Scientific Meeting on All Aspects of Women’s Health
Expanding Research Impact Using Data Science
&
Career Paths that Make a Difference
Friday, Feb 6, 2026
Great Hall, Trent Semans Center, Duke University
AGENDA
| TIME | SESSION |
|---|---|
| 8:00 - 8:15 AM |
Welcome & Introductions |
| 8:15 - 9:15 AM |
Panel Discussion with Q&A: Expanding Research Impact through Data Science Moderator: Eric Jelovsek, MD, MMEd, MSDS, F. Bayard Carter Distinguished Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Director, Data Science for Women’s Health, Duke University
|
| 9:15 - 9:35 AM | Networking Break |
| 9:35 - 10:25 AM |
|
| 10:25 – 11:25 AM | Poster Showcase & Networking |
| 11:25 AM – 12:25 PM |
Panel Discussion with Q&A: Career Paths that Make a Difference Moderator: Katie Holliday, PhD, (BIRCWH 2022) Assistant Professor in Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health
|
| 12:25 – 12:30 PM | Closing Remarks |
| 12:30 - 1:15 PM |
Speakers
Jerome (Jeff) Federspiel, MD PhD is an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, secondarily appointed in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Population Health Sciences at the Duke University School of Medicine. A maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist, Dr. Federspiel’s clinical and research focus is the care of pregnancies with hematologic and cardiovascular complications. He completed his medical training at the University of North Carolina, his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, and his fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. Despite living in Chapel Hill, Dr. Federspiel’s basketball loyalties remain dark blue, as he was a Duke undergraduate.
Chuan Hong, PhD is currently an Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at Duke University. She received her Ph.D. in biostatistics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She has been a postdoctoral fellow in both biostatistics and biomedical informatics, and an Instructor of Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School. Her primary research interests have been focused on developing statistical and machine learning methods with an emphasis on artificial intelligence in healthcare system, predictive modeling, high throughput phenotyping and precision medicine using large scale biomedical data. She has extensive expertise in data harmonization based on representation learning, information retrieval, language model and fairness-aware predictive modeling. She has published 100+ peer-review papers in leading statistical, informatics and biomedical journals such as JAMA, JASA, Biometrics, JAMIA, and npj Digital Medicine.
Kirti Magudia, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Radiology at Duke University School of Medicine. She completed fellowship in abdominal imaging and ultrasound at the University of California, San Francisco and Diagnostic Radiology Residency at Brigham & Women's Hospital. Her research centers on high-level applications of machine learning in radiology, including CT-based body composition analysis and prostate MR, which was facilitated by 7 dedicated months at the MGH/BWH Center for Clinical Data Science and a year long T32 research fellowship in the Biomedical Imaging for Clinical Scientists Program at UCSF. She was the founding resident chair of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Women in the Radiology Program and has extensively advocated for family-friendly trainee policies. Dr. Magudia is a graduate of the Tri-institutional MD/PhD program of Weill Cornell, Sloan-Kettering, and Rockefeller University, where she completed her Ph.D. in cell and cancer biology in the laboratory of Alan Hall developing a novel 3D cell culture model of colon tumorigenesis.
Courtney Van Houtven, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences (DPHS), Duke University School of Medicine and Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy. She is also the Director of the Center to Advance the Science of Complex Care: Aging, Disability and Equity at DPHS. Dr. Van Houtven’s aging and economics research interests encompass long-term care financing, intra-household decision-making, and unpaid / family care. She examines how family caregiving affects health care utilization, expenditures, health, and work outcomes of care recipients and caregivers. She also strives to build evidence around which policies and strategies effectively support family caregivers in their role.
Dr. Edwards is a pediatric cardiologist specialized in cardiovascular imaging of the fetus and child. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University and completed residency training in Pediatrics at New York-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell followed by fellowships in Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Imaging at Texas Children’s Hospital and Stanford, respectively. She served as an attending pediatric cardiologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital from 2019 – 2023 before joining the faculty at Duke University School of Medicine in 2023.
Dr. Edwards’ research focuses on the development of novel imaging technology, including machine learning-based applications, to improve diagnosis, management, and prognostication in pediatric and congenital heart disease. Her current work centers around pediatric imaging biomarkers in cancer treatment-related cardiomyopathy. Female sex is a risk factor for cardiomyopathy among childhood cancer survivors. As a BIRCWH scholar, Dr. Edwards investigates sex-based differences in the imaging pattern of cardiac injury following childhood chemotherapy and radiation exposure. She uses machine learning techniques to stratify childhood cancer survivors into phenotypically distinct groups with differential cardiomyopathy risk. Her overall goal is to enhance cardiomyopathy risk prediction and allow for more personalized clinical management for childhood cancer survivors.
