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Neda Ghaffari, MD is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), specializing in Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Reproductive Genetics. She provides care through the UCSF Fetal Treatment Services, focusing on high-risk pregnancies and comprehensive obstetric care. Dr. Ghaffari received her education and training from prestigious institutions: 2003: B.A. with honors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley 2008: M.D. from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles 2012: Completed her Internship and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at LAC + USC Medical Center, Los Angeles 2015: Completed her Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Dr. Ghaffari has a dual interest in maternal medicine and fetal medicine, with extensive experience managing medically complicated pregnancies. Her clinical expertise includes caring for patients with cardiac disease during pregnancy, malignancies in pregnancy, and congenital anomalies. She is skilled in fetal echocardiogram and is both NTQR-certified and California State Prenatal Screening Program certified for amniocentesis. A strong advocate for patient safety, Dr. Ghaffari also provides comprehensive outpatient care for patients with obesity and diabetes during pregnancy. Her work emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to complex obstetric cases, particularly focusing on improving outcomes for high-risk patients through specialized care protocols. Dr. Ghaffari's research primarily focuses on the intersection of maternal health conditions and fetal outcomes, with particular attention to obesity, diabetes, and cardiac conditions during pregnancy. Her publications demonstrate a consistent theme of investigating how maternal metabolic conditions affect fetal development and pregnancy outcomes, with several studies examining miRNA expression patterns in various pregnancy complications. She has contributed to understanding improved prenatal care models for gestational diabetes management and multidisciplinary approaches to caring for obese pregnant patients. As an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF, Dr. Ghaffari is actively involved in medical education and clinical training. While specific details about her current advising roles aren't provided, her position suggests she mentors medical students, residents, and potentially fellows in the field of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Her clinical practice at UCSF integrates patient care, teaching, and research to advance the field of high-risk obstetrics.

• Maternal Medicine
• Fetal Medicine
• Prenatal Genetics
• +10 more

Dr. Akos Herzeg (MD, PhD, MBA) is an Associate Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, specializing in Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Reproductive Genetics. His clinical and research focus spans fetal surgery, in utero molecular therapies, and treatment innovations for monochorionic twins, spina bifida, and congenital cardiac anomalies. Education & Training: Residency in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Gyn Oncology (2015) at University of Heidelberg Medical Center Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics (2017) from University of Heidelberg PhD in Molecular Biology (2017) at University of Heidelberg MBA in Management of Centers of Excellence (2019) from Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Senior Clinical Fellowship at UCSF Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine/UCSF Broad Stem Cell Center (2021) Research Focus: Dr. Herzeg pioneers in utero molecular therapies with recent work on antisense oligonucleotide treatments for spinal muscular atrophy, AAV9-GFP vector biodistribution analysis in fetal lambs, and enzyme replacement therapies for lysosomal storage diseases. His research integrates fetal gene therapy with placental environment studies and mechanical/genetic interactions in congenital hydrocephalus. Scientific Recognition: Emergency Medicine Scholarship (2007) from Bank of Transylvania / London Ambulance Service Dietmar Hopp (SAP) Fetal Surgery Fellowship (2015) at Einstein Hospital, Sao Paulo University Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Alumni Scholarship (2019)

• Fetal surgery
• In utero molecular therapies
• Fetal gene therapy
• +4 more

Elizabeth Patberg, MD, MA is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She specializes in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Genetics with a focus on high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Patberg's educational background includes: B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University (2006) M.A. in Sociology from Stanford University (2006) M.D. from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2014) Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Emory University (2018) Fellowship in Ob/Gyn Hospitalist from University of California, Irvine (2019) Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine from NYU Long Island School of Medicine (2022) Her research interests span implementation science and quality improvement, obesity management in pregnancy, family planning services, addressing health disparities, global women's health initiatives, and obstetric critical care. Dr. Patberg has been actively investigating how to improve healthcare delivery systems, particularly during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on telemedicine applications in maternal-fetal medicine. Dr. Patberg has received several prestigious awards throughout her career: ACOG District XII J. Milton Award (2014) UMMSM Medical Faculty Jay W. Weiss Award (2014) Emory Ob/Gyn Residency Program CREOG Award (2016, 2018) Ryan Program Resident Award for Excellence in Family Planning (2018) Her clinical and research work demonstrates a commitment to improving maternal and fetal outcomes through innovative approaches to care delivery, particularly for high-risk pregnancies and underserved populations. Dr. Patberg's work on cervical elastography for predicting preterm birth and studying the effects of COVID-19 on placental pathology represents important contributions to the field of maternal-fetal medicine.

