Sandra Davidge

Sandra Davidge is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Adjunct Professor in Physiology at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. She serves as Executive Director of the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI), leading interdisciplinary initiatives to improve maternal and child health outcomes through cutting-edge research.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD from University of Vermont (1993)
• Post-doctoral training at Magee Womens Research Institute/University of Pittsburgh (1993-1996)

Dr. Davidge's research focuses on cardiovascular adaptations in pregnancy, with pioneering work on preeclampsia mechanisms, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and developmental origins of cardiovascular disease. Her laboratory investigates how advanced maternal age, prenatal hypoxia, and oxidative stress impact maternal-fetal health, using integrated approaches from molecular biology to animal models. Key themes include fetal programming of cardiovascular disease, intergenerational effects of adverse intrauterine environments, and therapeutic interventions for pregnancy complications.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong emphasis on oxidative stress pathways in preeclampsia, sex-specific cardiovascular programming, and translational interventions targeting the renin-angiotensin system. Her work spans basic science (microRNA regulation, endothelin systems) to clinical applications (nutritional peptides, TUDCA therapy), consistently addressing vascular dysfunction mechanisms in pregnancy disorders.

Major scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC)
• Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS)
• Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Maternal and Perinatal Cardiovascular Health (2007-2021)

Dr. Davidge mentors 8-10 trainees annually in her laboratory, fostering expertise in vascular myography, molecular techniques, and cell culture. Her research program receives substantial funding from:

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
• Alberta Innovates
• Canada Foundation for Innovation
• Stollery Children’s Health Foundation
• Alberta Women’s Health Foundation

As Executive Director of WCHRI, she oversees a collaborative research ecosystem involving clinicians, basic scientists, and community partners focused on pregnancy complications, neonatal health, and developmental disorders. Her leadership integrates laboratory discoveries with population health initiatives to address critical gaps in women's and children's health care.