Heping Zhang is the Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Biostatistics at the Yale School of Public Health , with secondary appointments in the Child Study Center , Department of Statistics and Data Science , and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences . He directs the Collaborative Center for Statistics in Science (C²S²) and leads the Reproductive Medicine Network data coordinating center. Education: PhD in Statistics, Stanford University (1991) Postdoctoral Fellow, Mathematical Science Research Institute (1991) Research Focus : Zhang specializes in biostatistical methodology for genomic data analysis , clinical trials , and reproductive medicine . His work bridges genetics , mental health , and maternal-child health through innovative statistical approaches. Awards : 2023 Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher 2023 International Chinese Statistical Association Distinguished Achievement Award 2022 Institute of Mathematical Statistics Neyman Award and Lecture 2011 Royan Institute International Research Award 2011 Institute of Mathematical Statistics Medallion Award 2008 Harvard School of Public Health Myrto Lefokopoulou Distinguished Lecturer Professional Roles : He served as President of the International Chinese Statistical Association (2019) and Former Editor of the Journal of the American Statistical Association - Applications and Case Studies . His lab develops open-source software tools like ABESS , STREE , and modSaRa for genomic and clinical data analysis.
Dr. Vanessa Jacoby is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She serves as Vice Chair of Research and is a Member of the UCSF Comprehensive Fibroid Center, focusing her career on advancing women's health through innovative surgical gynecology research and clinical practice. Dr. Jacoby's educational background includes: B.A. in Geography from University of California, Berkeley (1995) M.D. from University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine (2001) Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of California, San Francisco (2005) M.A.S. in Clinical Research from University of California, San Francisco (2007) As an obstetrician-gynecologist with a specialized research program in surgical gynecology, Dr. Jacoby has dedicated her career to improving treatments for women with uterine fibroids. Her research spans long-term health outcomes of hysterectomy and oophorectomy to cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures. She leads several significant research initiatives including a nationwide registry for women with fibroids undergoing laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and multiple randomized trials of magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound. As Principal Investigator for the University of California Fibroid Network (UCFN), she coordinates a state-wide collaboration aimed at improving fibroid care through research, education, and clinical practice. The UCFN's participation in the COMPARE-UF study represents one of the largest investigations of fibroid treatments, following 5,000 women across the country. Dr. Jacoby's significant contributions to medical education have been recognized with multiple awards: Medical Student Teaching Award, UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (2012) Resident Teaching Award, UCSF Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (2003-2011) James R. Green Award for Chief Resident, University of California, San Francisco (2005) Alpha Omega Alpha, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine (2001) Through her leadership as Vice Chair of Research and Principal Investigator for multiple major studies, Dr. Jacoby has secured significant grant funding to advance women's health research. Her work with the University of California Fibroid Network represents a collaborative approach to research that brings together multiple institutions across California to generate high-quality evidence on fibroid treatments. She has established the UCSF Comprehensive Fibroid Center as a national leader in both clinical care and research for women with uterine fibroids. Dr. Jacoby leads research teams focused on surgical gynecology outcomes and innovative fibroid treatments. Her work with the COMPARE-UF study involves coordinating with researchers across the country to collect comprehensive data on fibroid treatments. She also oversees the UCSF Fibroid Registry, which tracks long-term outcomes of women undergoing minimally invasive fibroid procedures.
Bridget Goosby is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and serving as co-director of the LifeHD Health Disparities Research Lab with Dr. Jacob Cheadle. Her work bridges biosociology and health disparities research, focusing on how social marginalization and racism manifest in biological pathways affecting health outcomes. Education : Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University Contact : bgoosby@prc.utexas.edu Her research integrates biometric and mixed-methods approaches to examine: Dynamic biosocial pathways linking racism to health risks Sympathetic arousal responses in natural settings Epigenetic profiles associated with socioeconomic and racial disparities Recent projects include a Spencer Foundation-funded national study on Black women faculty's health and professional navigation. Prior research has been supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Scientific recognition includes lifetime membership in AAAS for her contributions to understanding discrimination's biosocial health impacts. Her work appears in journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Annual Review of Sociology . She teaches undergraduate courses on Race, Ethnicity, and Health (UGS 302) across multiple semesters, emphasizing experiential learning through synchronous and asynchronous formats.
