Four proof-of-concept grants awarded to interdisciplinary teams of UW researchers

Efficacy Assessment of Deployment of Phone-Based Glucose Test Strips for Prediabetes Awareness

Investigators
Jason Hoffman, Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Lorena Alarcon Casas-Wright, Department of Medicine
Shwetak Patel, Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering and Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Project abstract
Prediabetes affects millions of Americans, yet over 80% of those with the condition are unaware of their status. Current screening methods are often cost-prohibitive or clinic-dependent, creating significant barriers to early detection and subsequent intervention. This project validates GlucoScreen-C, an ultra-low-cost, smartphone-based test strip that connects directly to a user’s smartphone, transforming the device into a high-accuracy medical reader without the need for standalone hardware.

In a new interdisciplinary collaboration between the UW Computer Science and UW Medicine’s Endocrinology Department, this pilot study will deploy GlucoScreen-C in an at-home model for follow up for some patients. By sending participants home with a set of test strips compatible with their smartphones, we aim to improve outcomes for individuals who do not traditionally visit physical clinics, effectively extending the reach of existing mobile screening efforts. This project addresses the population health pillars of human health and social equity by bringing essential screening to underserved and rural communities in Washington. The success of this deployment validation will provide the proof of efficacy needed to launch this technology as a scalable solution for population-level prediabetes awareness.

Evaluating Wildfire Threats to Drinking Water Systems in Yakima Valley to Inform Intervention Development and Mitigate Public Health Risks

Investigators
Katya Cherukumilli, Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering
Susan Carpenter, Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering
Catherine Karr, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences
Christine Loftus, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences
Jessica L. Black, Heritage University
Stephanie Hung, Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering
Allison Sherris, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences

Project abstract
Wildfires increasingly threaten drinking water quality across the U.S. by introducing heavy metals, nutrients, and volatile organic compounds through ash deposition, soil erosion and reduced natural filtration. In Washington State’s Yakima Valley, the 2024 Retreat and 2025 Wildcat fires burned over 60,000 acres near watersheds supplying drinking water to over 200,000 residents, yet their impact on water quality has not been studied. This region already faces elevated exposure to agricultural contaminants including nitrates and pesticides, creating the potential for compounding health risks—particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.

We propose to evaluate wildfire impacts on Yakima Valley’s drinking water. In Aim 1, we will assess changes in heavy metals, nutrients and water quality parameters pre- and post-fires by analyzing existing surface water quality datasets from USGS and Washington Department of Ecology, along with new field measurements of surface water, sediment, and soil across the Naches River watershed. In Aim 2, we will leverage EPA data and interview water utility operators to evaluate impacts of wildfires on the City of Yakima’s drinking water quality. In Aim 3, we will compare Aims 1 and 2 findings against federal and state regulatory standards to estimate residents’ potential contaminant exposure risk and inform mitigation strategies.

We will partner with Heritage University, a minority-serving educational institution, to engage local students in research and design of public materials for communicating results. Findings will fill a critical evidence gap and guide enhanced monitoring, treatment and intervention strategies for wildfire-impacted water systems.

Improving Access to Serious Cardiac Illness Care in the WWAMI Region: A Community-Engaged Mixed Methods Study

Investigators
Erin Blakeney, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics
Jill Steiner, Department of Medicine
WWAMI Voices Community Advisory Board
Salpy Pamboukian, Department of Medicine
James Sibley, Clinical Informatics Research Group
Warren Szewczyk, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics

Project abstract
The University of Washington (UW) is the largest provider of advanced therapies for serious cardiac illness (SCI; e.g., advanced heart failure (AHF), adult congenital heart disease (ACHD)) in the WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) and one of only two such centers. Because many SCI patients must travel long distances to Seattle for care, extended journeys that span days or even months are common. This creates a regional population‑health challenge for patients and health systems alike.

In recognition of these challenges, in 2025, with Population Health Initiative Tier 1 support, we formed the “WWAMI Voices” Community Advisory Board to foster community-engaged research and improve SCI care access, experience, and outcomes.

Our Tier 2 project builds on this partnership. Using mixed methods, we will evaluate the current SCI care referral process at UW from both administrative and patient/clinician perspectives. Our aims are to:

1. Assess key SCI referral process– and patient‑oriented outcomes, including modifiable areas for improvement; and,
2. Characterize the SCI referral and orientation experience across inpatient and outpatient settings through policy and document review, followed by interviews with patients and clinicians.

These aims align with WWAMI Voices priorities, including supporting families during hospitalization and addressing geographic variation, as well as the Population Health pillars of human health and social and economic equity.

This will be WWAMI Voices’ first community‑engaged research project, yielding preliminary data for future work. Findings are expected to inform near‑term grants, broaden engagement with SCI patients and providers and support the co‑development of a referral‑optimization intervention.

Co-designing a culturally responsive vaccine communication intervention with caregivers and community-based organizations to increase childhood vaccine uptake among East African children

A portion of the funding for this award came via a partnership with the UW Global, which seeks to enhance the UW’s global engagement and reach.

Investigators
Michelle Shin, Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing
Ahmed Ali, Somali Health Board and Department of Global Health
Alyssa M Caucci, Neighborcare Health Administration
Najma Osman, Somali Health Board
Ramla Abdi, School of Public Health and Neighborcare
Aynalem Sisay, School of Nursing

Project abstract
Resurgence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV)—with 2025 marking the highest number of measles cases in 33 years and an ongoing outbreak in 2026—poses a significant population health threat in Washington. East African (EA) communities, including Somali, Eritrean, and Ethiopian populations, face disproportionately high risk due to low MMRV vaccination rates driven by misinformation and systemic barriers. Neighborcare, a community health clinic, and Dr. Shin have identified that EA patients under age two have 60–69% lower odds of receiving at least one MMRV vaccine dose compared to peers. Providers and staff emphasized the need to collaborate with EA caregivers and community leaders “beyond the clinic walls” to address fears related to autism and concerns about gelatin in vaccines, but reported limited capacity to build meaningful partnerships.

To address these challenges, Neighborcare (CHC; Ms. Caucci), the Somali Health Board (CBO; Dr. Ali), and Dr. Shin propose a tripartite partnership to develop a community-informed intervention using Intervention Mapping. The project will:

1. Conduct a community-engaged needs assessment with a multi-level community advisory board (CAB) to identify determinants of MMRV vaccination among EA communities; and,
2. Co-design a theory-informed, culturally responsive vaccine communication intervention and implementation plan in collaboration with the CAB.

This project will generate two proofs-of-concept aligned with the Population Health pillars: (1) a community- and theory-informed intervention to increase MMRV vaccination (human health), and (2) a scalable CHC–CBO–academic partnership model that embeds culturally responsive strategies into clinical and community settings (social and economic equity). The work will provide preliminary data to support future large-scale trials evaluating the intervention’s effectiveness and real-world implementation, advancing health equity.