Fall Research Expo 2021

Social Demographic Variables Obtained from Secondary Data Sources Relate to Spatial Trends in Traffic Volume Variables Obtained from PennDOT Data Sources

Vehicular traffic, and the transportation sector in general, plays a significant factor in elevating the amount of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in surrounding areas with heightened traffic exposure due to resuspended dust created on roadways that remains in the air with the consistent motion of oncoming vehicles. PM2.5 is an easily-inhalable air pollutant commonly linked to pulmonary health conditions including asthma, COPD, and overall decreased respiratory function. Historically, there have been marked health disparities caused by such environmental factors like PM2.5 in marginalized communities based on race/ethnicity and socioeconomic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine whether traffic volume was higher in Pennsylvania census tracts with greater proportions of racial/ethnic minority residents and according to median family income as well as Environmental Justice Area status.

PRESENTED BY
PURM - Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program
College of Arts & Sciences 2024
Advised By
Blanca Himes
Associate Professor of Informatics in Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Join Mena for a virtual discussion
PRESENTED BY
PURM - Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program
College of Arts & Sciences 2024
Advised By
Blanca Himes
Associate Professor of Informatics in Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Comments

Mena was super engaged and eager to tell me about her work! I learned so much and can tell how much she enjoyed her research experience!