Life\u2019s circumstances can inspire research project ideas. For example, after running the Boston Marathon, a female athlete flew back home to Seattle and developed a blood clot or venous thrombosis. The runner\u2019s sister, who is an exercise scientist in kinesiology, started searching for answers.<\/p>\n
Initial literature reviews in 2010 showed that Associate Professor Beth Taylor, the exercise scientist, might be on to something. Studies seemed to suggest that a combination of risk factors, which includes flying long distances after endurance exercise and using estrogen-based oral contraceptives, had the potential to make women more susceptible to blood clots. As a result, several UConn research projects ensued with Taylor as one of the investigators.<\/p>\n
Blood clot risk factors in women<\/strong><\/p>\n NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium supplied some of the funding. Kinesiology 4th<\/sup>\u00a0year doctoral candidate Amanda Zaleski received a $20,000 fellowship from them to test the hypothesis that active women in flight are at risk for blood clots.<\/p>\n NASA is especially interested in what flying, with its cabin pressure, confined spaces, compression of veins and reduced movement, does to the body. In addition, the agency has a goal to examine any evidence of barriers or workplace challenges negatively impacting women, who are at or want to work for NASA.<\/p>\n