Dr. Jaleel received a Bachelor of Science in Biophysics from University of Alabama in Birmingham 2007. After graduation, she worked with European Institute of Women’s Health as a Fulbright scholar. She received both her Medical Degree and completed her residency in dermatology from University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Medicine. She then joined on as faculty at Duke in 2016 and completed a Master’s in Health Sciences through Duke’s Clinical Research Training Program.
Dr. Jaleel’s research focuses on studying the role of sex hormones in skin inflammation as it relates to hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) disease pathogenesis. HS is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with acute painful flares that predominantly affects African-Americans, females, and those of lower socio-economic background. It tends to present around puberty and flares of disease have been noted surrounding menses. The role of hormonal fluctuations on disease activity remains to be fully elucidated and there is a desperate need for targeted therapy. Her early work on this topic has been funded by Dermatology Foundation, Skin of Color Society, and Duke School of Medicine Precision Genomics Collaboratory Fostering Interdisciplinary Genomic Science pilot grant. With the BIRCWH award and her team of multidisciplinary collaborators/mentors, Dr. Jaleel will further elucidate mechanisms by which hormone signaling controls skin inflammation with the future goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets. Her other interests include developing tools to decrease disparities in health outcomes and promoting diversity in dermatology clinical trials.
Dr. Sadun earned her MD/PhD from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and then completed her MedPeds Residency and Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowships at Duke University, where she is now an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics. Her clinical expertise lies in the care of adolescent and young adult patients as well as patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Dr. Sadun’s research focuses on improving outcomes for patients with childhood-onset lupus, a disease characterized by increased morbidity and mortality.
Through the BIRCWH award, Dr. Sadun leads the adaptation of a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to capture reasons for medication non-adherence in adult lupus patients, ensuring that the adapted tool is able to identify reasons for medication non-adherence in children, teens, and young adults with lupus. Alongside the adherence PROM, she oversees the development of a lupus-specific PROM to assess lupus-related fatigue in adolescents and young adults. Together, these tools will enable clinicians and researchers to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes for individuals living with childhood-onset lupus.
Jamila Minga, PhD is a certified speech-language pathologists, clinical scientist, film producer, right hemisphere stroke advocate, and an Associate Professor with a primary appointment in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences and a secondary appointment in the Department of Neurology at Duke University School of Medicine. She is also affiliated with Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University. Dr. Minga is a former BIRCWH Scholar with pioneering research that led to an NIH-NIDCD K23 grant award to explore the neuroanatomic correlates of language use after right hemisphere stroke, with recent funding approval for her NIH-NIDCD R01 grant to create a language use model using the RHDBank discourse protocol. Her research also includes collaborations with Duke physicians of neurology and hematology to advance science in the occurrence of communication and cognitive impairments in individuals with right hemisphere epilepsy and rare blood disorders, respectively. She serves as a research mentor to Duke University undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in psychology, neuroscience, and biology.
Haley Arden Moss, MD MBA, is Associate Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, and is on faculty at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). She is the Director of the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence (BGSOE) through the National Oncology Program at VAMC. She received her medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a business degree at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York University and Bellevue Hospital, and fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Duke University. Dr. Moss has authored or co-authored several peer-reviewed articles that have been published in journals such as JAMA Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, The Green Journal and American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. As Director of BGSOE, Dr. Moss leads initiatives to enhance the quality of cancer care for veterans affected by breast and gynecologic malignancies. Her work spans both operational improvements within local facilities and strategic efforts at the national level, with a strong commitment to advancing research in cancer care for veterans with reproductive cancers.
Rebecca Previs, MD MS is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and the Senior Medical Director at Labcorp Oncology, where she leads the medical affairs team and strategic oncology initiatives to advance precision medicine and improve cancer diagnostics and care delivery. She also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology at Duke University Medical Center. Prior to joining Labcorp, Dr. Previs was an Assistant Professor and principal investigator at Duke, where she led early phase clinical trials translational research focused on biomarkers and the immune microenvironment in gynecologic cancers. Her work has been supported by grant funding from the NIH, Duke WRHR K12 Program, AAGOF-GOG Foundation, and Emerson Collective. She has mentored numerous trainees and served on national advisory committees, including NRG Oncology.
Dr. Previs completed her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center and holds a Master of Science in Cancer Biology. Prior to that, she completed her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecologic at Duke University Medical Center. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing women’s health through research, education, and clinical innovation.
Jennifer Wu, MD MPH is originally from Frederick, MD. She earned her B.A. in Biology from Harvard College and her M.D. from the University of California at San Francisco. She trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital & Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA and then completed a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Concurrently, she received her Masters in Public Health in Epidemiology at the UNC School of Public Health. From 2007-2012, Dr. Wu served on the faculty at Duke University.