• Implementation science
• Quality improvement
• Obesity
• +4 more

Dr. Martha Tesfalul serves as an Assistant Professor in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine within the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences. Her work focuses on high-risk pregnancies and reproductive genetics through the Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Reproductive Genetics division, which provides specialized care for complex obstetric conditions. Dr. Tesfalul's educational background includes a BA in Sociology and Health Policy from Harvard University (2009), an MD from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2014), an Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at UCSF (2017), and a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship completed at UCSF in 2021. Her research interests center on addressing global and domestic disparities in maternal and child health outcomes , with particular focus on health implementation sciences and quality improvement in obstetrics. Dr. Tesfalul has conducted significant work in resource-limited settings, particularly in Uganda and Botswana, examining perinatal mortality and implementing mobile health solutions for tuberculosis contact tracing. Her approach integrates clinical practice with innovative health system improvements to address inequities in maternal healthcare delivery. Analysis of Dr. Tesfalul's publications reveals a consistent focus on improving maternal and child health outcomes in both domestic and international contexts. Her work demonstrates expertise in global health implementation, particularly using mobile health technologies to strengthen healthcare systems in resource-limited settings. The research spans obstetrics, infectious disease management, and health systems improvement, with publications appearing in journals like BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Journal of Health Communication, and Studies in Health Technology and Informatics. Dr. Tesfalul has presented her research at major conferences including the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Annual Pregnancy Meeting, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Annual Meeting, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting. Her presentations address critical issues such as perinatal death risk factors, emergency obstetric care readiness assessment, and implicit bias in healthcare delivery. Her clinical work appears to focus on high-risk pregnancies through UCSF's Maternal-Fetal Medicine division, which offers specialized services including the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Placenta Service (MAPS) and UCSF Pregnancy and Cardiac Treatment (PACT) Program. Dr. Tesfalul's research bridges clinical practice with implementation science to improve maternal health outcomes both locally and globally.

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Reproductive Genetics
• Global and domestic disparities in maternal and child health outcomes
• +2 more

Traci E. Ito, MD is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, specializing in medical and surgical management of fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, and abnormal uterine bleeding through traditional laparoscopy and Da Vinci robotic platforms. Her educational background includes: 2007: B.A. in Biology and minor in Japanese Language & Linguistics (Cum Laude), Boston University College of Arts and Sciences 2012: M.D., Southern Illinois University School of Medicine 2016: Residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology, The George Washington University 2018: Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, The University of Louisville Dr. Ito's research concentrates on intraoperative bleeding management during fibroid surgery and innovative video-based surgical education methodologies, emphasizing educational tool development and evaluation for advancing surgical training. Her major recognitions include: Consecutive Awards for Excellence in Resident Education (2017-2018) AAGL Award for Recognition in Excellence in Endoscopic Procedures (2016) Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons Resident Achievement Award (2015) Alumni Award for Resident Research (2014) Outstanding Student Award in Global Health (2012) As an integral member of UCSF's multidisciplinary teams at the Endometriosis Center and Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, she collaborates across specialties and incorporates physical therapy into comprehensive treatment plans for complex gynecological conditions.

• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
• Fibroid Management
• Endometriosis
• +5 more

Andrea V. Jackson, MD, MAS is a Professor and Department Chair at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine , specializing in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Family Planning. She focuses on reproductive health care for Black-identifying patients and women with chronic illnesses. Education : B.S. in Agriculture, Biological, and Environmental Engineering (Cornell University, 2001) M.D. in Medicine (Harvard Medical School, 2007) Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Brigham and Women's Hospital, 2011) Fellowship in Family Planning (UCSF, 2013) M.A.S. in Clinical Research (UCSF, 2013) Research Interests center on reproductive justice and perinatal care , with emphasis on health disparities in maternal outcomes for Black birthing families. Her clinical work addresses complex contraception and abortion services for patients with comorbidities. Awards & Recognition : Academic Senate Distinction in Mentoring Award (2023) Alpha Omega Alpha Faculty Inductee (2018) Multiple teaching awards (2015-2013) Humanism and clinical excellence awards (2011) As Department Chair, she leads initiatives in patient-centered care and medical education reform at UCSF. Contact available via UCSF websites or Mt. Zion clinic.

• Reproductive Health Equity
• Women's Health
• Complex Contraception
• +3 more

Lori Freedman, PhD is a Professor and Medical Sociologist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), affiliated with the Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) and the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health. Her work focuses on the intersection of reproductive healthcare, religious restrictions, and patient rights within the US healthcare system. BA in International Studies from University of Oregon (1995) MA in Sociology from University of California, Davis (2004) PhD in Sociology from University of California, Davis (2008) Freedman's research centers on qualitative investigations of institutional religious restrictions on patient care, particularly within Catholic health facilities. She examines informed consent practices, abortion stigma, and the experiences of both healthcare professionals and patients navigating restricted reproductive healthcare environments. Her work critically analyzes how religious directives impact clinical decision-making and patient autonomy, with particular attention to how these restrictions create disparities in access to comprehensive reproductive care. Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the tensions between religious healthcare policies and evidence-based reproductive care, with increasing attention to post-Dobbs landscape implications. The research shows a methodological preference for qualitative approaches that capture nuanced patient and provider experiences, often highlighting how institutional policies create barriers to care that disproportionately affect marginalized populations. Floyd and Mary Schwall Fellowship for Graduate Social Science Health Research (1999-2004) Research Evaluation and Allocation Program (REAC), UCSF Internal Grant (2011) Society of Family Planning Career Development Award (2012-2013) Greenwall Faculty Scholar (2014-2017) Freedman's work has significant implications for healthcare policy, medical education, and clinical practice, particularly regarding how providers navigate institutional constraints while maintaining ethical obligations to patients. Her research has informed advocacy efforts aimed at increasing transparency about religious restrictions in healthcare settings and improving patient awareness of potential care limitations. As a Medical Sociologist with ANSIRH, Freedman contributes to a research program dedicated to generating evidence that advances reproductive health and rights through interdisciplinary collaboration between social scientists, clinicians, and public health researchers.

• Reproductive Health
• Abortion Care
• Catholic Health Facilities
• +6 more

Rebekah D Keller serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Kentucky, with clinical and academic operations based at the university's medical facility (800 Rose Street). As a core faculty member and clinical provider, she contributes to the department's patient care, education, and research missions within the academic medical center framework. Her professional focus centers on urological sciences, encompassing diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic interventions for conditions including genitourinary cancers, kidney stone disease, prostate disorders, and reconstructive needs. This specialization inherently involves subspecialty domains such as minimally invasive surgical techniques, male reproductive health, and pediatric urological management, reflecting the department's comprehensive clinical scope. No scientific awards, research grants, or student advising relationships were documented in the source material. Similarly, laboratory affiliations, research teams, or future project directions remain unspecified in the available institutional profile.

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Endourology
• +3 more

Dr. John M O'Brien is a Professor and Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, with additional role as Co-Director of the OMNI Service Line. His academic career focuses on preterm birth prevention and fetal diagnosis of malformations , particularly through progesterone therapy in high-risk pregnancies. Board-certified in Obstetrics-Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2011-present: Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Previous: Director, Perinatal Diagnostic Center (Central Baptist Hospital, 16 years) Research Trends: Analysis of 10 selected publications (2012-2025) reveals persistent focus on: Progesterone-based interventions for cervical shortening Meta-analyses of preterm birth prevention methods RAAS system dynamics in hypertensive pregnancies Chemerin expression in maternal smoking effects Individual patient data modeling for outcome prediction

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Preterm Birth Prevention
• Fetal Diagnosis
• +1 more

