McNair Scholar 2021 Jennifer Meraz Barrera
Jennifer Meraz Barrera is a junior at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, majoring in speech-language-hearing sciences and minoring in developmental psychology. Her research interest revolves fragile infants with dysphagia. Ms. Meraz plans on getting her Ph.D. in speech-language pathology.
My dream is to become a bilingual clinician, so I can help Spanish-speaking communities and become a role model for first-generation college students. I want to be a clinician that resembles, reflects, and looks like my patients. It is my dream is to receive a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology.
Research project
Anti-Reflux Formulas: The Effects of Warming on Thickening Attributes
Abstract: Pediatric dysphagia is a condition where deficits in a child’s ability to swallow inhibits their ability to safety and efficiently eat. One dysphagia treatment is the provision of thickened liquids using anti-reflux formulas such as Enfamil A.R. powder and Ready-To-Feed. However, research elucidating the effects of temperature on formula thickness is lacking. To fill this gap, we tested thickness of Enfamil A.R. formula in powder and ready-to-feed formulations using International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) thickness testing. A 10mL syringe was filled with formula and allowed to free flow for 10 seconds. The amount remaining was used to classify liquid thickness levels. Each formula was warmed up until 111-119ºF. IDDSI measures were collected every 5 minutes. Warmed read-to-feed formulas were thinner than at room temperature counterparts. These were slightly thick liquid (1.27mL) at room temperature, whereas they remained thin (0mL) when warmed. Powder formulas were similar thickness under warm and room temperature. Anti-reflux formulas' viscosity is impacted based on formula temperature. Elucidating these characteristics is critical to guide infant dysphagia management regimens.
Faculty mentor
Dr. Katlyn McGrattan is an assistant professor in speech-language-hearing sciences at the University of Minnesota. Dr. McGrattan attended the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, where she received her Ph.D. in Health & Rehabilitation Science. Dr. McGrattan’s research focuses on identifying and treating perturbations in upper aerodigestive physiology that impede an infant’s ability to breathe and orally feed successfully.