Western Michigan University Researchers Investigate Climate Change Resilience
Dr. Bilinda Straight and Dr. Duy Ngo are conducting research on the impacts of drought on human adaptation and climate change resilience. Their study focuses on the Samburu people in Northern Kenya, examining how environmental stressors affect children’s health. Utilizing advanced statistical methods, they have uncovered significant developmental differences in affected individuals. Their ongoing research aims to understand long-term resilience amid climate challenges.
In a collaboration between Dr. Bilinda Straight and Dr. Duy Ngo at Western Michigan University, researchers are exploring how environmental stressors, particularly drought, impact human adaptation and climate change resilience. The research is rooted in Straight’s long-term studies on the Samburu people of Northern Kenya, where she witnessed severe droughts firsthand, prompting her to investigate their health consequences, especially for children.
To study the long-term effects of drought, Straight teamed up with Dr. Belinda Needham from the University of Michigan and received a National Science Foundation grant. They are comparing developmental outcomes between sibling pairs, examining how drought exposure during pregnancy affects children’s health and development. Collecting data in remote areas has proved challenging, necessitating thorough interviews with mothers about their experiences during pregnancy amid environmental stressors.
Dr. Duy Ngo brings statistical expertise to the project, applying advanced methods to analyze extensive epigenetic data. His use of Bayesian approaches allows for contextual analysis of complex datasets, enhancing the research’s breadth. Together, they have already identified significant epigenetic changes in siblings affected by drought, emphasizing the critical role of environmental factors on gene expression and development.
Additionally, Ngo is mentoring students, including Xi Qiao, who have begun analyzing and publishing findings based on their dataset. Qiao’s research has revealed a connection between in utero drought exposure and accelerated epigenetic aging, suggesting potential long-term health risks. The mentorship initiative aims to equip students with robust statistical techniques while addressing real-world climate change issues.
Looking ahead, Straight and Ngo plan to continue studying the children involved in their research to gather longitudinal data on the resilience of these communities to climatic challenges. Their work seeks to uncover whether early exposure to stressors like drought can influence adaptive capacities in health and survival among future generations.
In summary, the collaborative research by Dr. Bilinda Straight and Dr. Duy Ngo is pivotal in understanding the effects of climate change-related stressors, particularly drought, on human health and adaptation. Their innovative approach combines anthropological insight with advanced statistical techniques, fostering a deeper understanding of the implications for vulnerable populations. As they continue their research, the insights gained will be critical for developing resilience strategies against climate change.
Original Source: wmich.edu
