March of Dimes Prematurity Research Initiatives

March of Dimes
Image: marchofdimes.org

Tony DiTucci is an experienced professional in the building and construction industry, with more than two decades of experience. In addition to serving as vice president of DGA Builders in Pittsford, Tony DiTucci makes time to participate in several forms of philanthropy, including donations to the March of Dimes.

March of Dimes funds a wide range of research that protects babies, thereby reducing the infant mortality rate. One of the areas it focuses much of its grant money and research effort on is premature birth, which affects more than 350,000 babies each year.

In 2004, the March of Dimes began its Prematurity Research Initiative (PRI). This focuses on discerning the causes of prematurity, which are often unknown. It has awarded almost $28 million to researchers looking into both genetic and environmental causes for entering labor prematurely, including asymptomatic infections.

PRI grantees have also started to work on finding ways to treat or prevent preterm labor. Normal pregnancies suppress uterine contractions, and the mechanism by which this is achieved could lead to new drugs or other techniques to prevent premature birth.

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The LEED Green Associate Certification

 

LEED Green Associate
Image: usgbc.org

The vice president of DGA Builders, LLC, Tony DiTucci has more than 20 years of experience managing industrial, commercial, retail, and multi-family residential construction projects. Supplementing both his experience and education, Tony DiTucci holds certification as a LEED Green Associate.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications are third-party verifications for green buildings offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). While there are no specific eligibility requirements to become a LEED Green Associate, it is suggested that professionals are familiar with LEED and green building concepts before seeking a LEED Green Associate certification. The certification shows that a professional is up to date on best practices relating to green building and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their future understanding of green building.

The LEED Green Associate certification examination includes two parts, task domains and knowledge domains. Task domains serve to show that a professional can perform LEED effectively and includes everything from LEED project coordination to advocacy. Meanwhile, knowledge domains reflect what an individual must know to be a LEED Green Associate. This includes such topics as integrative strategies, project surroundings, and indoor environmental quality. The exam costs $200 for USGBC members and $250 for non-members. Students can register for $100.