Dr. Wu re-joined the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at UNC Chapel Hill in 2013, and was appointed Division Director in 2018. In addition to her clinical/surgical practice, she is actively engaged in clinical trials and epidemiologic research of pelvic floor disorders, and she is dedicated to training future subspecialists in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. She is currently the Immediate Past President of the American Urogynecologic Society.
Poster Showcase (10:25-11:25 AM)
- Odd numbered posters presented during the first half: 10:25-10:55 AM
- Even numbered posters presented during the second half: 10:55-11:25 AM
Poster Tables
Poster Table by Presenter
|
Name |
Poster Title |
Poster Number |
|
Allison, Shannon |
Connective Tissue Vulnerability as a Spectrum: Implications for women’s health across the lifespan |
P-17 |
|
Arango, Alissa |
Brain Tumors and Pregnancy: A Descriptive Case Series |
P-23 |
|
Arthur, Sarah |
A Person-Centered Approach to Measuring Postpartum Sexual Well-Being |
P-32 |
|
Aziz, Maryam |
Reproducing Bias? Race and Ethnicity Reporting and Representation in AI-Based Prediction of Maternal Mortality |
P-47 |
|
Bassett, Ella |
Towards Evidence-Based Bereavement Care: Maternal preferences for seeing and holding after perinatal loss in Tanzania |
P-46 |
|
Bensberg, Maike |
Skewing of X-inactivation is a common constitutional trait in humans with potential effects on X-linked diseases |
P-14 |
|
Bergemann, Christina |
Development of a 3D Bladder Organoid Model from Mouse Uroepithelial Cells |
P-03 |
|
Blasingame, Maya |
Survival Among Patients with Breast Cancer Who Subsequently Underwent Solid Organ Transplant |
P-19 |
|
Boney, Sydney |
First evidence of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the follicular fluid of a cohort of North Carolina in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. |
P-11 |
|
Cao, Kayla |
Opill® in Oklahoma: Barriers and Opportunities in Over-the-Counter Contraceptive Access |
P-48 |
|
Chang, Kathleen |
Placenta Previa and Postpartum Depression: Identifying High-Risk Patients for Early Screening |
P-25 |
|
Cripps, Sam |
E-Cigarette Vapor Dysregulates Placental Function |
P-09 |
|
Damron, Alexandra |
Vaginal Estrogen Use and Perioperative Urinary Tract Infection Rate in Hip Fracture Patients |
P-20 |
|
Davidson, Alana |
Impact of a Novel, Automated Text-Messaging System on Healthcare Utilization and Patient Satisfaction in Benign Gynecologic Surgery |
P-38 |
|
Edokobi, Nneoma |
Delayed Catastrophe: Uterine Rupture Following Conservative Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum |
P-24 |
|
Eller, Kerry |
The Callascope: A portable, user-friendly, speculum-free device for diagnostic imaging of cervical pre-cancer lesions |
P-44 |
|
Fein, Elizabeth |
Examining the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor on Early Pregnancy Initiation and Embryo Development |
P-13 |
|
Frost, Haddie |
Development of a Primary In Vitro 3D Vaginal Tissue Model |
P-01 |
|
Howell, Elizabeth |
Implementation of an At-Home Removal Protocol for Foley Catheters following Urogynecologic Surgery |
P-42 |
|
Jin, Jacqueline |
Effects of E-Cigarette Condensates on Endometrial Receptivity: An In Vitro Experimental Study |
P-12 |
|
Johnson, Alia |
Investigating the cis and trans effects of sex chromosome dosage on gene regulation |
P-15 |
|
Jones, Sara |
Accelerating Climate Action to Promote Reproductive Health: Why? Who? How? |
P-45 |
|
Kbaisi, Chahnaz |
Project HOPE 1000: Creation and dissemination of a biobank for the first 1000 days of life |
P-49 |
|
Kelly, Rory |
A female athlete sports science research agenda driven by the voices of Team USA female athletes: a modified Delphi survey |
P-29 |
|
Kim, Rachel |
Development of Humanized Mouse Models for Studies of the Urogenital Microbiome |
P-04 |
|
Kubinski, Hannah |
Investigating the Impact of the Sex Chromosomes on Influenza A Virus Infection |
P-16 |
|
Lamichhane, Aarohi |
Review of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Use in Post-Menopausal Women |
P-36 |
|
Li, Stephanie |
PCR-Based Testing for Complex Urinary Symptoms in a Urogynecology Population |
P-43 |
|
Liu, Joyce |
Impact of antepartum bleeding on neonatal outcomes in patients with placenta previa |
P-27 |
|
Markert, Tahireh |
Preoperative Hyperglycemia in GYN surgery: Perioperative Considerations |
P-39 |
|
Master, Hiral |
Combining Wearable Technology and Telehealth Counseling for Rehabilitation After Lumbar Spine Surgery: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Physical Activity Intervention |
P-30 |
|
Mellouk, Namya |
Placental Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Key Regulator of Primordial Germ Cell Development and the Ovarian Reserve in Offspring |
P-06 |
|
Nathan, Margo |
Characterizing Suicidal Ideation in a Diverse Group of Midlife Women |
P-18 |
|
Nguyen, Tam |
Validating a Claims-Based Algorithm to Infer Endometriosis Stage Using CPT/ICD Codes |
P-21 |
|
Oliveira, Fatine |
Development and Efficacy of a Patient Education Community Program on Women’s Health: A Comparative Analysis |
P-50 |
|
Pean, Alexis |
Race and Screening for Pregestational Diabetes: Patterns and Implications in Prenatal Care |
P-34 |
|
Peek, Emma |
Outcomes of procedural management of obstetric pulmonary embolism in the United States |
P-26 |
