Social Sciences
Cole J. King
Kansas State University
“Maternal choline supplementation modulates cognition and induces anti-inflammatory signaling in the prefrontal cortex of adolescent rats exposed to maternal immune activation”
Cole King earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2022 and a Master of Public Health degree in 2024, both from Kansas State University. Cole’s graduate thesis examined the protective impacts of maternal choline supplementation against maternal immune activation, a key risk factor for neurodevelopmental conditions like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Most pregnant individuals are deficient in choline intake despite the fact that it is critical for proper neurodevelopment. Choline also possesses unique anti-inflammatory properties that are underexplored in the context of maternal inflammation. Cole’s work identified that increasing maternal choline intake improves cognitive outcomes and induces anti-inflammatory signaling in the brains of adolescent rats. This work provides evidence for the effectiveness of maternal choline supplementation as debate continues surrounding its use during pregnancy and lactation. This is especially pertinent in light of novel infectious diseases like COVID-19, where large cohorts of fetuses are exposed to maternal inflammation in utero. Cole is currently studying medicine at Yale University School of Medicine and will graduate with an MD in 2028.
Social Sciences Honorable Mention: Jordan Cortesi, The University of Kansas, “(Mis)perceptions of Racial Wealth Inequality: The Role of Colorblind Racism and Implications for Public Policy”