One Health Institute2025 Student One Health Awards
The CSU One Health Institute funded five One Health Student Award projects in 2025. These awards support student research to implement a One Health project that addresses an issue at the interface of humans, animals, plants and the environment.
These student awards will support student research projects toward their degree and provide students with experience writing, managing and reviewing grants. Students that were awarded funding in 2025 will review awards submitted next year.
See the first round of the One Health Student Awards funded in 2024 here.
Investigating Small RNA Molecules in a Bat Cell Model in Response to Mosquito-Borne and No-known-vector Flaviviruses
Flaviviruses like West Nile, Zika, and dengue virus can cause severe disease in humans, yet bats—despite being infected—rarely become ill from the diseases. This project investigates why the bat immune system can prevent illness from these viruses and the potential implications to better protect people. Entebbe bat virus (ENTV), a lesser known flavivirus, can replicate in mosquito, human, and bat cells, suggesting it could cross into new hosts.
This project will study how Entebbe bat virus affects bat immune responses. By testing the effect of Entebbe bat virus in bat cells, the study will uncover what aspects of bats’ unique biology may affect viral replication. These findings will provide insights into how bats respond to flaviviruses and how this may inform on protecting human health for disease prevention efforts.
Researcher:
Lauren Malsick, PhD. Student
Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Advisor:
Brian Geiss, Ph.D.
Professor, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Decoding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Zebrafish Model Integrating Genetic Susceptibility and Environmental Triggers
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common developmental conditions in children, with many cases continuing into adulthood. While genetics play a role in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, environmental factors may also contribute, yet their combined effects remain poorly understood.
This project aims to develop a zebrafish animal model to study how genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures influence Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-related traits. Researchers will expose genetically modified zebrafish to certain persistent organic pollutants to observe potential changes in behavior and brain activity. By analyzing hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention patterns alongside real-time brain chemistry measurements, the study will provide new insights into how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder develops. This animal model may help to better understand Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children.
Researcher:
Mia Ambuski, Ph.D. Student
Chemistry
College of Natural Sciences
Colorado State University
Advisor:
Romana Jarošová, Ph.D.
Professor, Chemistry
College of Natural Sciences
Colorado State University
A One Health Approach to Understanding Youth Response
Environmental shifts present challenges worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa among the most affected regions. Changes in the environment directly impact daily life, particularly for youth who already face challenges related to poverty, conflict, health disparities, education gaps, high unemployment, and other social barriers. Kenya is especially vulnerable, with over 80% of its population under the age of 35. However, little work has been done to understand how young people in this region perceive and respond psychologically to shifts in the environment.
This study aims to fill that gap by exploring the emotional and mental health impacts of shifting environmental conditions on Kenyan youth, particularly in communities reliant on agriculture and natural resources. The project will engage 30 young participants through local organizations and social media, using a community-driven approach. Participants will document their lived experiences through photography and narratives, offering insights into their stressors, coping mechanisms, and adaptation strategies. By highlighting youth perspectives, this project will contribute to a broader understanding of mental health challenges facing children across the globe and support efforts to strengthen resilience.
Researcher:
Osebe Kebaya, Ph.D. Student
School of Social Work
College of Health and Human Sciences
Colorado State University
Advisor:
Tiffany Jones, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Social Work
College of Health and Human Sciences
Colorado State University
Analysis of Coccidioides and Valley Fever in Arizona: A Habitat Suitability Analysis
This project will investigate the connections between human, animal, and environmental health leading to the fungal infection Coccidioides and Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever, which primarily affects the lungs of people and animals. Using the One Health approach, the study aims to develop predictive maps by examining environmental factors, such as soil composition and land use, that influence the spread of Coccidioides spores that cause Coccidioidomycosis. The project will also assess disease patterns in human and animal populations to identify hotspots and trends in outbreaks.
By integrating epidemiological and environmental data, this project will generate models to support veterinary and public health strategies, including education and environmental management, to reduce the impact of Coccidioidomycosis in people and animals in the Southwestern United States.
Researcher:
Peter Kessinger, Ph.D. Student
Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences and BROADN Project
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Advisor:
Sheryl Magzamen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Epidemiology
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,
Colorado State University
Fostering Conservation through One Health: Science Communication to Measure Scientific Understanding in Rural Mexico
Rural people play a critical role in the sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity, yet their perspectives are often not fully included in discussions about health and the environment. This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a science communication program designed to raise awareness near the Cerro Hermoso Biological Reserve in Oaxaca, Mexico. The program will focus on changes in forest cover as a central theme, highlighting its interconnected impacts on human, animal, and environmental health.
The project seeks to integrate perspectives with scientific knowledge through interactive workshops, storytelling, and community-led discussions. A pre-intervention survey will assess baseline awareness of key health and environmental concepts, followed by a post-intervention survey to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
