Judith OEH van Laar is an Assistant Professor in the Signal Processing Systems group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and a gynecologist at Máxima Medical Center. Her research focuses on technological advancements for maternal and fetal health, including fetal monitoring systems and congenital defect detection. She holds a Master's in Medicine from Radboud University (2004) and a PhD from TU/e (2012) on fetal autonomic responses during pregnancy. She completed gynecology specialization at Máxima Medical Center (2014). Research interests include fetal electrocardiography, heart rate variability, and cardiotocogram analysis. She leads projects like HASTA (Healthy Ageing Starts with a HealThy stArt) and contributes to MEDEIA (MEDical Engineering Innovations and Applications). Recent work involves AI-driven fetal health assessment and maternal physiological monitoring. Key collaborations span biomedical engineering and clinical medicine.
Ramen H. Chmait, MD is a Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Surgery at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, and Director of the Fetal Surgery Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He leads the Los Angeles Fetal Therapy program within the CHLA-USC Institute for Maternal-Fetal Health, specializing in minimally invasive fetal surgical interventions such as open spina bifida repair, twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) management, and vasa previa treatment. His research focuses on fetal disease mechanisms and innovative therapies, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Chmait’s affiliations include Keck Medicine of USC, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, and LA Fetal Therapy. He has been recognized with awards like U.S. News Top Doctors (2011–2014), Fetal Hope: Light of Hope Award (2008), and teaching excellence accolades. His research interests span fetal surgery outcomes, TTTS treatment protocols, and fetal anomaly management. Recent work emphasizes advancements in fetoscopic techniques, lung development metrics, and neurodevelopmental follow-up of treated patients. Key achievements include pioneering percutaneous fetoscopic spina bifida repair, advancing laser surgery for TTTS, and leading international consensus guidelines on fetal therapy standards. His program has treated hundreds of complex cases, emphasizing both clinical and research contributions.
Odelya Hartung Kaufman, MD, PhD, is a Clinical Geneticist and Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Genetics at Yale School of Medicine. She specializes in diagnosing and managing genetic conditions in children and adults, with expertise in developmental disabilities, inherited eye disorders, hearing loss, and congenital birth defects. Her research focuses on genetic mechanisms underlying early embryonic defects, human infertility (e.g., unexplained female infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss), and rare undiagnosed diseases via the Undiagnosed Disease Network. Education & Training: MD and PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2016) Pediatrics and Medical Genetics Residency at Mount Sinai Hospital (2020) Research Interests: Dr. Kaufman’s work combines clinical practice with research into genetic causes of rare diseases. Her studies utilize zebrafish models to investigate RNA binding proteins’ roles in ovary development and Balbiani body architecture. Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding nutrient sensing pathways and genetic mutations linked to syndromes like Shwachman–Diamond syndrome. Awards & Grants: No specific awards listed, though her work aligns with NIH-funded initiatives through the Undiagnosed Disease Network. Grants and funding sources are not detailed in the provided text. Labs & Teams: Member of the Jiang Lab at Yale School of Medicine, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of genetics and clinical care.
Mark D. Krieger, MD is Professor of Clinical Neurological Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, where he also serves as Senior Vice President and Surgeon-in-Chief, and Medical Director of the Neurological Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). With over 30 years of academic and clinical experience, Dr. Krieger specializes in pediatric neurosurgery with a focus on complex conditions including hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, and pediatric brain tumors. Dr. Krieger's research spans multiple domains within pediatric neurosurgery. His primary interests include hydrocephalus management and shunt-related complications, Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, pediatric brain tumors and their molecular characteristics, and surgical outcomes research. As a principal investigator in the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network and the Park-Reeves Syringomyelia Research Consortium, he has led numerous multi-institutional studies examining best practices and outcomes in pediatric neurosurgical conditions. Analyzing his recent publication trends reveals a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches to pediatric neurosurgical conditions. His work frequently addresses health disparities in neurosurgical outcomes, particularly racial disparities in hydrocephalus management. Dr. Krieger has made significant contributions to understanding shunt complications, optimizing timing of interventions in hydrocephalus, and advancing the molecular characterization of pediatric brain tumors. His research consistently bridges clinical practice with scientific investigation to improve outcomes for children with neurological conditions. Dr. Krieger maintains active involvement in surgical education and training, having contributed to studies on pediatric neurosurgery residency training in the United States. His leadership extends to national organizations, including the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons, where he has provided guidance during critical periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. His work with the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network has established important quality improvement initiatives, including the role of antibiotic-impregnated catheters in reducing shunt infections.
