STEFANO GUERRA

MD, PhD, MPH Professor, Medicine

Stefano@arizona.edu

Stefano Guerra, is a professor of medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department at the UArizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, director of the Population Science Unit at the Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, and a leading expert in the natural history and biomarkers of obstructive lung diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He also is a member of the UArizona BIO5 Institute.

As principal investigator, he is engaged in the leadership and coordination of multiple studies that use bio-specimens and phenotypic information from independent epidemiological cohorts to characterize the natural history, profile the risk factors, and identify novel biomarkers of lung diseases.

Dr. Guerra’s work includes an epidemiologic study, which used a household-based approach to assess prevalence and longitudinal changes in respiratory health. Other biomarker projects include a study on molecular biomarkers of asthma and COPD from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.

Jacob Lasher is a dedicated individual with a diverse range of experiences and interests. He is a junior at the University of Arizona majoring in Physiology with minors in health and human values as well as biochemistry. He holds a Phlebotomy Licensure and has actively volunteered at organizations such as Gospel Rescue Mission, leading groups to serve the community. Jacob also initiated street runs to provide donations to the homeless population and organized The Giving Back Packs Community Service Project. He has worked as a Phlebotomist at Sonora Quest Laboratories and gained experience in patient care. Additionally, Jacob has been involved in various school clubs and enjoys activities like weightlifting, intramural sports, hiking, and traveling. Jacob is also currently involved in research focused on studying glucose uptake within a cell and how it relates to type two diabetes. His main goal is to enter medical school.

During Jacob Lasher’s internship, he contributes to a study investigating the threshold for classifying abnormal dilations as aneurysms based on size. By analyzing a large dataset and using statistical methods, Jacob aims to provide insights into aneurysm classification and appropriate diagnostic thresholds. Additionally, he shadows an experienced endovascular surgeon, gaining firsthand knowledge of aortic thrombus colonization and abdominal aneurysms. This practical experience allows him to observe procedures, study patient cases, and deepen his understanding. By combining theoretical analysis with real-world observations, Jacob seeks to enhance his comprehension and make valuable contributions to the research project, ultimately improving diagnosis and treatment approaches in this field.

⊲ PROJECT

The primary goal of the research project was to investigate the prevalence of bacterial colonization in AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) disease by conducting a comprehensive analysis of various academic research articles. The study aimed to identify patterns and trends related to bacterial colonization within AAA, considering varying socioeconomic factors that might influence its occurrence. By synthesizing data from different sources, the research aimed to provide valuable insights into the relationship between AAA and bacterial colonization, contributing to a better understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis and potential risk factors associated with varying socioeconomic statuses.