Cheryl Walker, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medicine, and Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. She serves as Director of the Center for Precision Environmental Health and Co-Leader of the Chromatin Biology Program at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on gene-environment interactions, epigenomics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer, fibroids, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Key areas include the role of chromatin remodelers like SETD2 in genomic stability and their dual functions in cytoskeletal dynamics. She has pioneered studies on how early-life environmental exposures, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), reprogram the epigenome to increase disease susceptibility later in life. Dr. Walker’s work is funded by NIH and DOD grants, including leadership of the TaRGET II Consortium for environmental epigenomics. Her lab employs cutting-edge technologies like ChIP-seq and RNA-seq to study epigenetic reprogramming. Notable contributions include discoveries linking SETD2 methylation to microtubule stability and genomic integrity, and identifying epigenetic signatures of environmental exposures in health disparities research. Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology Affiliations: Baylor College of Medicine, Gulf Coast Center for Precision Environmental Health Her awards include election to the National Academy of Medicine and fellowships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and American Thoracic Society (ATS). The lab actively collaborates on translational projects, including biomarker development and disaster-related health studies following events like Hurricane Harvey. Key Research Themes: Epigenetic drivers of cancer and fibrosis Environmental epigenomics and disease risk Chromatin-cytoskeleton cross-talk in disease
Maryellen L. Giger, Ph.D. is the A.N. Pritzker Distinguished Service Professor of Radiology, Committee on Medical Physics, and the College at the University of Chicago. She serves as Vice-Chair of Radiology (Basic Science Research) and was the immediate past Director of the CAMPEP-accredited Graduate Programs in Medical Physics/Chair of the Committee on Medical Physics. Her career spans over 30 years of pioneering research in computer-aided diagnosis, machine learning, and deep learning applications in medical imaging. Dr. Giger's research focuses on computational image-based analyses for cancer risk assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapy, particularly in breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, lupus, bone diseases, and more recently, COVID-19. Her work has evolved from developing computer-aided diagnosis systems to utilizing 'virtual biopsies' in imaging genomics association studies for discovery. She has made significant contributions to quantitative imaging, radiomics, and AI applications in medical imaging, with emphasis on translating research into clinical practice. Her publication record shows a clear trajectory from foundational work in computer vision for medical imaging to cutting-edge AI and deep learning applications. The recent publications demonstrate her leadership in large-scale collaborative efforts like the Medical Imaging and Data Resource Center (MIDRC), focus on health equity through AI analysis, and expansion into diverse applications including gynecological imaging, lung cancer screening, and trauma assessment. Her work consistently bridges technical innovation with clinical relevance. Dr. Giger has received numerous prestigious honors including membership in the National Academy of Engineering, the William D. Coolidge Gold Medal (the highest award from AAPM), and being named one of the 50 most impactful medical physicists in the last 50 years. She is a Fellow of multiple professional societies including AAPM, AIMBE, SPIE, SBMR, and IEEE. Her 2019 TIME magazine recognition for QuantX, the first FDA-cleared machine-learning-driven system for cancer diagnosis, highlights her translational impact. As an educator and mentor, Dr. Giger has guided over 100 graduate students, residents, and medical students throughout her career. She has secured substantial research funding including NIH R01 grants and serves as contact PI for the NIH NIBIB-funded & ARPA-H-funded Medical Imaging and Data Resource Center (MIDRC). Her leadership extends to former presidencies of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and SPIE, and she was the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of the SPIE Journal of Medical Imaging. Dr. Giger co-founded Quantitative Insights, Inc. through the University of Chicago's New Venture Challenge, which developed QuantX - the first FDA-cleared AI system for cancer diagnosis. She leads the Medical Imaging and Data Resource Center (MIDRC), a critical resource for AI development in medical imaging that received the 2023 DataWorks Prize. Her research laboratory bridges engineering, physics, and clinical medicine to develop and validate quantitative imaging biomarkers and AI tools for precision medicine.