|
Petrovsky, Darina |
Music-based interventions for persons living with dementia and their caregivers |
P-31 |
|
Pinnamaneni, Ananya |
Estrogen-dependent mechanisms elevate urothelial c-fiber density and drive overactive bladder pathogenesis in female type 1 diabetic Akita mice |
P-05 |
|
Poss, Annelise |
Cardiac hypertrophy in pregnancy |
P-07 |
|
Rather, Hilal |
Engineered extracellular vesicles for therapeutic delivery to combat osteoporotic bone loss in ovariectomized mice |
P-02 |
|
Russell, Seneca |
Impact of Oral Contraceptives on Resting Metabolic Rate |
P-37 |
|
Sebastião, Yuri |
Precision Medicine Approach to Elective Induction Decisions: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management (ARRIVE) |
P-28 |
|
Sergison, Jill |
Trust-Building to Promote Sexual Health Screening: A Conceptual Framework |
P-51 |
|
Sinha, Annika |
Comparing the effect of A1c on 30-day postoperative outcomes: A NSQIP study |
P-40 |
|
Sorrell, Eliza |
Making Research POP: Coordinators at the Heart of Pelvic Floor Studies |
P-22 |
|
Surani, Zoya |
Contraception and Teratogens in an Establish Care Visit: An Observed Structured Clinical Examination for UME and GME Learners |
P-33 |
|
Takhirov, Askar |
PFBS Disrupts Mitochondrial Function and Induces Preeclampsia-Like Signatures in Human Placental Models |
P-10 |
|
Vilme, Monique |
Community for Antepartum Patients: Bridging Undergraduate Education and Inpatient Antepartum Care |
P-35 |
|
Wickenheisser, Natalie |
Association between Opioid Use Disorder and Hysterectomy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study |
P-41 |
|
Yang, Allison |
Identifying Transcriptional Drivers of Nuclear Heterogeneity in the Placenta |
P-08 |
Poster Table by Number
|
|
Poster Description |
|
P-01 |
Development of a Primary In Vitro 3D Vaginal Tissue Model Presenter: Haddie Frost Institute of Regenerative Medicine (BME), Wake Forest University Mentor: Adam Hall, PhD, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Description: This project aims to leverage tissue engineering and organ-on-a-chip technology to develop a functional 3D vaginal organ tissue equivalent (OTE). |
|
P-02 |
Engineered extracellular vesicles for therapeutic delivery to combat osteoporotic bone loss in ovariectomized mice Presenter: Hilal Rather Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University Mentor: Shyni Varghese, PhD, Duke University Description: Development of therapeutics for osteoporotic bone loss |
|
P-03 |
Development of a 3D Bladder Organoid Model from Mouse Uroepithelial Cells Presenter: Christina Bergemann, PhD OBGYN/Urogynecology, Duke University Mentor: Nazema Siddiqui, MD, Duke University Description: Creating organoids from uroepithelial cells will facilitate investigations into how hormones and metabolites mechanistically influence the beneficial microbe, Lactobacillus crispatus. This work will aid in potential new therapeutic solutions leveraging the microbiome to minimize urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women. |
|
P-04 |
Development of Humanized Mouse Models for Studies of the Urogenital Microbiome Presenter: Rachel Kim Urogenital Microbiology, Duke University Mentor: Nazema Siddiqui, MD, Duke University Description: Urogenital microbiome research. |
|
P-05 |
Estrogen-dependent mechanisms elevate urothelial c-fiber density and drive overactive bladder pathogenesis in female type 1 diabetic Akita mice Presenter: Ananya Pinnamaneni Urology, Duke University Mentor: Michael Odom, PhD, Duke University School of Medicine Description: This project investigates the role of estrogen-dependent mechanisms in the development of an overactive bladder and urothelial innervation in a female murine model of diabetes. |
|
P-06 |
Placental Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a Key Regulator of Primordial Germ Cell Development and the Ovarian Reserve in Offspring Presenter: Namya Mellouk OBYGYN / DoRS Duke University Mentor: Liping Feng Description: Ovarian reserve |
|
P-07 |
Cardiac hypertrophy in pregnancy Presenter: Annelise Poss Molecular Physiology Institute, School of Medicine, Duke University Mentor: Deborah Muoio, PhD, Duke University Description: I study cardiac mitochondrial metabolism, with a specific focus on heme and ketone metabolism. This work evaluates cardiac mitochondrial remodeling at the time of birth and after post-partum involution in multiparous mice. |
|
P-08 |
Identifying Transcriptional Drivers of Nuclear Heterogeneity in the Placenta Presenter: Allison Yang Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Mentor: Madeline Keenen, PhD, Duke University Description: During pregnancy, dysfunction in the syncytiotrophoblast (STB), the unique multinucleated outer layer of the placenta, has been linked to syndromes such as pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm birth, and stillbirth. My work uses RNA velocity and gene network analysis on a single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA) of term placental dataset to identify key transcriptional drivers behind nuclear subtypes that could serve as future therapeutic targets. |
|
P-09 |
E-Cigarette Vapor Dysregulates Placental Function Presenter: Sam Cripps, PhD OB/GYN Duke University Mentor: Margeaux Marbrey, PhD, Duke University Description: Defining the impacts of innovative cannabis and tobacco products on pregnancy outcomes. |
