Sandra T Davidge

Sandra T Davidge is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. She serves as the Executive Director of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI), where she leads a multidisciplinary team focused on maternal and perinatal cardiovascular health. Her work bridges basic science and clinical translation, aiming to improve outcomes for women and children affected by pregnancy complications.

Her research is centered on understanding the pathophysiology of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. She investigates how these conditions lead to long-term cardiovascular risks in both mothers and offspring, exploring mechanisms like oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and fetal programming. Her lab uses advanced techniques including vascular myography, cell culture, and molecular analysis in animal models to uncover novel therapeutic targets.

Dr. Davidge's recent publications highlight a strong focus on vascular dysfunction in preeclampsia, intergenerational cardiovascular effects, and interventions targeting oxidative stress and the renin-angiotensin system. Her work spans both preclinical models and human translational studies, emphasizing prevention and treatment strategies for at-risk populations.

She has been recognized with numerous honors, including:

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC)
• Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (FCAHS)
• Fellow of the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS)
• Former Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Maternal and Perinatal Cardiovascular Health (2007–2021)

Dr. Davidge actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, maintaining a vibrant training environment. Her research is supported by major funding agencies including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Alberta Innovates, Canada Foundation for Innovation, and partner foundations through WCHRI. She leads collaborative projects across Canada and internationally, including the EINSTEIN/HeLTI initiative in India.

Her laboratory is embedded within the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, a hub for interdisciplinary research dedicated to improving maternal and child health outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge translation.