Professor Udo Oppermann serves as Professor of Molecular Biology and Director of Laboratory Sciences at the Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford. He is also Deputy Director of the Oxford Centre of Translational Myeloma Research and a fellow at St Catherine's College. His educational background includes a Diploma in Human Biology (1990) and PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology (1994), both earned with distinctions from Philipps University Marburg. Prior academic appointments include Associate Professor at Karolinska Institutet (until 2004) and sabbatical work at Yale University. Research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in disease through drug and target discovery using systems biology and single-cell approaches . Key disease targets include metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and malignant diseases—particularly multiple myeloma and secondary bone cancers. His group pioneers chemical biology applications in primary tumor microenvironments. Current funding sources include Cancer Research UK, Innovate UK, EPSRC, Royal Society-Newton Fund, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bayer Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline, Blood Cancer UK, and Leducq Foundation. Notable research trends show increasing emphasis on epigenetic regulation in immune cells (2020-2024), single-cell technologies for myeloma (2022-2024), and translational applications of chromatin modifiers (2016-2019). Recent work integrates metabolomics with epigenetic mechanisms in gynecological and hematological disorders. He supervises doctoral research including Singh K.'s 2024 thesis on sonodynamic therapy mechanisms. Leadership roles encompass directing Oxford's Molecular Laboratory Sciences division and co-leading translational myeloma research initiatives.
Veronica Berrocal is a Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), affiliated with the Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences. Her research focuses on developing statistical models to analyze spatial and temporal data, particularly in environmental health, geophysical processes, and public health outcomes. She collaborates with institutions like Drexel University and the University of Michigan to study the interplay between environmental factors (e.g., built environments, air quality) and health disparities. Her work also addresses calibration of geophysical models and leveraging social media for health behavior analysis. Key research areas include spatial dependence modeling, post-processing outputs from climate/air quality models, and identifying how neighborhood characteristics influence health behaviors (e.g., obesity risk in school children). She develops statistical approaches to reconcile discrepancies between observational data and model outputs, particularly in environmental and health contexts. Her methodological contributions span Bayesian statistics, spatial-temporal data fusion, and multiresolution analysis. Her research often integrates interdisciplinary collaborations, such as combining UAV mapping for disease surveillance (e.g., dengue outbreaks) and using Yelp reviews to assess food environments. She has also contributed to public health initiatives like developing web-based platforms (e.g., MyGoutCare) to improve patient education and outcomes for chronic conditions. While no specific awards are listed, her extensive publications reflect her impact in environmental statistics and health analytics. She advises no listed students but collaborates widely with researchers across disciplines. Her office is located in DBH 2026, and she can be reached at vberroca@uci.edu.
Xiaoming Guan, MD, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine and serves as the Division Chief and Fellowship Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital. He is also the Program Director of the Center of Excellence in Gynecologic Surgery (COMIGS) at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas. His clinical and academic roles highlight his leadership in advanced gynecologic surgical innovation and education. MD – Fujian Medical College, Fuzhou, China MS – Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China PhD – Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China (Medicine/Surgery) Residency – St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, New Jersey (Obstetrics and Gynecology) Fellowship – Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery) Dr. Guan specializes in treating complex gynecologic conditions including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic masses, and pelvic organ prolapse using state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques. He is a pioneer in robotic single-site surgery and transvaginal Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES), applying these methods to advanced pelvic procedures such as sacrocolpopexy, abdominal cerclage, and endometriosis resection. His work emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration with colorectal, thoracic, and urologic surgeons to optimize patient outcomes. The selected publications reflect a strong focus on surgical innovation, particularly in laparoscopic, robotic, and NOTES-based approaches. Trends include comparative effectiveness studies, technical development, and fertility-preserving strategies. His research bridges clinical application with technological advancement in gynecologic surgery. Surgeon of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology – Texas Children's Hospital Pavilion for Women Dr. Guan is actively involved in training future surgeons as Fellowship Director and leads a robust research program with over 80 publications. He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology , Clinics in Surgery , and Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine Journal . He also holds leadership in professional societies, including President of the North American Society of Chinese Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Guan leads a multidisciplinary surgical team focused on advanced endometriosis and complex pelvic reconstruction. His lab and clinical team integrate robotic platforms and innovative endoscopic techniques to improve surgical precision and patient recovery. Ongoing work includes expanding NOTES applications and refining robotic single-site procedures for broader clinical use.
