Fairfield's Amiritha Kumar participates in Spring Undergraduate Research Festival

Amiritha Kumar of Fairfield was one of more than 100 current University of Iowa students to participate in the 2023 Spring Undergraduate Research Festival, an event staged annually by the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates. All students involved in mentored research or creative work are invited to present their work.

Kumar's poster/presentation was in the topic area of Natural Sciences (e.g.Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health and Human Phys, etc.) and titled "Epigenetic Markers of Autism Using a Dimensional Approach"

Kumar described his work this way: "The extent to which epigenetic modifications increase risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or exacerbate ASD symptoms is not well understood but is an area of ripe with potential important findings. As such, we plan to investigate the association between epigenetic markers (percent gene methylation) in neurodevelopmentally-related genes and scores on two measures used to assess ASD symptoms (Autism Symptom Rating Scale) and child development (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, 3rd Edition) in children ages 2-3 years old who exhibit (1) typical development, (2) developmental delay, or (3) ASD. We will use a dimensional approach, meaning the results will not be separated into children who are diagnosed with ASD and those who are not, but examined across the continuum of scores. Using this approach, our conclusions will be more representative of the whole spectrum of ASD symptoms and development. This research will have an impact on the neurodiverse community and their families. Analyzing the correlation between gene expression and the spectrum of behavioral differences in children will provide insight into how to best to support the neurodiverse community. Understanding the genetic markers for ASD may also lead to better informed decisions for intervention in the process of child development.."

Allison Momany was Kumar's primary faculty mentor. Momany works in the UI's Department of Pediatrics.

A variety of judges, including faculty, graduate students, and peers as well as members of the Iowa City community, were on hand to discuss the students' work and provide valuable feedback.

"This is an incredible opportunity for Iowa students to practice and hone their communication skills," said Bob Kirby, director of ICRU.