Local professor receives grant to study effects of nicotine on babies

College of Medicine associate professor Kimberly Espy has just received a $1.73 million grant to study the effects of smoking during pregnancy. The studies, which will last for the next five years, mark the most considerable grant ever received by the professor. Though not the largest grant ever received by the school, it is still seen by the SIUC researchers as an important gain to their community.

Espy, a neuropsychologist, whose most recent studies were more involved with illegal drugs such as cocaine, has chosen to change her focus to nicotine due to its diversity in study.

“Nicotine and cocaine work on similar sections of the brain, but nicotine allows us to use different toxicology models,” Espy said.

The trials, which will include non-smokers, will also test the specifics of the smokers while pregnant. Those that do smoke will be examined on when they smoke, how much they smoke and if or when they choose to stop at some point during their pregnancy. The study will also continue after the babies are born, researching the children’s nervous systems as well as muscle control, mental concentration and emotion control.

The $1.73 million, which includes a matching fund of $40,000 from SIUC, is being given to the School of Medicine for research. The 400 mothers-to-be are all recruited by Carbondale obstetricians. The reason for such large groups and such a great amount of money is to better prove the finding of this research.

The paid mothers can only be smokers and can use no other substances, neither illegal nor legal. The mothers and children will be taken through four assessments at different stages of development for both mother and child. The mothers are being compensated $50 for each level completed and a final $200 bonus at the end of the trials.

Though the grant was approved about six months ago, it wasn’t officially rewarded until Aug. 1. The research will not begin until sometime in late September to early October. But this grant is not only for the School of Medicine but also the entire research community at SIUC, according to Dr. Prue Rice, acting Associate Dean of Research and Development Administration.

He believes this grant will not only help the School of Medicine.

” This grant not only helps [the School of Medicine] but contributes overall [to the entire school].”

Reporter Kelsey Marland can be reached at [email protected]