|
P-10 |
PFBS Disrupts Mitochondrial Function and Induces Preeclampsia-Like Signatures in Human Placental Models Presenter: Askar Takhirov OB/GYN Duke University Mentor: Danny Schust, MD, Duke University Description: Organoids, single nuclei transcriptomics, effects of environment on development of placenta |
|
P-11 |
First evidence of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the follicular fluid of a cohort of North Carolina in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. Presenter: Sydney Boney Division of Translational Toxicology, NIEHS Mentor: Tammy Stoker, PhD, EPA Description: My research aims to investigate the effects of toxic compounds, such as PFAS, on women's health. |
|
P-12 |
Effects of E-Cigarette Condensates on Endometrial Receptivity: An In Vitro Experimental Study Presenter: Jacqueline Jin OB/GYN (Reproductive Sciences), Duke University Mentor: Dr. Margeaux Marbrey, PhD, Duke University Description: By using a human organoid model of the implantation window, this study aims to define how e-cigarette exposures affect endometrial receptivity. With rising e-cigarette use amidst misconceptions regarding safety in reproductive health, these findings have the potential to reframe vaping as a threat not only to pregnancy, but to its very initiation. |
|
P-13 |
Examining the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor on Early Pregnancy Initiation and Embryo Development Presenter: Elizabeth Fein Division of Reproductive Sciences, Duke University Mentor: Margeaux W. Marbrey, PhD, Duke University Description: Reproductive biology and developmental biology, with a focus on how inhaled environmental exposures affect early pregnancy, implantation, and uterine signaling. |
|
P-14 |
Skewing of X-inactivation is a common constitutional trait in humans with potential effects on X-linked diseases Presenter: Maike Bensberg, PhD Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Mentor: Maike Bensberg, Duke University Description: The role of the X chromosome and X chromosome inactivation on female health. |
|
P-15 |
Investigating the cis and trans effects of sex chromosome dosage on gene regulation Presenter: Alia Johnson University Program of Genetics and Genomics, Duke University Mentor: Adrianna San Roman, PhD, Duke University Description: Molecular mechanisms of sex chromosomes in human health and disease |
|
P-16 |
Investigating the Impact of the Sex Chromosomes on Influenza A Virus Infection Presenter: Hannah Kubinski Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Mentor: Hannah Kubinski, Duke University Description: I am investigating how genes on the X and Y chromosomes influence influenza A virus susceptibility, which result in a sex-specific bias of disease. |
|
P-17 |
Connective Tissue Vulnerability as a Spectrum: Implications for women’s health across the lifespan Presenter: Shannon Allison, BSBA, RN, Women's Health NP Student School of Nursing, Duke University Mentor: Kathy Trotter, DNP, FAANP, FAAN Associate Professor, Duke University School of Nursing Description: Women’s health across the lifespan, examining connective tissue disorders as a spectrum influencing multisystem symptoms, hormonal transitions, and the need for trauma-informed, individualized clinical approaches. This topic aligns with the symposium’s interdisciplinary focus by highlighting sex-specific biological influences and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to advance women’s health research and patient-centered care. |
|
P-18 |
Characterizing Suicidal Ideation in a Diverse Group of Midlife Women Presenter: Margo Nathan, MD Psychiatry UNC-Chapel Hill Mentor: Crystal Schiller, PHD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry, Center for Women's Mood Disorders Description: My research examines the pathophysiology and predictors of affective distress and disorders during the perimenopause, as well as the development of new interventions to prevent and treat these burdensome illnesses. |
|
P-19 |
Survival Among Patients with Breast Cancer Who Subsequently Underwent Solid Organ Transplant Presenter: Maya Blasingame, BS Duke University Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Plichta, MD, MS, Duke University Description: Survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with breast cancer who subsequently undergo a solid organ transplant. |
|
P-20 |
Vaginal Estrogen Use and Perioperative Urinary Tract Infection Rate in Hip Fracture Patients Presenter: Alexandra Damron School of Medicine, Duke University Mentor(s): Jocelyn Wittstein, MD (Duke Orthopedic Surgery), Anne Ford, MD (Duke OBGYN), Christian Pean, MD, MS (Duke Orthopedic Surgery) Description: Hip fractures and perioperative urinary tract infections present a significant health burden to older women. With evidence supporting the use of vaginal estrogen as preventive therapy for recurrent UTIs among postmenopausal women, the purpose of this research is to characterize vaginal estrogen utilization in the perioperative setting and its association with perioperative hip fracture complications in a population of postmenopausal women treated at Duke University Hospital. |
|
P-21 |
Validating a Claims-Based Algorithm to Infer Endometriosis Stage Using CPT/ICD Codes Presenter: Tam Nguyen, MD, MPH Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, OBGYN, Duke University Mentor: Stephanie Lim, MD, Duke University Description: population-based epidemiologic research on endometriosis severity |
