Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice
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Synthesis and Integration of Conductive Framework Materials within Chemiresistive Devices
No full textConductive frameworks are a promising class of materials with electronic, electrochemical, and stimuli-responsive properties that allow scientists to utilize tunable, polymeric structures within valuable applications. This dissertation serves as a fundamental investigation of the structure–property relationships within conductive framework materials and the host-guest chemistry which governs chemiresistive sensing.
Chapter 1 highlights recent investigations into metallophthalocyanine-based metal─organic frameworks (MOFs) ranging from fundamental structure-property relationships to applications of metallophthalocyanine-based MOFs, and it comments on the status of the field while pointing to future opportunities and uses of these functional materials.
Chapter 2 examines the synthesis and characterization of an electronic textile (e-textile), named bismuth 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene [Bi(HHTP)]. Bi(HHTP) e-textiles demonstrated sensitive chemiresistive detection and gaseous uptake towards hydrogen sulfide gas. This work demonstrates the promise of e-textiles as smart membrane materials.
Chapter 3 investigates three copperphthalocyanine (CuPc)-based MOFs linked with nickel, copper, and zinc (CuPc-O-Ni, CuPc-O-Cu, and CuPc-O-Zn) for the differences in structure-property relationships. This research conveys the impact of molecular structure on the function of the framework material, demonstrating how the differences in material stacking brought about by the linking metal node impact charge transport properties.
Chapter 4 analyzes an array of nine structurally analogous MPc-based framework materials for the chemiresistive sensing of toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide, nitric oxide, and carbon monoxide. This research demonstrates the structure-property relationships of MPc-based MOFs, as well as the periodic trends in chemical sensing and the host-guest chemistry which governs the mechanism of gas sensing for metallophthalocyanine-based MOFs.
The appendices provide preliminary data that highlight promising future directions: exploring the utility of MPc-based MOFs within a chemiresistive array for the determination of cell health and investigating the development of an e-textile with radiation shielding and sensing capabilities.
In summary, a discussion positions this dissertation within the context of the greater scientific enterprise, highlights fundamental insights into the fields of coordination polymer chemistry and electronic textiles, and details the implications and limitations of the research presented. Investigating fundamental chemistry and the structure-property ii relationships of materials enhances the development and designability of materials for tailored properties and applications
Belowground Biomass Dynamics Along a Temperate Forest Edge
No full textTemperate forests are one of the most fragmented ecosystems globally. Anthropogenic forest edges expose fragmented forests to a range of unique abiotic and biotic conditions. While aboveground tree response to these conditions are relatively well studied, the impact of edge conditions on belowground processes and systems remains less understood. This project examines how forest edge creation affects the rooting distribution and biomass of dominant temperate tree species, as well as soil microbial functional group biomass.https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/wetterhahn_2025/1010/thumbnail.jp
Host–Guest Interactions of Metal–Organic Cage-Capped Gold Nanoparticles
No full textMetal–organic cages (MOCs) are a class of porous materials made of metal ions and organic ligands. These self-assembled compounds have promising applications in catalysis, sensing, biomedicine, and energy storage due to their stability and tunability. Cages vary greatly in shape, internal cavity size, solubility, and net charge, enabling supramolecular binding to guest molecules with high affinity and selectivity.
Our work focuses on tetrahedral MOCs constructed with zirconium-based nodes and phenyl-containing organic ligands. We modify gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with our cages to maximize selectivity and reactivity in hydrogenation reactions for industrial applications; cage porosity enables selectivity while maintaining high reactivity by providing access to the gold surface.
In this study, we examined the effects of solvent and relative cage and guest size on host–guest behavior. Our objective was to identify a guest molecule with strong binding affinity for our cages. Through this, we could confirm the tetrahedral geometry of our MOCs. Further, we could use host–guest binding to block the cage internal cavity in hydrogenation control experiments. These experiments would prove that reactants must go through the pore during catalysis.https://digitalcommons.dartmouth.edu/wetterhahn_2025/1014/thumbnail.jp
CDDO-Me Attenuates Fibroblast and Macrophage Activation in Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
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Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by multiple-organ involvement and notably by fibrosis. Current therapies for SSc focus on symptom managements and treating specific organ related complications. However, heterogeneous nature of the disease further complicates treatment responses and hinders the development of new therapies. Therefore, there is a critical unmet need for the development of patient-specific therapeutics.
The objectives of this thesis were: (1) to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Bardoxolone Methyl (CDDO-Me) in both SSc fibroblasts and SSc macrophages. To achieve these goals, I utilized both wet-lab analysis tools and computational analysis.
