About

Claire Bollinger, PhD, is a Clinical Instructor at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences within The Ohio State University. Her primary professional interests include health disparities and environmental epidemiology, with a focus on how aspects of the physical environment—such as ambient pollution, neighborhood characteristics, and perceptions of environmental supports—impact physical activity behaviors and disease risk in Central Ohio populations. Her research aims to understand the influence of environmental factors on health outcomes, contributing to the field of public health and epidemiology. Dr. Bollinger earned her BS in Psychology from the University of Vermont in 2009 and completed her PhD in Public Health with a specialization in Environmental Health Sciences at The Ohio State University in 2017. Her work involves examining the relationship between environmental exposures and health, including the impact of the built environment on chronic disease risk. She has contributed to research on influenza outcomes, pregnancy and birth outcomes, and the role of environmental justice, utilizing various epidemiological methods to inform public health strategies.

Research topics

• Physiology
• Psychology
• Internal medicine
• Environmental chemistry
• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Genetics
• Medicine
• Organic chemistry
• Chemistry
• Biology
• History

Selected publications

• Perspectives on Climate Change and Sustainability Education in the Interprofessional Setting: A Single-Institution Experience

  Wilderness and Environmental Medicine · 2025-10-27

  articleSenior author

  Climate change presents a multifaceted challenge with profound implications across various sectors, necessitating a comprehensive response from educational institutions. This study aims to investigate the perspectives of graduate and professional students at The Ohio State University (OSU) regarding sustainability education within their curriculum and the impact of educational symposiums related to sustainability and climate change. Utilizing a questionnaire at an interprofessional sustainability-focused event, we gathered insights into students' viewpoints on climate change and sustainability, identified potential gaps in integrating these topics into higher education, and observed the role of topic-focused seminars in educational settings. Thirty-six graduate and professional students completed a 28-item questionnaire related to sustainability and climate education after a sustainability-focused event. Only 25% of students felt their academic program offered adequate engagement with climate change, and over 70% of students were either unaware of or did not believe that their specific programs' learning objectives included content related to sustainability and climate. Additionally, 47% did not feel adequately prepared to effectively navigate sustainability-related challenges within their profession. After the event, 94% of students felt that more interprofessional events are needed to better educate students on the effects of climate change on their respective careers. Additionally, 94% of students reported feeling more confident about integrating sustainability into their future professions and felt inspired to lead workshops or webinars of their own. This study highlights the pressing need for enhanced integration of sustainability and climate change education within graduate and professional curricula at academic institutions, while underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the role of large-scale educational events in fostering students' understanding and engagement with climate-related topics.

  PublisherDOI

• List of contributors

  Elsevier eBooks · 2020

  • History
  PublisherDOI

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: implications for developmental, molecular, and behavioral neurotoxicity

  Elsevier eBooks · 2020 · 2 citations

  1st authorCorresponding
  • Neuroscience
  • Physiology
  • Psychology
  PublisherDOI

• Inhibition of Pro-inflammatory and Anti-apoptotic Biomarkers during Experimental Oral Cancer Chemoprevention by Dietary Black Raspberries

  Frontiers in Immunology · 2017-10-23 · 46 citations

  articleOpen access

  Oral cancer continues to be a significant public health problem worldwide. Recently conducted clinical trials demonstrate the ability of black raspberries (BRBs) to modulate biomarkers of molecular efficacy that supports a chemopreventive strategy against oral cancer. However, it is essential that a preclinical animal model of black raspberry (BRB) chemoprevention which recapitulates human oral carcinogenesis be developed, so that we can validate biomarkers and evaluate potential mechanisms of action. We therefore established the ability of BRBs to inhibit oral lesion formation in a carcinogen-induced rat oral cancer model and examined potential mechanisms. F344 rats were administered 4NQO (20μg/ml) in drinking water for 14 weeks followed by regular drinking water for 6 weeks. At week 14, rats were fed a diet containing either 5% or 10% BRB, or 0.4% percent ellagic acid (EA), a BRB phytochemical. Dietary administration of 5% and 10% BRB reduced oral lesion incidence and multiplicity by 39.3% and 28.6% respectively. Histopathological analyses demonstrate the ability of BRBs and, to a lesser extent EA, to inhibit the progression of oral cancer. Oral lesion inhibition by BRBs was associated with a reduction in the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers Cxcl1, Mif and Nfe2l2 as well as the anti-apoptotic and cell cycle associated markers Birc5, Aurka, Ccna1 and Ccna2. Cellular proliferation (Ki-67 staining) in tongue lesions was inhibited by BRBs and EA. Our study demonstrates that, in the rat 4NQO oral cancer model, dietary administration of BRBs inhibits oral carcinogenesis via inhibition of pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Abstract P317: Area Traffic Density Contributes to the Risk of Gestational Diabetes in a Sample of Central Ohio Pregnancies

