2023-2024 Winter Projects

Socioeconomic Disparities and Infectious Respiratory Disease in Central Illinois

• Roopa Foulger, OSF HealthCare
• John Marino, PhD, Bradley University

This project aims to quantify how socioeconomic factors influence respiratory disease infections, such as COVID-19 and influenza, and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. The research has two main hypotheses:

1. Areas with higher socioeconomic stressors will have higher health risks and mortality.
2. Including these factors in epidemiological models will improve predictions and interventions.

The project will adapt existing models to assess how factors like income and social connectedness affect disease transmission and intervention efficacy in Central Illinois. It will also share findings with practitioners and the public to guide future health interventions, and train students in epidemiological modeling. Ultimately, it seeks to improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

Pulmonary Acoustic Sensor Telemetry Array: Phase 2-Commercialization

• Adam Cross, MD, FAAP, OSF HealthCare
• Suruz Miah, PhD, Bradley University

This Phase 2 project aims to advance the PASTA (Pulmonary Acoustic Sensor Telemetry Array) device for remote monitoring and diagnosis of lung sounds. Building on a successful prototype from Phase 1, the goal is to commercialize the device for use in hospitals and residential settings. The PASTA device uses eight acoustic sensors placed on the patient’s body to capture lung sounds, which are analyzed by an edge computing device with cloud capability. This technology will improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance telehealth capabilities, offering more affordable and accessible care, especially for patients in remote locations. The device is designed to be lightweight, cost-effective and accessible to a broad patient population

Implementation Science in Primary HPV Screening for Underserved Women

• Ann Willemsen-Dunlap, PhD, OSF HealthCare
• Patricia Saleeby, PhD, Bradley University

This community-focused pilot project seeks to reduce cervical cancer disparities among minority and low-income women in the Peoria area by increasing access to screening through at-home HPV self-sampling kits. Research shows that social drivers of health—such as lack of transportation, limited childcare, low awareness and financial barriers—prevent many women from receiving timely cervical cancer screenings. To address these challenges, the project will distribute 100 free HPV self-sampling kits to women who may not otherwise have access to care. The initiative will evaluate the effectiveness and accessibility of the kits using a nationally recognized implementation science model (RE-AIM) and compare outcomes with the current standard of care at OSF. The results will help inform future large-scale efforts aimed at improving health equity and ensuring life-saving cancer screenings are available to all women, regardless of background or income.