If you have a child younger than 6 years, you may be eligible to participate in the SDSU Microbiome Project! 

There will be a total of 30 families participating in this project. We are especially in need of families with someone who smokes cigarettes or vapes.

The “microbiome” refers to the tiny organs called micro-organisms, or microbes, that do important things to keep the body healthy. These are living things that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The purpose of this project is to learn more about these micro-organisms.

​The project includes a home visit to collect samples:

  • ​We will ask you to wipe soft swabs around your child’s finger, cheeks, nostrils and ear canal to sample the microbes present.
  • ​We will ask you to collect a small sample of your child’s urine and we will wipe a cotton round on your child’s hand and sleeping area, to be examined for traces of exposure to nicotine and tobacco smoke.
  • We will use a special vacuum to collect a dust sample from your home to be examined for evidence of tobacco residue.

The home visit will be from an hour and a half to two hours. You will receive up to $70 in gift cards for your participation, plus a $10 bonus gift card if you are able to keep your appointment time as scheduled!

If you’re interested, please contact us!