Oklahoma State University — Hannah Appleseth, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology at Oklahoma State University (OSU), has been awarded the R36 dissertation grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Her project, titled “Tracing the Impact of Evolving Environmental Exposure to Tobacco, Cannabis, and Nicotine Smoke and Vapor Emissions on Children’s Mental Health Symptom Trajectories,” will examine the effects of smoke and vapor exposure on children’s mental health, particularly as the rates of e-cigarette and cannabis use continue to grow.
Research Goals and Project Significance
Appleseth’s project analyzes data from the NIH-supported Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, focusing on secondary exposure to tobacco smoke, e-cigarette vapor, and cannabis smoke in children.
“While the harmful effects of secondhand tobacco smoke on children’s health are well documented, we lack a full understanding of how secondhand cannabis smoke and e-cigarette emissions may impact children’s health,” Appleseth stated. With traditional cigarette smoking declining but e-cigarette and cannabis use increasing among adults, her study addresses a timely public health concern, particularly for families.
Research Funding and Aspirations
Selected from a competitive pool, Appleseth was awarded $74,758 for her two-year project, marking a significant achievement in her path toward becoming an independent clinical scientist.
“I was honored and thrilled to learn that I had been selected as an award recipient,” said Appleseth, who plans to build a career as a clinical scientist at an academic medical center. Her work has the potential to shape community health practices and public health policy by highlighting the mental health risks associated with secondhand exposure to emerging products like e-cigarettes and cannabis.
Focus on Prenatal and Early Childhood Exposure
An additional focus of Appleseth’s research is on prenatal tobacco exposure and its impacts on children’s mental health. Previous studies have shown a link between prenatal cigarette exposure and increased risks of ADHD and depression in children. Appleseth aims to assess whether e-cigarette and cannabis exposures might similarly influence mental health outcomes, aiming to identify high-risk groups and contribute to future research on preventive measures.
Mentorship and Institutional Support
Appleseth attributes much of her success to the mentorship of OSU clinical psychology professors Dr. Julie Croff and Dr. Thad Leffingwell, both of whom have provided guidance and resources throughout her academic journey. Dr. Leffingwell highlighted Appleseth’s ambition and dedication, stating, “Her award raises the research profile of the department and the College of Arts and Sciences.” Dr. Croff noted that her success reflects the growing research recognition at OSU, enhanced by investments from donors and governmental support.
The College of Arts and Sciences Research Office also played a critical role, assisting Appleseth with the grant submission process. Emilie Tallent, CAS Sponsored Programs Coordinator, commended Appleseth’s dedication, calling her success a testament to hard work and ambition.
Aiming for Future Public Health Advancements
Appleseth hopes that her research will lay the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of secondhand smoke exposure on children’s mental health. “Ultimately we could inform community health initiatives and public health policy,” she expressed, highlighting her commitment to advancing public health and protecting vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
Hannah Appleseth’s NIH-funded research represents a critical step toward understanding the mental health impacts of evolving smoke and vapor exposure among children. With support from OSU mentors and a dedication to public health, her work stands to inform policies and interventions for healthier communities.
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