Duncan Clarke serves as a Professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development within the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota. His research centers on the precise regulation of chromosome segregation during cell division—a fundamental process whose failure causes cancer and birth defects. He investigates DNA Topoisomerase II, an essential mitotic enzyme, exploring how aberrant activity triggers checkpoint mechanisms that malfunction in cancer cells. His lab pioneers strategies to exploit checkpoint gene mutations in metastatic cancer cells for targeted elimination, utilizing integrated approaches including yeast genetics, human cell genome engineering, and live-cell imaging of mitosis.
Dr. Andrea Bauer is an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School and an Orthopedic Surgeon at Boston Children's Hospital, where she serves as Director of the Brachial Plexus Program and Director of Faculty Development. She also serves as Co-School Physician at Berklee. Dr. Bauer is a specialist in pediatric hand, upper extremity, and peripheral nerve surgery, with a particular focus on brachial plexus birth injury, congenital hand differences, and peripheral nerve injuries. Dr. Bauer completed her undergraduate education at Princeton University (2001), medical school at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (2005), orthopedic surgery residency at Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program (2010), hand surgery fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital (2011), and pediatric hand surgery fellowship at Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento, CA (2011). Dr. Bauer's research primarily focuses on improving outcomes for children with brachial plexus birth injuries through early diagnosis and intervention. She has extensive expertise in congenital hand differences and peripheral nerve injuries in children. Her work bridges clinical practice and research to advance pediatric orthopedic care, particularly in complex nerve injuries and congenital conditions. She has been instrumental in developing protocols for diagnosing and treating brachial plexus injuries in infants, with an emphasis on improving functional outcomes. Analysis of Dr. Bauer's recent publications reveals a strong focus on brachial plexus birth injuries, congenital hand differences, and pediatric orthopedic conditions. Her work spans diagnostic techniques (particularly MRI), surgical interventions, and outcomes research. She has made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between perinatal factors and injury severity, developing return-to-play protocols for young athletes, and improving diagnostic accuracy for nerve injuries. Her research often involves multi-center collaborations and registry-based studies, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based practice in pediatric orthopedics. Dr. Bauer received the competitive Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society Traveling Fellowship in 2014, which she used to visit three centers specializing in brachial plexus birth injury treatment. This fellowship allowed her to bring innovative techniques and approaches back to Boston Children's Hospital, continuing the institution's legacy of advancing care for children with brachial plexus injuries. As Director of the Brachial Plexus Program at Boston Children's Hospital, Dr. Bauer oversees a comprehensive program dedicated to the care of children with brachial plexus injuries. The program includes multidisciplinary teams of surgeons, therapists, and researchers working together to provide optimal care from diagnosis through rehabilitation. Dr. Bauer also serves as Director of Faculty Development, playing a key role in mentoring junior faculty and shaping the educational mission of the department. Her clinical work spans multiple locations including Boston, Lexington, and Waltham, ensuring broad access to specialized pediatric orthopedic care.