Dr. May H. Blanchard serves as Associate Professor, Vice Chair, Division Chief of General Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Residency Program Director in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Nationally, she holds significant leadership roles including ACOG District IV Chair on the Board of Directors and active participation in CREOG and ABOG committees. Her educational background includes a BS in Management/Finance and Economics (magna cum laude) from Case Western Reserve University (1991), an MD from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (1996), and residency training at Case Western/Cleveland Clinic (2000), followed by Harvard's Leadership Development for Physicians program (2012). Research focuses on fibroid management, residency education, and family planning, with clinical work addressing patient safety and quality improvement in obstetrics. Her scholarly contributions emphasize innovative educational models and systemic challenges in women's healthcare delivery. Publication analysis reveals consistent themes: medical education evolution (particularly duty hour impacts and global health integration), physician well-being, and translational research in fibroid pathology and vaginal microbiome. Recent work increasingly addresses healthcare systems and policy barriers. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or fellowships were documented in the source material. Advising and Grants: As Residency Program Director, she oversees all obstetrics/gynecology trainees and serves as a 15-year ABOG oral examiner. While explicit grant funding isn't detailed, her CREOG curriculum development leadership and NEJM Knowledge+ contributions indicate substantial educational initiative involvement. Labs and Teams: She chairs the University of Maryland Medical System's Obstetric Patient Safety Committee and the State of Maryland Morbidity/Mortality Review Committee, while leading ACOG's District IV initiatives on patient safety, legislative affairs, and quality improvement.
Edmond D Shenassa is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. His research focuses on social determinants of health, developmental origins of health and disease, and prenatal/perinatal epidemiology. He has led major studies such as the Rhode Island Birth Cohort and co-led the New England Family Studies. Key areas include breastfeeding, smoking, environmental toxin exposure, and maternal-child health disparities. Education: Dual Sc.D. in Epidemiology and Maternal & Child Health from Harvard University, MA in Social Research Methods from UCLA. Awards include 2016 Graduate Mentor of the Year from UMD and leadership roles in the Association of Teachers of Maternal and Child Health. His work is funded by agencies like CDC, HRSA, and EPA. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and edited works on public health topics. Current roles include editorial board memberships and former directorship of UMD's Maternal and Child Health doctoral program. Research integrates social, environmental, and biological factors influencing health outcomes across lifespans.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülsüm Seda Güleç Yılmaz is an Associate Professor at Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology. With a PhD in Molecular Medicine from Yeditepe University (2016), she specializes in genetic polymorphisms, oxidative stress, and biomarker discovery in cardiovascular and oncological contexts. Education : PhD in Molecular Medicine (2016), MSc in Histology & Embryology (2005), BSc in Biology (2002) Research Focus : DNA repair mechanisms, microRNA profiling, genetic susceptibility in atherosclerosis, prostate/glioma/ovarian cancers, and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms Her 15 most recent publications (2013-2024) center on genetic polymorphisms in diseases like ovarian cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Key methodologies include next-generation sequencing , PCR-RFLP , and microRNA analysis . Collaborative work spans cardiovascular research , oncology , and neurogenetics . Scientific Awards : Bilime Katkı Ödülü (Istanbul University) Best Oral Presentation Award - First Place (Heart and Health Foundation of Turkey) Best Oral Presentation Award - Second Place (Turkish Neurosurgery Association) As a supervisor, she has guided 15+ thesis students (Master's and Doctoral levels) in genetic studies related to cancers and metabolic disorders. Her work on lipoprotein subfractions and oxidative stress markers continues to advance precision medicine applications.
