# Doctoral Dissertation Research: Bone growth in relation to physical activity, food and immune function during childhood

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Washington University (MO) · $27,059

## Abstract

Healthy bone growth is essential to attaining adult stature and maintaining good health, including appropriate levels of physical activity, through life. However, bone growth can be compromised by other essential life functions (e.g., immune function), especially among individuals with restricted access to resources (low-resource environments).  Accordingly, the purpose of this doctoral dissertation project is to examine how variation in living conditions impact bone growth and immune function in children. The study uses minimally invasive methods, and the data generated aid the identification of factors that affect bone growth during childhood. Participants are informed of their bone growth and immunological status, and research findings are shared with public health agencies. In addition to training the graduate student researcher, the study provides additional student and public training and educational opportunities.  

This project studies energetic trade-offs in children with varying access to resources to better understand how factors related to living conditions and environmental circumstances relate to childhood bone growth. Quantitative ultrasonometry and accelerometry are used to measure bone growth and physical activity, respectively. Data on food is collected using surveys. Child growth is evaluated through height and skinfolds. Dried blood spots, from fingerpicks, are implemented to measure markers of immune function (e.g., immunoglobulin E and C-reactive prot

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2521541
- **Awardee organization:** Washington University (MO)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** L6NFUM28LQM5
- **PI:** Theresa E Gildner
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biological Anthropology, Biotechnology
- **Estimated total:** $27,059
- **Funds obligated:** $27,059
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2521541

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2521541, Doctoral Dissertation Research: Bone growth in relation to physical activity, food and immune function during childhood. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2521541. Licensed CC0.

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