Wendy P. Robinson is a Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine , and a Senior Scientist at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute . She holds the CIHR Sex and Gender Science Chair . Research Interests: Genetics and epigenetics of early human development, placental function in pregnancy complications (fetal growth restriction, preterm birth), DNA methylation, non-coding RNA, sex differences, and polymorphisms. Her lab employs genomic and bioinformatic tools to study placental health and its impact on newborn outcomes. Recent Publications (2025-2024) focus on X-chromosome inactivation patterns in placenta, cell-type specific DNA methylation, maternal socioeconomic effects on placental epigenetics, and modeling placental development with organoids. Key themes include sex-specific epigenetic regulation , maternal-fetal interactions , and human placental methylome . Awards: UBC Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Award (2018), with trainees receiving the James Miller Memorial Prize and Mary-Jane Carroll Trainee Award. Students & Collaborations: Supervised PhD/MSc students include Li Qing Wang, Icíar Fernández Boyano, Giulia Del Gobbo, Victor Yuan, and Magda Price. Collaborators span the Alex Beristain Lab and University of Toronto institutions. Laboratory Activities: Regular team-building events like mountain hikes, climbing outings, and kayaking trips, alongside providing open access to epigenetic tools (e.g., Bisearch, SeqDoc) for the research community.
Bangning Zhang is an Instructional Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health , specializing in Environmental Epidemiology and Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology. He holds a DrPH in Epidemiology and Environmental Health from Texas A&M (2023) and an MPH in Environmental and Global Health from the University of Florida (2018). DrPH, Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Texas A&M University (2023) MPH, Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida (2018) BS, Biomedical Science Molecular and Biology, Southeast Missouri State University (2014) His research focuses on environmental epidemiology , investigating links between industrial activities (e.g., hydraulic fracturing) and health outcomes like childhood cancer and birth defects. Recent work analyzes shale region activities and maternal/child health risks. Publications highlight trends in chemical exposure assessment , hydraulic fracturing health impacts , and environmental risk factors for developmental disorders and carcinogenicity. Keywords span Environmental Epidemiology, Toxicology, and Public Health. Texas A&M Center for Teaching Excellence Award Certificate Bangning serves on the Texas A&M Health Vision360 Initiatives and as a Research Volunteer for the Texas A&M School of Public Health Human Research Protection Program. His certifications include HIPAA/Government Ethics Training, Laboratory Safety, FEMA, NIH, and CITI Program Group 1/2.
Brian C Schutte is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology at Michigan State University. He holds additional faculty appointments in the Genetics & Genome Sciences Program and the Cell & Molecular Biology Program, reflecting his interdisciplinary research focus on craniofacial development and genetic disorders. Dr. Schutte's primary research interests include: Genetic basis of orofacial clefts and craniofacial anomalies IRF6 gene function and regulation in epithelial development Molecular pathways involved in periderm formation Genetic epidemiology of cleft palate Gene-environment interactions in craniofacial morphogenesis His publication record spans over three decades, with recent work continuing to advance our understanding of craniofacial genetics. His 2024 publication on the geographic distribution of cleft palate in Finland demonstrates his ongoing contribution to the field. His research bridges basic science and clinical applications, particularly in understanding Van der Woude syndrome and other IRF6-related disorders. As an educator, Dr. Schutte teaches MGI 404: Human Genetics and MGI 499: Undergraduate Research, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on research experience in genetics and molecular biology.
Sean M. Richards is a Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) specializing in environmental toxicology, ecotoxicology, and metabolomics. His research focuses on the effects of toxicants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, and pharmaceuticals on human and ecological health, including studies on low birth weight in Hamilton County infants and the ecological impacts of pharmaceuticals in surface waters. Current Projects: Investigating placental exposure to pollutants, metabolomic profiling for cancer and fetal anomaly detection, and pharmaceutical ecotoxicology. Collaborations: Partnerships with institutions like Columbia University, University of Salerno, and Erlanger Hospital. His work includes probabilistic risk assessments, biomarker quantitation (e.g., HPLC, atomic absorption spectroscopy), and interdisciplinary applications of metabolomics in toxicology and environmental health. Recent publications highlight metabolomic trends in endometrial cancer screening, pharmaceutical environmental persistence, and fetal growth restriction linked to placental toxicants. Dr. Richards teaches courses such as Environmental Toxicology (BIOL 5320), Risk Assessment (ESC 5650), and Hazardous Waste Management (CHEM 5160). He serves on the US EPA FQPA Science Review Board and as Associate Editor for Ecotoxicology.