Prof. Orhan Ünal is a full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University , in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology . He has served as Head of Department at Sakarya University in 2014. His clinical and academic work focuses on high-risk pregnancies, gynecologic oncology, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. His research spans a wide range of topics including placental abruption, ectopic pregnancy, chronic gynecologic conditions, and rare ovarian tumors. He has presented extensively at national and international congresses and contributed to case reports and retrospective studies. Research Interests: Obstetric complications such as placental abruption and uterine atony Gynecologic oncology including ovarian carcinoid and leiomyosarcoma Infertility and unexplained infertility diagnostics Urogynecology and stress urinary incontinence Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery Scientific Contributions: Published over 15 peer-reviewed articles and case reports Presented at national and international congresses including the European Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Invited speaker on topics such as urinary incontinence and HSIL management Administrative & Academic Roles: Head of Department, Sakarya University (2014) Faculty member, Yeditepe University Supervisor of clinical and academic training in obstetrics and gynecology
Cesare Gagliardo is a Researcher (MEDS-22/B) at the University of Palermo, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine and Surgery. He maintains regular office hours on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 12:00 at the Radiological Sciences Section. His academic responsibilities include teaching diagnostic imaging courses across multiple health professions programs including Nursing, Hearing Prosthetic Techniques, and Neuroscience. Dr. Gagliardo's research focuses on advanced diagnostic imaging techniques, particularly in neuroradiology and MRI-guided focused ultrasound applications. His work spans neurological disorders, peripheral nerve pathologies, and innovative non-invasive surgical approaches. He has made significant contributions to transcranial MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery, publishing some of the world's first experiences with this technology for treating essential tremor and other neurological conditions. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong emphasis on translational research connecting imaging technology with clinical applications. His work demonstrates expertise in diffusion kurtosis imaging, resting state fMRI, and the diagnostic applications of ultrasound in peripheral nerve pathologies. The research trajectory shows progression from foundational imaging techniques to innovative therapeutic applications of focused ultrasound. His scientific contributions include pioneering work in transcranial MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery, with publications documenting the world's first experiences with this technology. His research spans multiple disciplines including neuroscience, radiology, neurosurgery, and gynecology, demonstrating interdisciplinary collaboration across medical specialties. Dr. Gagliardo actively contributes to medical education through multiple courses in diagnostic imaging, neuroradiology, and medical advanced diagnostics across various health profession programs at the University of Palermo. His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate level instruction for nursing, neuroscience, and specialized health professions.
Mihai Giurcanu is a Research Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Chicago. His work focuses on medical imaging techniques, particularly in neurology and oncology, with a strong emphasis on MRI advancements for diagnosing conditions like stroke and cancer. Giurcanu collaborates widely, evidenced by co-authorships with experts in radiology, oncology, and public health. His research spans over 15 years, with notable contributions in tumor hypoxia imaging, stroke collateral assessment, and prostate cancer detection. He has also explored public health interventions, such as HIV prevention strategies and preconception care utilization, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. Giurcanu’s publications often bridge clinical practice and innovation, addressing both technical imaging challenges and broader healthcare system efficiencies. His work in interhospital stroke transfers highlights practical applications of research to improve patient outcomes. Despite no listed awards, his extensive publication record (over 100 papers) underscores his academic impact. He is affiliated with the University of Chicago’s Department of Public Health Sciences, contributing to its research initiatives in medical imaging and global health.
Gihad Shabib is an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine. As a Medical Doctor at the Ottawa Hospital (TOH) since 2001, they specialize in obstetrics, gynecology, and surgical techniques. Their clinical expertise includes low Cesarean section rates, vaginal surgeries, and managing complex cases in benign gynecology. Administrative roles include leading Quality Assurance committees, reviewing adverse outcomes, and implementing corrective measures. Education: FRCSC (Obstetrics & Gynecology) from Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (June 1998) Teaching: Lecturer for medical students, midwifery students, residents, and fellows Awarded 'Best Clinical Teacher' by American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2010) Research Interests: Focuses on maternal and child health, surgical innovations (e.g., uterine artery embolization), and reproductive endocrinology. Key areas include operative vaginal delivery techniques, minimally invasive surgeries, and improving obstetric outcomes through evidence-based practices. Active in clinical trials evaluating contraceptive efficacy and hormonal therapies. Awards & Recognition: Recognized for clinical teaching excellence (2010) Contributed a chapter on operative delivery to Oxorn-Foote's 'Human Labor & Birth' Grants & Labs: While no specific grants are listed, their work integrates clinical and academic collaborations through the University of Ottawa and Ottawa Hospital. Leads surgical training programs for residents and fellows. Labs/Teams: Participates in multidisciplinary teams addressing maternal-fetal medicine, pelvic floor dysfunction, and reproductive health challenges through clinical practice and education.