  Circulation · 2017-03-07 · 1 citations

  article1st authorCorresponding

  Background: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the US and the state of Ohio is approximately 9.0%. GDM is associated with increased risks for mother and child, including macrosomia, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and development of type 2 diabetes. In addition to known risk factors, the role of exposure to environmental pollutants in development of GDM warrants further investigation. Because exposure to traffic-related pollutants has been shown to influence the development of type 2 diabetes, we assessed the contribution of exposure to high traffic to the development of GDM during pregnancy among women without prior diabetes history. Methods: A population of 275 pregnant women in Ohio reported perceived exposure to high traffic areas and health behaviors. Clinical information and addresses were obtained through their electronic health records. Using ArcMap TM 10.2.2 (ESRI), addresses were geocoded to assess individual exposures, and linked with area exposures and demographic indicators at the level of the census block group from EJScreen (EPA). A woman was classified as “near” a major roadway if one fell within a 500m buffer of her home. Distance to nearest major roadway was also calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between quintiles of traffic exposure at the census block group level, self-reported proximity, individual-level proximity, health behaviors, and demographic factors with development of GDM. Because assessment of individual-level exposures may be difficult to use in clinical and large scale population settings, a model was also fit using only data publically available from EJScreen and self-report. Results: The prevalence of GDM was 8.0% (22/275) and distribution of demographics factors were similar between those with and without GDM. After adjustment for potential confounders, quintile of traffic exposure was significantly associated with development of GDM (p=.036). Compared to those residing in block groups in the lowest quintile, the odds of GDM for those in the second quintile were 8.1 times greater [95% CI 1.2, 56.3] and for those in fourth quintile were 10.4 times greater [95% CI 1.6, 67.6]. Addition of individual-level proximity factors did not significantly improve the model (p=.08). Conclusions: This study suggests that living in an area with high traffic density contributes to the risk of developing GDM. For both the clinical practitioner and public health researcher it is difficult or impractical to obtain individual level environmental exposure data. From our analysis, the individually calculated exposure proxies did not significantly improve the fit of the model. We suggest examining ways to combine self-report measures with existing environmental data, such as EJScreen, to identify populations at elevated risk.

  PublisherDOI

• Influenza vaccination status and outcomes among influenza-associated hospitalizations in Columbus, Ohio (2012–2015)

  Epidemiology and Infection · 2017-10-15 · 6 citations

  articleOpen access

  Prior studies suggest that the influenza vaccine is protective against some outcomes in hospitalized patients infected with influenza despite vaccination. We utilized surveillance data from Columbus, Ohio to investigate this association over multiple influenza seasons and age groups. Data on laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations were collected as a part of the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Project for the 2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2014-2015 influenza seasons. The association between influenza vaccination status was examined in relation to the outcomes of severe influenza and diagnosis of pneumonia among patients receiving antiviral treatment. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. We observed no overall association between influenza vaccination status and severe influenza among hospitalized patients. During the 2013-2014 season, those who were vaccinated were 41% less likely to be diagnosed with pneumonia compared with those who were unvaccinated (OR = 0·59 95% CI 0·41-0·86). The influenza vaccine may provide a secondary preventive function against pneumonia among influenza cases requiring hospitalization. However, a protective effect was only observed in 2013-2014, an influenza H1N1 dominant year. Differences in circulating influenza virus strains and vaccine matching to the circulating strains during influenza seasons may impact this association.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Use of Environmental Justice Screening Tool and Self-Reported Data to Inform Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes in a Population of Central Ohio Deliveries

  OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · 2017-01-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  Publisher

• Active Use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Personal Health Records (PHRs) for Epidemiologic Research: Sample Representativeness and Nonresponse Bias in a Study of Women During Pregnancy

  eGEMs (Generating Evidence & Methods to improve patient outcomes) · 2017-02-23 · 23 citations

  articleOpen access

  INTRODUCTION: With the growing use of electronic medical records, electronic health records (EHRs), and personal health records (PHRs) for health care delivery, new opportunities have arisen for population health researchers. Our objective was to characterize PHR users and examine sample representativeness and nonresponse bias in a study of pregnant women recruited via the PHR. DESIGN: Demographic characteristics were examined for PHR users and nonusers. Enrolled study participants (responders, n=187) were then compared with nonresponders and a representative sample of the target population. RESULTS: PHR patient portal users (34 percent of eligible persons) were older and more likely to be White, have private health insurance, and develop gestational diabetes than nonusers. Of eligible persons (all PHR users), 11 percent (187/1,713) completed a self-administered PHR based questionnaire. Participants in the research study were more likely to be non-Hispanic White (90 percent versus 79 percent) and married (85 percent versus 77 percent), and were less likely to be Non-Hispanic Black (3 percent versus 12 percent) or Hispanic (3 percent versus 6 percent). Responders and nonresponders were similar regarding age distribution, employment status, and health insurance status. Demographic characteristics were similar between responders and nonresponders. DISCUSSION: Demographic characteristics of the study population differed from the general population, consistent with patterns seen in traditional population-based studies. The PHR may be an efficient method for recruiting and conducting observational research with additional benefits of efficiency and cost-cost-effectiveness.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Abstract MP13: Perceived Environmental Supports and Barriers are Associated with Physical Activity Behaviors During Pregnancy