Dr. Peixin Yang is the Christopher R. Harman, MD Endowed Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He serves as Professor with tenure in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Dr. Yang is the founding director of the Center for Birth Defect Research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and leads multiple NIH-funded research projects totaling millions of dollars. Dr. Yang's educational background includes: B.S. in Animal Science from Zhejiang Agricultural University (1986-1990) M.S. in Animal Reproductive Sciences from Nanjing Agricultural University (1990-1993) Ph.D. in Biophysics from Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology and Zhejiang University (1994-1999) Postdoctoral Research Associate at University of Nebraska Medical Center (1999-2002) BIRCWH scholar (NIH K12) at University of Maryland Baltimore (2008-2009) Dr. Yang has built an extensive research program focused on diabetic embryopathy, particularly examining how maternal diabetes induces neural tube defects (NTDs), congenital heart defects (CHDs), and kidney defects. His laboratory was the first to establish a mouse model of diabetic embryopathy and reveal the causal role of JNK1/2 in neural tube defects. He has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cellular stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy in neural tube defect formation. Dr. Yang also investigates the effects of maternal obesity on placental function and has established the Maryland Maternal Health Research Center of Excellence. His recent work has expanded to include studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and connections between insulin resistance signaling and Alzheimer's disease. Analysis of Dr. Yang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms of diabetic embryopathy, with particular emphasis on epigenetic regulation, cellular stress signaling pathways, and placental function. His work consistently bridges basic science with clinical applications, developing potential therapeutic approaches for preventing birth defects. A significant portion of his recent research examines the intersection of maternal metabolic conditions (diabetes and obesity) with fetal development, while also expanding into novel areas like viral infections in pregnancy and connections to neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Yang's notable scientific achievements include: The F. Clarke Fraser New Investigator Award from the Teratology Society (2013) BIRCWH scholar (NIH K12) (2008-2009) The Lalor foundation postdoctoral Fellowship (2002-2003) Dr. Yang currently directs a multi-million dollar NIH-funded research group with multiple active R01 grants. His current projects investigate the intersection of mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling and HIPPO-Yap tissue organizer in neurulation, heightened hypoxia and DNA methylation in heart defects of diabetic embryopathy, hyperglycemia-induced cardiac progenitor dysfunction, and epitranscriptomic alterations in diabetic embryopathy. He has developed a robust research program in maternal diabetes-induced heart defects, which was previously an understudied area. Dr. Yang is also leading efforts to establish the Maryland Maternal Health Research Center of Excellence, focusing on the adverse effects of obesity, placental accreta spectrum, and opioid use disorder. As the founding director of the Center for Birth Defect Research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Yang leads a multidisciplinary team of translational and clinical scientists. His laboratory has made original contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying maternal diabetes-induced structural birth defects. The team employs genetically modified mouse models, whole-embryo culture systems, and human placental studies to investigate the effects of metabolic conditions on fetal development. Dr. Yang's group has been instrumental in developing natural compounds as potential preventatives for diabetic embryopathy, including trehalose, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and curcumin.
Dr. Vanessa Aguiar-Pulido is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science department within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Miami. Her research focuses on the intersection of computer science and biomedical sciences, specifically developing computational tools to address challenges in genetic disorders and precision medicine. Her research interests include: Bioinformatics and computational genomics Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare Big data analytics for genetic disorders Neural tube defects and spina bifida research Epigenetics and omics data integration Development of algorithms for candidate gene analysis Dr. Aguiar-Pulido's recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward applying advanced machine learning techniques to understand genetic disorders, particularly neural tube defects and autism spectrum disorder. Her work frequently involves developing novel computational approaches that integrate multiple data types to identify genetic risk factors and biological pathways. A significant portion of her research focuses on spina bifida and epilepsy-related genetic analysis, showing consistent thematic focus in her scholarly output. Her scientific contributions include: Development of RExPRT, a machine learning tool for predicting pathogenicity of tandem repeat loci Creation of EpiPred, a gene-specific model for classifying missense variants in epilepsy-related genes Innovative approaches using embedded feature selection to pinpoint biological pathways in structural birth defects Dr. Aguiar-Pulido leads or participates in several funded research projects: Center for Accelerated Real Time Analytics (CARTA) (2021-2022) - NSF (Project Leader) Epilepsy Multiplatform Variant Prediction (2020-2025) - NIH (Co-Investigator) Progenitor regulation underlying cortical interneuron specification (2018-2023) - NIH (Key Personnel) Risk Genes and Environmental Interactions in Neural Tube Defects (2018-2023) - NIH (Researcher) Hybrid sequencing for improved genetic diagnosis in clinical settings (2019-2020) - Sackler Research Grant (Principal Investigator) She directs the DSaCB Lab, which focuses on developing computational approaches to address challenges in biomedical research, particularly related to genetic disorders. Her lab's work bridges computer science methodologies with real-world clinical applications in precision medicine.