Anne Drapkin Lyerly, MD, MA, is a Professor in the Department of Social Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She serves as Associate Director of the UNC Center for Bioethics and leads the NIH-funded PREPARE Project, focusing on ethics in pregnancy research. Her work bridges clinical practice, bioethics, and public health policy. Education : BA in English (Dartmouth College, 1991), MD (Duke University, 1995), MA in Philosophy (Georgetown University, 2004). Leadership : Co-founded the Obstetrics and Gynecology Risk Research Group and the Second Wave Initiative. Her research addresses reproductive ethics , including projects like the NIH-funded PHASES initiative and Wellcome Trust work on Zika research. Key areas: Equitable inclusion of pregnant women in HIV/Zika trials Maternal-fetal surgery Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) Conscience clauses in reproductive care Pregnant adolescents' rights Drug/device policy reform Scientific Contributions include the book A Good Birth (Penguin, 2014) based on qualitative maternal narratives, and over 30 peer-reviewed articles (2017-2025) on topics ranging from exome sequencing to pandemic-era birth settings. Awards : Fellow of The Hastings Center (2019), Elected to Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars (2018) Policy Roles : Chair of ACOG Ethics Committee, Advisor to WHO/FDA Current focus areas: Post-Roe clinical research ethics Abortion restrictions' impact on medical education Teratology under new legal frameworks Maternal-fetal risk tradeoffs Equitable vaccine trials for pregnant populations Contraception incentives and voluntariness

• Reproductive Ethics
• Women's Health
• Bioethics
• +3 more

Karen Kiemnec-Tyburczy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. With a PhD in Zoology from Oregon State University and postdoctoral experience at Cornell University, her research focuses on the evolution of natural vertebrate populations, particularly amphibians, integrating molecular biology, genetics, and behavior. BS & PhD: Oregon State University Postdoc: Cornell University Current role: Associate Professor (tenured since Fall 2025) Her research spans three major areas: Chemical communication in salamanders - Examining olfactory morphology and gene expression patterns across species with diverse life histories, funded by an NSF IOS grant Amphibian population genetics - Investigating evolutionary relationships in Rhyacotriton variegatus and Ascaphus truei through population genetics Pathogen detection in amphibians - Collaborative work with U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Save the Redwoods League on ranavirus and chytrid fungus surveillance Recent publications highlight her work in immunogenetics (MHC gene evolution), behavioral ecology (courtship dynamics), and conservation biology (pathogen impacts). She has received multiple grants including an NSF IOS grant and CSUBIOTECH travel grant for Oxford Nanopore Technologies training. NSF IOS grant: 'Smelling in water and air: Evolution of olfaction in plethodontid salamanders' CSUBIOTECH travel grant Ferguson grant for undergraduate research support Karen co-advises graduate students including Emily Gremling, Giusy Lanzilli, and Marilyn Sandoval, whose theses explore olfactory system morphology and gene expression in plethodontid salamanders. Her lab maintains active collaborations with researchers like John Reiss and focuses on integrating biotechnology into STEM education through courses like 'Becoming a STEM Scientist' (SCI 100).

• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Zoology
• +5 more

Sunshine Brosi is an Associate Professor and Director of the Masters of Natural Resource Program at Utah State University's Eastern Campus in Price, Utah. Affiliated with the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, she specializes in wildland ecology and community-engaged environmental education. PhD in Natural Resources (University of Tennessee, 2010) MS in Forestry (University of Kentucky, 2001) BA in Environmental Studies (Warren Wilson College, 1999) Research Interests: Focus on conservation biology, dendrochronology, and ethnobotany, particularly examining human-environment interactions in Appalachian and rural Utah ecosystems. Her work integrates traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methods to address habitat restoration, endangered species management, and sustainable harvesting practices. Publication Trends: Recent articles investigate forest management impacts (2023), disturbance ecology (2022), and Appalachian conservation challenges (2017-2019), with recurring themes of dendrochronology, ethnobotany, and community-based research. Scientific Awards: NSF Research Coordination Network (2025) Rocky Mountain Science and Sustainability Network (2025) Henry Luce Foundation Award Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year (2024) Faculty Fellowship in Community Engagement (2023) Teaching & Mentorship: With 16 years of experience, she teaches courses in wildland resource techniques, ecology, and professional orientation. Her pedagogy emphasizes experiential learning, including agency-collaborative projects on kit fox surveys and stream restoration.