|
P-22 |
Making Research POP: Coordinators at the Heart of Pelvic Floor Studies Presenter: Eliza Sorrell Urogynecology, Duke University Mentor: Nazema Siddiqui, MD, Duke University Description: Pelvic Floor Disorders |
|
P-23 |
Brain Tumors and Pregnancy: A Descriptive Case Series Presenter: Alissa Arango Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Mentor: Margaret O. Johnson MD, MPH, Duke University Description: Primary brain tumors can occur in women of reproductive age. This descriptive case series examines how brain tumors influence pregnancy outcomes. |
|
P-24 |
Delayed Catastrophe: Uterine Rupture Following Conservative Management of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Presenter: Nneoma Edokobi, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center Mentor: Kaitlin Warta MD, Novant Health Description: Gynecology Oncology; Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
P-25 |
Placenta Previa and Postpartum Depression: Identifying High-Risk Patients for Early Screening Presenter: Kathleen Chang School of Medicine, Duke University Mentor: Sarah Dotters Katz, MD, Duke University Description: Perinatal mental health outcomes in high-risk obstetric populations, with a focus on the association between antepartum bleeding in placenta previa and postpartum depression risk |
|
P-26 |
Outcomes of procedural management of obstetric pulmonary embolism in the United States Presenter: Emma Peek Duke University Mentor: Jeff Federspiel, MD, PhD Description: We aim to describe outcomes for obstetric patients hospitalized for pulmonary embolism requiring thrombectomy or thrombolysis using a retrospective cohort of patients from the National Inpatient Sample between 2016 and 2022. |
|
P-27 |
Impact of antepartum bleeding on neonatal outcomes in patients with placenta previa Presenter: Joyce Liu, BS OB/GYN, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Duke University Mentor: Anthony Melendez Torres, MD, Duke University Description: We evaluated whether antepartum bleeding (APB) in pregnancies complicated by placenta previa is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in a retrospective cohort of 240 singleton deliveries. Although APB was associated with earlier delivery, higher neonatal morbidity, and increased NICU utilization, these differences were not significant after adjustment for gestational age and other confounders, supporting reassurance in counseling patients with placenta previa. |
|
P-28 |
Precision Medicine Approach to Elective Induction Decisions: Secondary Analysis of A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management (ARRIVE) Presenter: Yuri Sebastião, PhD OBGYN/Global Women's Health, UNC Chapel Hill Mentor(s): John Thorp Jr, MD; Stephen Cole, PhD; Stringer, MD; UNC Chapel Hill Description: Global Women's Health; Pediatric and perinatal epidemiology |
|
P-29 |
A female athlete sports science research agenda driven by the voices of Team USA female athletes: a modified Delphi survey Presenter: Rory Kelly, BA School of Medicine, Duke University Mentor(s): Julie McCleery, PhD, University of Washington; Emily Kraus, MD, Stanford University Description: Using a modified Delphi survey, Team USA female athletes and researchers co-constructed a 14-item sports science research agenda aimed to better support the health, wellbeing, and performance of female athletes. Top research topics included menstrual cycle symptoms, recovery, birth control, and mental health. |
|
P-30 |
Combining Wearable Technology and Telehealth Counseling for Rehabilitation After Lumbar Spine Surgery: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Physical Activity Intervention Presenter: Hiral Master, PT, PhD, MPH UNC Chapel Hill Mentor: Deborah Tate, PhD, UNC Chapel Hill Description: Physical Activity, Wearables |
|
P-31 |
Music-based interventions for persons living with dementia and their caregivers Presenter: Darina Petrovsky, PhD, RN Nursing, Duke University Mentor: Darina Petrovsky, PhD, RN Description: Impact of music-based interventions for persons living with dementia and their caregivers |
|
P-32 |
A Person-Centered Approach to Measuring Postpartum Sexual Well-Being Presenter: Sarah Arthur, PhD Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine, Duke University Mentor: Rebecca Shelby, PhD, Duke University School of Medicine Description: Presenting the results of ongoing qualitative and quantitative research, developing an inclusive, person-centered measure of postpartum sexual well-being. |
|
P-33 |
Contraception and Teratogens in an Establish Care Visit: An Observed Structured Clinical Examination for UME and GME Learners Presenter: Zoya Surani Duke Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Medical Education Research Program, Duke University Mentor: Sarah Dotters-Katz, MD, Duke University Description: We compared performance across 56 UME and GME learners in a primary care standardized patient encounter assessing the ability to recognize teratogenic medications and need for contraception counseling. As only 33.9% of learners discussed inadequate contraception and 3.6% explained the teratogenicity of the patient’s current medications prior to refilling/changing them, these findings highlight the need for additional education and practice opportunities on these topics for UME and GME learners. |
