Brian Stansfield

Brian Stansfield serves as Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. He is also affiliated with the Vascular Biology Center and Wellstar Health System. His dual role as a clinician and researcher positions him at the intersection of neonatal care and cardiovascular biology, with particular focus on conditions affecting premature infants. His work bridges clinical practice with laboratory research to address critical issues in infant health and development.

Dr. Stansfield completed his Doctor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in 2004 and earned a BS in Chemistry from Georgia Southern University in 2000. He completed his residency at the Medical College of Georgia and pursued fellowship training at Indiana University School of Medicine. His professional certifications include Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine and General Pediatrics from the American Board of Pediatrics.

His research program focuses on understanding how inherited mutations in p21 Ras signaling affect cardiovascular development and disease, using Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) as a model. His laboratory investigates how premature birth and neonatal factors contribute to long-term cardio-metabolic conditions. This work employs transgenic mouse models and multiple disease systems to identify patient-specific therapeutic targets and biomarkers of disease progression. His clinical research examines retinopathy of prematurity, early life nutrition, and cardiovascular outcomes in neonates.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of neonatology and vascular biology. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis to clinical interventions for premature infants. A notable trend is his increasing focus on health disparities, particularly in sleep interventions for Black mothers and infants. His research bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, maintaining consistent output with publications spanning pediatrics, vascular biology, and neonatal nutrition.

• Editorial Apprentice, Pediatric Research/Nature Publishing (2019)
• Outstanding Young Clinical Science Faculty Award, Medical College of Georgia (2018)
• Young Faculty Travel Award, Southern Society for Pediatric Research (2018, 2017)
• Jag20 Emerging Alumni Leader Award, Augusta University (2016)

Dr. Stansfield is actively involved in medical education at multiple levels, teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in pediatrics and neonatology. He has developed curriculum in neonatal physiology, research study design, biostatistics, and professional development. As a thesis mentor for graduate students in the Vascular Biology Center, he contributes to training the next generation of physician-scientists. His service roles include committee leadership in Pediatric Grand Rounds, Department of Pediatrics, and the Dean's Research Committee of the MCG Faculty Senate.

Dr. Stansfield leads research within the Vascular Biology Center, focusing on the relationship between neonatal conditions and long-term vascular health. His laboratory investigates how premature birth affects cardiovascular development through multiple model systems. The research team employs both clinical studies with neonatal patients and translational laboratory work to understand disease mechanisms and develop targeted interventions.