• Conservation Biology
• Wildland Ecology
• Ethnobotany
• +2 more

Candace Croney, PhD is a Professor of Animal Behavior and Well-being in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. She serves as Director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science and leads the Croney Research Group, which focuses on improving animal welfare through scientific research. Her work has established rigorous standards for animal care, particularly in commercial breeding environments. Dr. Croney's research spans multiple areas of animal welfare science, with specializations in canine and feline welfare, agricultural animal bioethics, and human-animal relationships. Her work employs non-invasive assessment methods to evaluate animal welfare and improve quality of life for both animals and humans. She has developed evidence-based standards that have been implemented in nationwide certification programs. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on canine welfare assessment in commercial breeding facilities, veterinary care access, and evidence-based approaches to animal management. Her research integrates behavioral science, ethics, and practical applications to address complex animal welfare challenges across multiple species. American Veterinary Medical Association Humane Award (2023) Black Graduate Student Association Distinguished Service Award (2023) Dr. Croney founded the Canine Care Certified program, the only nationwide certification program that comprehensively addresses both physical health and behavioral well-being of dogs in commercial breeding facilities. Her research group develops educational resources to make animal welfare science accessible to breeders, veterinarians, and the public.

• Animal Behavior
• Animal Welfare Science
• Canine Welfare
• +4 more

Jónrit Halling is an Associate Professor in Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Faroe Islands. He serves as Program leader for the Biology and Molecular Life Science Education and was Acting Dean of the Faculty from August to November 2019. Halling also represents staff on the University's Board of Directors and maintains a dual affiliation with the Center of Health Science. M.Sc (pharmacist), PhD PhD in Pharmacogenetic variations in drug metabolism among Faroese (2008), University of Southern Denmark Master in Drug metabolism among faroese regarding the enzyme activity of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 (2003), Danish University of Pharmaceutical Sciences Halling's research focuses on pharmacogenetics, genetics, environmental epidemiology, and molecular biology, with particular emphasis on the Faroese population. His work examines how genetic variations affect drug metabolism and response, and how environmental contaminants impact health outcomes in Arctic populations. He has published extensively on topics including Parkinson's disease, diabetes, autism, and reproductive health in relation to environmental exposures. Halling has secured multiple research grants from the Faroese Research Council, including projects on pharmacogenomics within the Faroese population, prenatal methyl mercury exposure in relation to autism, and exposure to perfluorinated compounds. His research contributes to understanding the interplay between genetics, environment, and health in isolated populations, with implications for personalized medicine and public health interventions in the Arctic region. As an educator, Halling teaches Biochemistry, Toxicology, and Pharmacology. His research program involves population-based studies examining the health effects of contaminants common in Arctic environments, with particular attention to how genetic factors modify these effects. His work bridges molecular biology, epidemiology, and public health, contributing significantly to our understanding of health determinants in circumpolar regions.

• Pharmacogenetics
• Genetics
• Environmental epidemiology
• +2 more

Dan Berlau is a Professor at Regis University's Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, specializing in pharmacy education and neuroscience research. Since 2011, he has taught physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology to pharmacy students, focusing on brain and central nervous system diseases while emphasizing active learning pedagogy. Research Interests: Neurodegenerative diseases, cannabis therapeutics, ADHD, statin mechanisms, and neuromuscular disorders Teaching: Prioritizes student engagement and has mentored students in publishing peer-reviewed articles His publications span topics including Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapies, opioid substitution with cannabis, and dementia risk factors. While not explicitly mentioning scientific awards, his research consistently involves student collaboration. Dr. Berlau's work with the 90+ Study highlights his focus on aging-related cognitive decline, examining amyloid pathology, cardiovascular risk factors, and noradrenergic mechanisms in memory consolidation through animal models.

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Cognitive Impairment
• +4 more