Researchers at WMU, Dr. Bilinda Straight and Dr. Duy Ngo, are studying how climate-related stressors, specifically drought, affect human adaptation and health among the Samburu people of Northern Kenya. Their partnership examines long-term developmental outcomes for children who experienced maternal stress during severe droughts. The study employs advanced statistical methods, focuses on epigenetic impacts, and emphasizes the importance of mentoring the next generation of researchers.
In a collaboration between researchers at Western Michigan University, Dr. Bilinda Straight and Dr. Duy Ngo are undertaking a significant investigation into how climate-related environmental stressors impact human resilience and adaptation, particularly among the Samburu people in Northern Kenya. Their research focuses on the long-term effects of a severe drought experienced in 2009.
Dr. Straight, a seasoned anthropologist, has studied the Samburu community for over two decades. Her firsthand experiences during one of the worst recorded droughts in 2009 prompted her to assess the long-term implications on health and development for children born during such adversities. Collaborating with Dr. Belinda Needham from the University of Michigan, they designed a study comparing siblings, one conceived during the drought and the other thereafter, to observe the resultant developmental disparities.
The data collection has proven challenging due to the geographical dispersion of the community members. Despite the obstacles, Dr. Straight and her team amassed an extensive dataset, including not only demographic information but also crucial epigenetic and climate data. They conducted substantive interviews with mothers focused on the emotional and psychosocial impacts endured during pregnancy.
To effectively analyze this complex dataset, Dr. Ngo applied advanced statistical techniques to the epigenetic analysis, introducing a Bayesian approach that accounts for prior knowledge and context— essential for interpreting such multifaceted data. His expertise enhances the project’s depth, complementing Dr. Straight’s anthropological insights as they navigate thousands of data points.
With NSF funding, Dr. Ngo is mentoring students in analyzing and interpreting the research findings. Ph.D. student Xi Qiao has made significant contributions, employing innovative Bayesian causal mediation analysis to elucidate how maternal climate stress affects children’s epigenetic growth. Her research highlighted alarming correlations between severe drought and accelerated epigenetic aging, potentially impacting long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Ngo is committed to developing future researchers, guiding both undergraduate and graduate students through foundational statistics to advanced analyses while contextualizing their findings within climate change resilience.
The collaborative efforts of Dr. Straight and Dr. Ngo indicate a sustained focus on understanding the impacts of environmental stressors. They aim to follow up on the children studied to explore how experiences during formative years influence their adaptability to climate challenges over time. This ongoing dialogue is vital for broader insights into climate change resilience and its implications for communities globally.
The collaborative research of Dr. Bilinda Straight and Dr. Duy Ngo exemplifies the intersection of anthropology and statistics in understanding the impacts of climate change on human resilience. Through their innovative study on the Samburu community, they uncover vital insights into the long-term health outcomes of children born during environmental stressors. Their mentorship of emerging researchers further emphasizes the importance of equipping future scholars to address complex climate issues. Continued investigation into the developmental trajectories of affected children will enhance understanding of adaptive capacities in the face of climate change.
Original Source: wmich.edu