Brian Koos, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He also serves as Vice Chair for Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a member of the Brain Research Institute. His primary affiliation is with the UCLA OB GYN division, where he focuses on fetal physiology and pregnancy complications. His research spans fetal hemodynamics, metabolomics in gestational diabetes and preterm birth, respiratory control mechanisms in neonates, and maternal-fetal interactions in high-risk pregnancies, including those complicated by HIV and congenital heart disease. Key methodologies include animal models (e.g., fetal sheep), metabolomic profiling, and clinical outcome analysis. His publications highlight collaborations with the IMPAACT 1077BF/1077FF PROMISE Study Team, American Heart Association, and interdisciplinary partners. Articles focus on fetal programming, pregnancy biomarkers, and medical guidelines for managing complex maternal conditions.
Gerald H. Thomsen is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Stony Brook University, where his research focuses on molecular mechanisms of embryonic development using Xenopus frogs and Nematostella vectensis sea anemones. His laboratory investigates growth factor signaling pathways, ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, and transcriptional regulation during early development. His primary research areas include TGFß superfamily signaling (specifically Vg1/nodal/activin and BMP pathways), ubiquitin ligase function in cell differentiation, and evolutionary developmental biology through comparative studies of vertebrates and cnidarians. Current projects examine Smad-interacting factors, Smurf ubiquitin ligases, and the molecular basis of regeneration in sea anemones, with implications for understanding human developmental disorders and birth defects. Dr. Thomsen's publications reveal consistent focus on developmental signaling mechanisms across diverse model organisms, with recent work emphasizing CRISPR/Cas9 applications in Xenopus and evolutionary conservation of developmental pathways. His laboratory maintains active collaborations with researchers at the University of Florida and University of Hawaii, particularly on Nematostella vectensis functional genomics and regeneration studies, as evidenced by co-authored publications on cnidarian developmental mechanisms.
Liang Fengchao is an Associate Professor at the School of Public Health and Emergency Management and the School of Environmental Health and Engineering (joint appointment) at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) since 2024. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at the same institutions from 2020 to 2024 and completed postdoctoral research at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2017-2020). He holds a Ph.D. from Peking University (2017) and a joint Ph.D. from Emory University (2017), with a bachelor's degree from Xiamen University (2012). Education : Ph.D. (Peking University, Emory University), B.S. (Xiamen University) Research Focus : Chronic disease epidemiology, environmental health, digital health technologies, and spatiotemporal air pollution modeling. His work integrates big data and AI to study environmental and lifestyle risk factors for chronic diseases in China, with a focus on cardiometabolic health and PM2.5 exposure. He has led national research programs and collaborated on NIH-funded U.S.-China studies. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding PM2.5's effects on diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and telomere biology, alongside advancements in digital health interventions across the Western Pacific region. His research spans cohort studies, meta-analyses, and spatiotemporal exposure modeling. Scientific Awards : National Natural Science Foundation of China Outstanding Youth Fund; Key grants include National Key R&D Program, NSFC projects, and NIH R01 as Co-PI. Liang has authored over 70 papers in top journals (BMJ, Circulation, PNAS) and serves on the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association's Heart Disease Prevention and Control Committee.