  Circulation · 2016-03-01

  article

  Background: In the absence of contraindications, current guidelines recommend ≥ 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for women during pregnancy for the prevention of excess weight gain, metabolic abnormalities (e.g., gestational diabetes), and the general health of both mother and offspring. In the U.S., approximately 20% of pregnant women meet this recommendation. The perceived quality of the built environment may play an important role in supporting or hindering active living during pregnancy. Thus, this study examined the association of environmental supports for physical activity (PA) with PA behaviors in a population of pregnant women. Methods: The study included 155 pregnant women in the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center that self-reported PA behaviors during the third trimester (27+ weeks). Participants also rated 26 perceived environmental supports and barriers for PA in four domains: outdoor recreation supports, access to a safe walking environment, neighborhood and community supports, and public recreation facilities; the total environmental quality score ranged from 0 (worst) to 26 (best). Logistic regression was used to examine the association of the total and subscale scores with achievement of ≥150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the pregnancy, maintenance of pre-pregnancy PA level, and change in moderate PA from the 1st through 3rd trimester. Results: The study included women between the ages of 20-46 years that were between 27-40 weeks pregnant. The mean age was 32 years (SD=4.3 years). Fifty percent of the study population reported achieving ≥150 minutes per week of MVPA. Women with access to a safe walking environment were more likely to maintain or increase their PA during pregnancy [adjusted OR (aOR) per 1-point increase in PA score = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.14-2.28, p<0.01]; a safe walking environment was characterized by perceptions of physically active neighbors, lack of concern about unattended pets, safe and well-maintained sidewalks, and adequate street lighting. Participants that reported better access to public recreational facilities were also more likely to maintain or increase moderate PA levels throughout their pregnancy (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05 - 1.47, p<0.05). Conclusions: Perceived access to a safe environment and neighborhood public recreation facilities are strongly associated with achievement and maintenance of recommended PA throughout pregnancy. Interventions at the individual-level have been shown to promote PA during pregnancy. Combining these efforts with community-level interventions that enhance the built environment to include access to safe outdoor space for leisure and recreational facilities may also positively impact the metabolic health of expectant mothers.

  PublisherDOI

• Abstract P123: The Physical Activity Built Environment: Evaluation of the Concordance of Perceived versus Measured Access to Parks and Bike Paths

  Circulation · 2016-03-01

  article1st authorCorresponding

  Background: Approximately 80% of pregnant women in the US do not meet the CDC recommendation for moderate-intensity physical activity. The built environment is a key contributor to physical activity (PA) behavior. However, there may be a disconnect between physical attributes of the built environment and perceived access to an environment that supports PA. Use of a geographic information system (GIS) to objectively measure aspects of the built environment can yield important information about proximity of resources for supporting PA. We evaluated concordance of perceived access to multi-use bike paths (MUBP) and parks in a population of pregnant women. We also examined demographic characteristics associated with concordance between perceived and actual supports for PA. Methods: A population of 155 pregnant women in the greater Columbus, OH area reported perceptions of access to environmental supports within their neighborhood (defined as 0.5 mi. radius/ 10 min. walk) and community (10 mi. radius/ 20 min. drive), along with self-reported PA information. Addresses were abstracted from medical records and geocoded. Within ArcMap 10.2.2 (ESRI, Redlands, CA), buffers at distances of 0.5, 1, and 10 miles were created around MUBP and parks, respectively. Respondents were classified as “near” a resource if their address fell within those buffers. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between concordance of self-report with objectively measured proximity and demographic factors associated with higher concordance. Results: Within the study population of 155, 12% and 28% of women lived within 0.5 and 1 mile of a dedicated MUBP, respectively. More women lived within close proximity to a park (46% within a 0.5 mile radius, and 69% were within a 1 mile radius). The discordancy for parks ranged from 9.68%-49.03%, and from 16.77%-76.13% for MUBP. Concordance of report of parks within the community was higher among non-Hispanic white women (OR=4.2 [1.1, 15.3]) and that concordance or over-reporting of access to parks within the community was higher among married women (OR=5.3 [1.3, 21.5]). There were no significant differences in self-reported PA or changes in PA, however women living within 1 mile of a park reported more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA. A greater percentage of those with access reported increasing or maintaining levels of moderate PA from before pregnancy through the third trimester. Conclusions: The discordance between perception of access and objectively measured proximity to MUBP and parks suggests a substantial portion of women are not aware of their availability, or do not perceive them as relevant factors in influencing their PA behaviors during pregnancy. It may be that physical proximity is not a major driver in perceived access. Characteristics of the built environment, such as safety or social environment, may play a larger role in influencing PA behaviors.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Darryl B. Hood

  The Ohio State University

  11 shared

• Julie K. Bower

  The Ohio State University

  6 shared

• Raina Rhoades

  Howard University

  4 shared

• Monique McCallister

  Tennessee State University

  4 shared

• Russell Savage

  University of Stirling

  4 shared

• Aramandla Ramesh

  4 shared

• Jiří Patočka

  University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice

  4 shared

• Jiřı́ Kassa

  University of Defence

  4 shared