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P-34 |
Race and Screening for Pregestational Diabetes: Patterns and Implications in Prenatal Care Presenter: Alexis Pean, MS Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Mentor: Sarah K. Dotters-Katz, MD, MMHPE Description: This research falls under clinical screening tools. |
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P-35 |
Community for Antepartum Patients: Bridging Undergraduate Education and Inpatient Antepartum Care Presenter: Monique Vilme, BA Duke Bass Connections/Duke OBGYN, Duke University Mentor: Sarah Dotters-Katz, MD, Duke University Description: This project is an educational and quality improvement initiative at the intersection of medical education, maternal health, and health equity. It evaluates a longitudinal, interdisciplinary service-learning model that adapts group prenatal care to the inpatient antepartum setting while addressing gaps in undergraduate education in reproductive and maternal health through student-led, patient-centered teaching and community building. |
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P-36 |
Review of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Use in Post-Menopausal Women Presenter: Aarohi Lamichhane Department of Psychology and Neuroscience/Department of Women's and Gender Studies, UNC-Chapel Hill Mentor: Julia Riddle, MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Description: Draw from prior articles to assess how TRT functions in pre- and post-menopausal women, and the main indication for TRT, which is to treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in post-menopausal women. Also address other indications, contraindications/adverse effects, and future directions of testosterone therapy research for women. |
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P-37 |
Impact of Oral Contraceptives on Resting Metabolic Rate Presenter: Seneca Russell Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University Mentor: Herman Pontzer, PhD, Duke University Description: This study investigates the impact of oral contraceptives on resting metabolic rate compared to naturally menstruating women in their follicular and luteal phases. Areas: oral contraceptives, female energetics and metabolism, and the menstrual cycle |
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P-38 |
Impact of a Novel, Automated Text-Messaging System on Healthcare Utilization and Patient Satisfaction in Benign Gynecologic Surgery Presenter: Alana Davidson, BS Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine Mentor: Nicole Kerner, MD, Duke University Description: This is a single-institution, prospective quality-improvement study that will assess the impact of a novel, automated text-messaging system intervention (Care Coach) on ED visits, unscheduled clinic visits, and triage calls and patient satisfaction following benign gynecological surgery. |
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P-39 |
Preoperative Hyperglycemia in GYN surgery: Perioperative Considerations Presenter: Tahireh Markert, MD OB/GYN Duke University Mentor: Annika Sinha, MD, Duke University Description: Review of current literature regarding glycemic control and postoperative outcomes for major GYN surgery for benign, urogynecologic, or oncologic indications. |
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P-40 |
Comparing the effect of A1c on 30-day postoperative outcomes: A NSQIP study Presenter: Annika Sinha Urogynecology, Duke University Mentor: Annika Sinha, MD, Duke University Description: We are interested in understanding the impact of preoperative hemoglobin A1c on 30-day postoperative outcomes and want to better understand if our current characterization of "high" or "low" A1c really relates to 30-day postoperative risk or if other factors are at play. |
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P-41 |
Association between Opioid Use Disorder and Hysterectomy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study Presenter: Natalie Wickenheisser, MD OB/GYN Duke University Mentor: Stephanie Lim, MD Description: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of opioid use disorder on complications, length of stay, and costs for hysterectomy using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample (NASS) databases to include both inpatient and outpatient hysterectomies. |
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P-42 |
Implementation of an At-Home Removal Protocol for Foley Catheters following Urogynecologic Surgery Presenter: Elizabeth Howell, MD Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Duke University Mentor: Amie Kawasaki, MD - Duke University Description: Quality improvement in Urogynecology |
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P-43 |
PCR-Based Testing for Complex Urinary Symptoms in a Urogynecology Population Presenter: Stephanie Li Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Mentor: Nazema Siddiqui, MD, Duke University Description: In women with complex UTI (urinary tract infection) symptom presentations, PCR-based testing, rather than standard urine cultures (SUC), may provide additional information to guide clinical care. We aim to critically assess initial experiences with one PCR-based diagnostic test (Guidance UTI® by Pathnostics). |