As part of a drug-repurposing effort, I evaluated the potential therapeutic efficacy of Bardoxolone Methyl, also known as CDDO-Me, which was originally developed at Dartmouth College. CDDO-Me has been explored in other clinical manifestations including chronic kidney disease (CKD), PAH associated with connective tissue disease (PAH-CTD), pulmonary hypertension associated with ILD, Alport syndrome, and many other. CDDO-Me is a synthetic oleanane triterpenoid and a very strong activator of Nrf2 pathways. CDDO-Me activates Nrf2 downstream genes by modifying Nrf2 negative regulator, KEAP1 (E3 ligase adaptor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1). In Chapter 2, I confirmed the dual efficacy of CDDO-Me treatment in both lcSSc fibroblasts and lcSSc macrophages, which shows anti-fibrotic and immunomodulatory effect of CDDO-Me, respectively. CDDO-Me inhibited expression of pro-fibrotic markers in SSc fibroblasts, and downregulated expression and production of SSc immune-phenotypic markers in SSc macrophages. This study supports dual effect and the therapeutic potential of CDDO-Me by modulating two different effector cells in SSc
How to Elevate Your Note-taking Skills
No full textOne of the most crucial skills a student can have is effective and efficient note-taking abilities. Therefore, this interactive lesson transforms note-taking from a passive recording activity into an active learning strategy. Through discussions, activities, and reflections, students will understand the importance of note-taking, then learn techniques to take better notes before, during, and after class. Afterwards, we will dive into 4 different note-taking methods and students will be able to adapt these techniques to different content types, and develop personalized systems for review
Public Access in Transition: Nelson Memo, Federal Licensing, and the Future of Open Scholarship
No full textThis panel brings together leading experts in open scholarship policy and infrastructure to explore the practical and policy dimensions of questions related to the 2022 by the White House of Science & Technology Policy (also known as “Nelson memo”), which requires federally funded research, including publications and data, be immediately available for the public to freely access and fully use. Join us as Heather Joseph (SPARC), Dave Hansen (Authors Alliance), and Peter Suber (Harvard Library and Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society) explore -What is the status of policy development across agencies? What will compliance look like in practice? How should faculty, researchers, and institutions position themselves to meet new requirements? -How have publishers responded to these new policies? -And more.
Webinar hosted by Harvard University Librarie
Who Gets to Run?
No full textIn this lesson, students will explore how jogging—an activity largely perceived as one of most accessible sports—has historically excluded Black Americans. By analyzing 1) historical maps from major jogging hubs and 2) historical & contemporary running media, students will uncover how discriminatory housing policies and lack of mainstream media representation worked in tandem to create structural obstacles within a supposedly inclusive space. Students will connect this idea of running as a ‘white’ activity to modern-day perceptions of Black runners and instances of racial violence. Beyond the knowledge itself, students should walk away from this lesson with confidence and motivation to begin advocating for genuine (rather than superficial) inclusivity in activities they’re passionate about
The Philosophies Of Swedish Mushroom Hunting
No full textThis lesson invites students to explore Swedish mushroom hunting as both a cultural and environmental philosophy. Through a mix of mini lectures, storytelling, and outdoor experiential learning, students first learn about Allemansrätten (Sweden’s Right of Public Access) and how mushroom hunting evolved from post-war necessity to modern well-being practice. Students then reconstruct “a day in the forest” to reinforce the lecture’s key points about stewardship, secrecy, and serenity before participating in a quiet “hunt” activity in Pine Park.
By engaging curiosity first and empathy second, students come to understand that mushroom hunting is not only about harvesting food but about maintaining balance with the environment. They end by reflecting on their own places of calm or renewal on a college campus, drawing parallels between Swedish traditions and their personal sense of stewardship
Smartscope Ocular Development
No full textThe SmartScope is a digital microscope designed for pathology applications. Traditional digital pathology methods that rely on a screen and mouse require significantly more time for diagnosis compared to conventional light microscopes. While previous iterations of the SmartScope improved diagnostic time compared to screen-and-mouse methods of digital pathology, early user testing revealed two major challenges: poor image quality and limited adjustability. To address these limitations, we redesigned the SmartScope’s ocular system to incorporate high-resolution SeeYA OLED displays and enhanced adjustability, including interpupillary and vertical tilt adjustments. We conducted a comprehensive literature review of international pathology imaging standards, guiding our selection of screens with high pixel density, contrast ratio, and color accuracy. Our team iteratively refined the mechanical design to ensure user adjustability while protecting, routing, and encasing fragile electronic components. We have validated our work through a series of tests, including thermal analysis and image quality assessments. The new design is expected to improve user comfort and enhance image quality, preparing the SmartScope for the next round of user testing. Along with a working 3D prototype and full Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) documentation for continued work on the oculars, we will also provide a set of recommendations covering material selection, cost optimization, and other key considerations to enhance the design and manufacturing process