Ashley Takanashi, BA
Clinical Research Assistant
The Ohio State University
Q: Please describe your current position and research interests.
A: As Dr. Dharini Bhammar’s Clinical Research Assistant, I am responsible for facilitating frequent participant interactions, including scheduling, fulfilling consent requirements and managing study visits. My research interests stem from my background in environmental studies, including public health initiatives.
Q: What do you think is an emerging issue related to nicotine and tobacco?
A: Whereas the media’s influence on young adults regarding the use of nicotine and tobacco is not a novel issue, the various channels of social media as a magnifying force of influence is notable. The normalization of vaping behaviors through marketing, peer influence, and user-generated content poses significant health risks for younger age groups, specifically. Seeing popular figures online use nicotine products creates a sense of normalcy and acceptance of these behaviors. Due to the anonymity and vast reach of these platforms, the trend of nicotine and tobacco use among young adults will continue to rise.
Q: What advice or tips would you offer to new nicotine and tobacco researchers?
A: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of presenting a friendly face and a supportive environment while interacting with the participants and collecting data. Research can and should be fun, and developing relationships with participants is a rewarding endeavor. Evaluating the numerical data is satisfying, but remembering each study and the process by which the numerical data was collected is highly interesting to me, as well. Maintaining professionalism is essential, of course, but having fun with the research and getting to know your participants is important.
Q: How did you first become interested in nicotine and tobacco research?
A: I earned my Bachelor degree in Environmental Biology and I could not have predicted I would be working in a tobacco research lab. However, throughout my four years of undergraduate studies, I learned through environmental justice courses that tobacco and nicotine use is a culturally and economically influenced lifestyle choice. Since joining the Bhammar Lab at the Center for Tobacco Research, I have realized my undergraduate studies are valuable in my current position, and I will continue to rely on my core knowledge as I develop a deeper understanding of the significance of tobacco and nicotine use for groups of varying backgrounds.
Q: Describe one of your projects related to nicotine and tobacco research and why you are proud of the project.
A: I have yet to play a part in published research, but I am currently working on the Respiratory Effects of E-Cigarettes in Obese Youth (RESEC) study, which aims to understand how vaping behaviors can alter lung function, as well as identify and track the symptoms during exercise in obese and non-obese e-cigarette users. Although I lack extensive research experience, as this is my very first research position, I am proud to have an important role in this project. The experience is helping me gain a unique perspective in the research field and develop comprehensive research skills I could not have developed in school. This study, in particular, involves exercise testing protocol which has required me to learn deeper exercise research concepts – not only in regard to daily vaping habits, but how certain vaping behaviors affect lung function during exercise, too. It has been an exceedingly interesting study to be a part of, and I will use the skills developed from this study to grow professionally in the research field.
Q: What do you do in your spare time (what are your hobbies)?
A: I like to stay active outside of work, whether I’m playing tennis, dragging my friends to yoga and pilates classes, or taking my pup on hikes. I also love just about every kind of food. My dad is a retired professional chef/owner of an Italian restaurant, so he has always encouraged me to try new foods and experiences, in general.