Stephanie Gaw

Dr. Stephanie Gaw is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Her research program at Gaw Laboratory focuses on maternal-fetal immunology, placental inflammation, and environmental exposures during pregnancy, with significant contributions to understanding infections like malaria, Zika virus, and SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy contexts.

• MD/PhD in Medicine & Microbiology/Immunology from Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2009) and UCSF (2013)
• Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF (2016)
• Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at UCLA (2016)
• NIH/NICHD Reproductive Scientist Development Program Scholar (2015-2017)

Her research interests span infectious diseases in pregnancy (malaria, Zika, SARS-CoV-2), placental immunology, environmental toxicology (PFAS chemicals, wildfire smoke), and global health applications. Recent work examines transplacental antibody transfer and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes following maternal infections.

Scientific Contributions include:

• Over 30 peer-reviewed publications in top journals (JAMA, NEJM, Cell Host & Microbe)
• Multiple NIH Loan Repayment Program Awards
• Queenan Fellowship for Global Health Research (2016)
• Career Development Award from UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health (2017)
• Consensus definitions for placental SARS-CoV-2 infection

As a clinician-scientist, she bridges clinical practice with cutting-edge translational research, maintaining active participation in both patient care and research mentorship at UCSF.