Research on Respiratory Virus Transmission Amongst UMD Roommates

Presenter: Jumoke Akintan, General Biology, Global Public Health Scholars

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For my practicum, I did research in the Public Health AeroBiology Laboratory, also known as the PHAB Lab. The PHAB Lab is located in the School of Public Health building at the University of Maryland, College Park. The PHAB Lab focuses on studying infectious diseases and airborne transmission. I was an undergraduate research assistant for the CRIPT Study, also known as the GotFluToo? Study, which investigates how respiratory infections spread in shared living spaces amongst UMD roommates and how ventilation affects that risk. I conducted clinic visits where I measured participants’ height, weight, and oral temperature, collected nasal swabs, and obtained informed consent. I also deployed and retrieved air monitors from participants. Additionally, I staffed a kiosk in the School of Public Health, where I administered flu tests to anyone interested on campus. Lastly, I would go to the PHAB Lab dropboxes (located at SPH, UHC, and Lefrak) to pick up self-collected nasal samples from participants, then transport those samples to the virology lab for processing. 

I learned how to effectively communicate with participants during informed consent, scheduling, and clinic visits. I also became proficient in clinical procedures, learning how to complete tasks independently and with care. My practicum helped promote awareness of airborne illness risks in the UMD community and contributed to real-time monitoring that can inform public health responses. Being part of the PHAB Lab has shown me the value of research in shaping safer and healthier environments.