whenever possible. Long-term solutions could include the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles as an alternative to combustion engines. Furthermore, increasing distances to roadways whenever possible.
