# Emma Quarles NIDA Diversity Supplement Proposal

> **NIH NIH R15** · VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $50,520

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Abstract and Aims of Parent Grant. Given the shifts in social perceptions and legalization efforts relating to
cannabis use, it is imperative to determine the complex interplay between cannabis use and cardiovascular
health. Researchers have identified an association between cannabis use and cardiovascular events, but no
study exists measuring associations between cannabis use frequency and autonomic health in young adults. In
addition to addressing this gap in the literature, the current project will look to assess this association in African
Americans/Blacks at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). In this burgeoning literature, no study
has examined the prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) in a sample with more than 15% African
Americans, with no published study examining students at an HBCU. The two aims presented in this proposal
focus on the cannabis use frequency/quantity and determine differences in heart rate variability (HRV) between
those with CUD and non-substance use disorder students at Virginia State University, an HBCU in central
Virginia.
Overall Aim 1: To examine the relationship between frequency and quantity of cannabis use and resting heart
rate variability. To accomplish this aim, we will use a self-reported substance use assessment to assess recent
cannabis use and a Heart Rhythm Scanner to record participants' electrocardiographic activity at baseline. We
hypothesize that: 1) frequent cannabis use will be associated with lower heart rate variability and 2) using
larger quantities of cannabis use will be associated with lower heart rate variability.
Overall Aim 2: To determine the difference in 24-hour heart rate variability immediately following cannabis use
among cannabis users. To accomplish this aim, we will analyze ecg measurements averaged from data
collected over a 24 hour period. We hypothesize that participants with CUD will have significantly lower heart
rate variability than their non-using counterparts.
Relevance
If awarded, Emma Quarles (Candidate) will leverage the numerous training resources at VSU and the
Regional Wright Center for Clinical Sciences at VCU. Emma will have access to both coursework and
hands-on experience to continue to develop into a stronger candidate for graduate school, with the tools and
abilities to compete for NIH funding. Her project will examine the ability of CUD to moderate the association
between vigilance and heart rate variability among young adult African Americans/Blacks. Further, this pilot
project fits very well within the Parent R15 Cannabis Nexus Initiative (1R15DA052886-01A1), led by Dr. Larry
Keen (Primary Mentor). Specifically, it will add a brief self-report measure to the screening phase of the Parent
R15 project. If awarded, Emma Quarles (Candidate) will have the products (2 submitted manuscripts,
completed coursework, etc), experience (number of participants assessed, data analysis, etc), and exposure
through mentorship and professi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10930256
- **Project number:** 3R15DA052886-01A1S1
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Larry D Keen
- **Activity code:** R15 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $50,520
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10930256

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10930256, Emma Quarles NIDA Diversity Supplement Proposal (3R15DA052886-01A1S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10930256. Licensed CC0.

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