Bacterial and viral transmission risks of environmental surfaces and in residential environments

• Contaminated environmental surfaces—such as medical equipment, floors, walls, worksurfaces, etc.—have been linked to the spread of both healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and community acquired infections. Such surfaces require the consideration of materials used in our built community and residential environments, and cleaning protocols that may prevent them from harboring biological pathogens.
• This project is especially interested in elucidating the role of materials in the persistence and harboring of biological pathogens, establishing recommendations for materials to use in built environments, and reviewing the efficacy of decontamination protocols for the built environment.

Biological contaminants of firefighter gear and stations

• About 80% of firefighters’ duty time is spent responding to emergency medical service (EMS) calls. Firefighters are exposed to biological contaminants when responding to these calls, and may carry these contaminants in their gear to their stations, personal vehicles, and homes.
• This project is especially interested in quantifying the potential bacterial and viral pathogen exposures faced by firefighters, understanding the persistence of these pathogens, and their potential implications on firefighters’ health long-term.

Lily’s Pad – A safe play area for immunocompromised children.

• Children with various medical conditions or on various medical treatments are often left with weaker immune systems. They are often unable to enjoy public play areas with other children, as other children may transmit disease or play area materials may harbor pathogens.
• This project is interested in proposing materials to use in the design of a safe play area for immunocompromised children.