CSDE Research Scientist and Biodemography Lab Director Tiffany Pan Leads Biomarker Data Collection for Wave 2 of the Vietnam Health and Aging Study

Posted: 4/24/2025 ()

CSDE Biodemography Lab Director and Research Scientist Tiffany Pan and the CSDE Biodemography Lab contributed to the biomarker data collection for Wave 2 of the Vietnam Health and Aging Study. Pan consulted on the study design, coordinated international biospecimen shipment, conducted in person training of lab staff at Hanoi Medical University, assessed the quality control of lab results, and collaborated on the dissemination of study findings. 

For the study, hair cortisol measurement was conducted directly in the CSDE Biodemography Lab at the University of Washington. This technique provides an integrated measure of cortisol levels over time, which may be important for studying stress response. Pan and the biodemography lab also supported biochemical analyses (conventional and multiplex immunoassays) done at Hanoi Medical University by assisting with assay selection, supplies procurement, laboratory training, and data processing. 

The multi-year Vietnam Health and Aging Study, led by Kim Korinek (External Affiliate, University of Utah) and Zachary Zimmer (Mount Saint Vincent University), aims to understand the long term effects of war exposure in Vietnam. Tiffany Pan’s biomarker data collection support was conducted in collaboration with CSDE Affiliate Melanie Martin also of the CSDE Biodemography Lab. These biomarker results were presented by Rob Tennyson (CSDE Alumni) at the Gerontological Society of America meeting, and a related manuscript is forthcoming.

To arrange a consulting appointment with Tiffany Pan, or any of CSDE’s scientific support staff, please use the CSDE Science Core Consultation Request form.