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P-44 |
The Callascope: A portable, user-friendly, speculum-free device for diagnostic imaging of cervical pre-cancer lesions Presenter: Kerry Eller, PhD candidate Biomedical Engineering Department, Duke University Mentor: Nimmi Ramanujam, PhD, Duke University Description: To address cervical cancer screening challenges, we demonstrate the development and clinical testing of the Callascope, which has been designed to consolidate cervical imaging and contrast application into a single, portable device that can be used either with or without a speculum. |
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P-45 |
Accelerating Climate Action to Promote Reproductive Health: Why? Who? How? Presenter: Sara Jones Obstetrics and Gynecology/Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Duke University Mentor: Beverly Gray, MD, Duke University Description: Sustainability in medicine, reproductive health. |
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P-46 |
Towards Evidence-Based Bereavement Care: Maternal preferences for seeing and holding after perinatal loss in Tanzania Presenter: Ella Bassett Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Mentor: Sharla Rent, MD, MSc-GH, Duke University Description: There is a dearth of literature evaluating if the longstanding neglect of seeing and holding the deceased infant following perinatal loss in many LMICs (low-middle-income countries) is in fact consistent with the preferences of mothers. This qualitative exploration addresses this knowledge gap while centering the perspectives of Tanzanian women who experienced perinatal loss. |
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P-47 |
Reproducing Bias? Race and Ethnicity Reporting and Representation in AI-Based Prediction of Maternal Mortality Presenter: Maryam Aziz, MS Population Health Sciences, Duke University Mentor: Hayden Bosworth, PhD, Duke University Description: Evaluation of race and ethnicity reporting practices in studies that use AI/ML for prediction of conditions associated with maternal mortality, and quantification of racial/ethnic representation across these studies through a meta-analysis. |
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P-48 |
Opill® in Oklahoma: Barriers and Opportunities in Over-the-Counter Contraceptive Access Presenter: Kayla Cao Duke University Mentor: Candice Holley, Take Control Initiative Description: This research uses survey data collected from physicians and patients to assess the perceptions of Opill in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. The areas of research include contraceptive access, awareness, and education. |
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P-49 |
Project HOPE 1000: Creation and dissemination of a biobank for the first 1000 days of life Presenter: Chahnaz Kbaisi, BSc, CDS Duke Center for Precision Health (CPH), Duke University Mentor: Jillian Hurst, PhD, Duke University School of Medicine Description: I examine community health trends, disease patterns, and health disparities by leveraging participant‑level clinical study data and advanced analytic tools. My work focuses on managing and analyzing research data to support studies oversight, enrollment monitoring, and the dissemination of insights through reports and interactive dashboards. |
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P-50 |
Development and Efficacy of a Patient Education Community Program on Women’s Health: A Comparative Analysis Presenter: Fatine Oliveira, BSc Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University Mentor: Odinaka Anyanwu, MD, Brown University, Professor of Family Medicine Description: Building on last year's mission to launch a community-based women’s health education event, this year's second annual Women's Community Health Fair evaluated how such initiatives can improve access to health information, empower women with a stronger understanding of their health, and promote comfort with care-seeking behaviors, ultimately improving women's health outcomes. |
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P-51 |
Trust-Building to Promote Sexual Health Screening: A Conceptual Framework Presenter: Jill Sergison, PhD(c), MA, CNM School of Nursing, Duke University Mentor: Mitch Knisely, PhD, Duke University Description: Trust is essential to effective healthcare relationships and equitable health outcomes, yet it is often viewed as a patient's attitude rather than as something shaped by healthcare systems and institutions. Among structurally marginalized populations, including women in Appalachia, cumulative experiences of bias, limited access, and social inequities have eroded trust and reduced engagement in preventive screening. |
Acknowledgements
Sponsors:
- NIH ORWH: K12 AR084231-26 Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH)
- Duke University School of Medicine
Symposium Organizers:
BIRCWH Program
- Cindy L. Amundsen, MD, PI and Program Director
- Friederike Jayes, PhD, Program Coordinator
- Rebecca Kameny, PhD, Research Program Leader
Duke Ob-Gyn
- Jane Black
- Sarah Brady
- Lynn Montoya
Students
- Arshia Zaidi (Duke University)
- Ashley Whitfield (North Carolina Central University)
