Duke University has named the latest recipients of its Climate and Health Big Idea Grants, a program aimed at accelerating research into the growing health impacts of climate change. Medical student Sakshi Chopra received one of the grants, under the mentorship of Michelle Pavlis, MD, associate professor of dermatology.
The program is supported by The Duke Endowment and the Climate and Health Research Initiative Innovation Fund, which is made possible through the generous support of Duke School of Medicine Board of Visitors member John Cavalier.
Mapping melanoma vulnerability in NC: The link between UV exposure, temperature, and geographic risk
Melanoma incidence is rising, and geographic variation suggests environmental factors play a role. By developing a melanoma vulnerability index and studying factors like UV exposure and ambient temperature, Chopra and her colleagues aim to elucidate hyperlocal climate drivers of advanced disease and increased incidence.
Their project is supported by a multidisciplinary team integrating clinical dermatology and melanoma expertise, medical student research leadership, environmental and climate science, epidemiology and biostatistics, and advanced geospatial data visualization to study environmental determinants of melanoma risk.
Read more about the grant program and the other funded Duke University projects