2008-2009 University Scholar Profile
Miranda Tsukamoto
Mentor: Virginia J. Dodd
College of Health
and Human Performance
"I was encouraged to apply for the Scholars program by my mentors in the Research Colloquium. I was already committing large amounts of time and effort in our Alcohol Field Research and so I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to delve deeper into the data. I hope to become more familiar with the research process as a whole. I am excited to take a direct role in both data analysis and manuscript composition, and I truly believe that the research that I am conducting through the Research Colloquium is relevant and has very real applications for the safety of the student community."
Courses of Study
Major
Health Education and Behavior - Health Studies
Research Interests
The sciences, especially anatomy, physiology and organic chemistry; Health Education and Public Health, including Community Health and Health Promotion.
Awards
- President's Honor Roll (Fall 2005, Spring 2006, Spring 2008)
- Dean's List
- College of Nursing Dean's List
- College of Health and Human Performance Anderson Scholar of Highest Distinction
- Southwest Airlines Herbert D. Kelleher/Rollin W. King Scholar (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
- US Air Force Academy Graduate Dependent Scholar (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
- Peter Tharpe Scholar
Volunteer Service / Organizations
- Volunteer, Haven Hospice
- Member in Good Standing, American Medical Student Association (Medical Technology Committee)
- Phi Kappa Phi
- Condominium Property Manager, Blue Sage Properties, Inc.
- Field Research Assistant, Student Safety Research Colloquium
Hobbies/Activities
Piano, learning to play the violin, recreational volleyball.
Characterizing the Extent of Impaired Driving
Impaired driving, whether attributable to the effects of alcohol and/or other drug use, is a major cause of mortality among young adults. Few studies have examined impaired driving in college campus communities. Much of the extant literature relies on retrospective, self-report survey data. Although useful for monitoring epidemiological trends, such survey and self-report data have important limitations for guiding prevention efforts. The proposed study will utilize an innovative field methodology which corroborates self-report with objective biological measures to examine the extent of impaired driving among patrons in a college bar district. Participants will complete an anonymous self-report survey regarding their mode of transportation to and from the event and other related measures. An oral fluid sample will be collected to test for recent drug use such as marijuana, other illicit and prescription drugs. In addition, a breath test will be administered ! to measure breath alcohol concentration (BrAC).
This exploratory study will attempt to answer several research questions such as: Is there an association between intoxication and/or drug use and intention to drive? Do patrons who drove to the bar district get less intoxicated than patrons who used alternative transportation? What proportion of patrons who drove to the bar district also drive to their next location, and does their level of intoxication influence their decision? What is the perceived risk of impaired patrons who intend to drive? Do designated drivers stay sober? The findings from this study will guide prevention efforts in our community to prevent impaired driving and its consequences.
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