Professor in Epidemiology Xinguang (Jim) Chen, MD, PhD, was recently awarded a Patient-Oriented Clinical Research Pilot Award from the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). Dr. Chen’s research has primarily focused on the epidemiology of health risk behavior and behavioral prevention intervention. Through his CTSI-funded project, entitled “Exposure to secondhand smoke of cigarettes and marijuana in young children,” Dr. Chen will build a transdisciplinary team of researchers to investigate levels and impact factors of secondhand marijuana smoke in children aged 1-5. This pilot study will provide critical preliminary data to support future NIH funding proposals to conduct a full-scale investigation of secondhand marijuana exposure in children. The CTSI pilot award will last through November 2018. Congratulations to Dr. Chen for this award, and for the important work he is doing in this crucial area of research.