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  • MuMH Lab & Projects
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    • BioBAYB2 Study
    • PARTO Study
  • Published Research
  • Elise N Erickson

    PhD CNM FACNM

    Associate Professor

    Department of Physiology

    The University of Arizona

    College of Medicine- Tucson

  • Research Team

    Members, collaborators and friends of MuMH Lab at The University of Arizona

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    Elise Erickson

    Principal Investigator

    Associate Professor & Certified Nurse-Midwife

    Dr. Erickson earned a BSN from the University of Michigan in 2003 and a Masters for Midwifery and Women's Health from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2005. After practicing for several years she returned to UIC for graduate study in Behavioral Neuroscience and ultimately completed a PhD at Oregon Health and Science University in 2018. She has practiced as a CNM for over 18 years, as a result informs and inspires research questions. Dr. E joined the University of Arizona in Tucson in 2022. Her work has been supported through various awards including the NICHD K12 BIRCWH, a K99/R00 via NINR, institutional and foundation funding mechanisms. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology in the College of Medicine. Outside of the University of Arizona she serves as the Chair for the Division of Research for the American College of Nurse-Midwives and is an associate member of the State of Arizona Maternal Mortality Review Committee. She is currently open to mentoring graduate students from Physiology, Nursing, or the Clinical Translational Sciences Graduate Program.

    Co-Investigators

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    Shravan Aras

    Associate Director

    Sensor Analysis & Smart Health Platforms, CB2

    BioBAYB2 Study

    Dr. Aras earned his PhD in Computer Science in 2018 and a bachelor’s in computer engineering in 2012. His research areas span across wearable sensor data analysis, AI application development in healthcare, clinical imaging using machine learning techniques, graded authentication based on biometrics and biomedical algorithms for cardiovascular systems. He is also instrumental in pushing the Low Code - No Code initiative, giving clinicians, and non-technical personnel the tools to develop sensor-based applications for distributed clinical data collection. He is passionate about applying AI techniques in the field of maternal health to help identify subtle changes in physiological characteristics throughout pregnancy and during the post-partum period. Prior to joining the UoA, Dr. Aras spent time in industry leading teams of software developers to create national mHealth based applications and is a strong proponent for responsible AI usage, patient data
    privacy and security.

    Clinical Research Staff

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    Hillary Ruvalcaba

    Clinical Research Coordinator

    PARTO study

    Hillary earned a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology (Genetics & Human Health Emphasis) from the University of Arizona (UA) in 2022 and is currently pursuing a BA in Spanish at UA. Her research interests include preconception, prenatal, and pediatric genetics. This interest is rooted in her firm belief that risk assessment and early intervention are vital for prevention, adaptation, and treatment of genetic conditions. In her free time, Hillary enjoys traveling, making art, yoga, and spending time with her husband and English Bull Terrier.

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    Lily Woods

    Clinical Research Coordinator

    MuMH Lab, Licensed Counselor

    Lily earned a master's in counseling (2023) with an emphasis in clinical mental health and a bachelor's in psychology (2020) from the University of Arizona. She is interested in using a SDoH lens to illuminate the complex interplay between psychological and reproductive health, exploring how external factors—such as stress, support, and social context—influence biological processes of pregnancy. Her goal is to translate these insights into integrative interventions. Outside of the lab, Lily provides psychotherapeutic treatment for mood and anxiety concerns related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and the postpartum period, with a focus on affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients.

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    Jade Radoian

    Clinical Research Assistant: PARTO

    Jade recieved her BS in Physiology and Medical Sciences at UA in 2024 where she also minored in Spanish and Biochemistry. She has been working with the PARTO study since her senior year and is continuing on as a full time staff research assistant. In the future, she plans work towards her goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. Jade has a strong passion for maternal-fetal medicine and is confident she will continue working in this field for the duration of her career. Jade enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, creating art, and taking care of her many plants. She is eager to share her interest in reproductive health with collaborators and the Tucson community.

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    Fatima Palacios Guerrero

    Clinical Research Coordinator

    Postdoctoral Fellows & Graduate Students

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    Erin George

    PhD, CNM

    Postdoctoral Researcher

    Dr.George earned a BA from Bryn Mawr College in 2006, a BSN from MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2010 and an MSN in Nurse-Midwifery from Yale University in 2012. Dr. George practiced full-scope midwifery for over 10 years in academic medical center, community hospital, and freestanding birth center settings. She completed a PhD in Nursing at Boston College in 2023. Dr. George’s work has been supported through various organizations, including the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses, and Nurses Educational Funds.

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    Sarah Weinstein

    PhD Student/ Certified Nurse-Midwife

    International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

    PhD Candidate

    Sarah earned her bachelor's in integrative biology from Berkeley where she first learned about midwifery care in her reproductive biology course. She earned her BSN and graduated with her master's in nurse-midwifery from Oregon Health and Sciences University in 2014. She started her career in the Four Corners region, and since then, she has caught babies in and out of the hospital and in rural and urban settings. Sarah expanded her full-scope midwifery to include breastfeeding and lactation medicine. She is pursuing her PhD under the guidance of Drs. Elise N. Erickson and Aleeca F. Bell.

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    Meredith Casella Jean-Baptiste

    PhD Student/ Certified Nurse-Midwife

    Meredith is a second-year PhD student at University of Arizona and is the Women’s Health Coordinator at Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais, a Partners in Health/ Zanmi Lasante-supported hospital in Mirebalais, Haïti where she has been working since 2012.

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    Stefanie Boyles

    PhD Student/ RN

    Stefanie earned a BA in Public Health Studies from the Johns Hopkins University in 2009 and a BSN from Belmont University in 2012. Her passion for maternal health research started as an undergraduate research assistant for studies investigating the impact of maternal stress on fetal neurobehavior. With a clinical background in cardiology, she is interested in developing predictive models using high-frequency time-series data for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP), thereby improving maternal health outcomes and reducing disparities in care. She is pursuing her PhD in Nursing (with a minor in Information) under the guidance of Dr. Erickson.

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    N. Brandon Barba

    MPH, PhD Student, Clinical Translational Sciences

    Brandon is a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Translational Sciences program, where he studies the use of advanced data techniques like machine learning and informatics with real-world clinical research questions. Building on his Master's in Public Health foundation, he's currently pursuing a doctoral minor in epidemiology. He was introduced to maternal health research through collaboration with the OB/GYN department at Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix, where he applies his analytical expertise to improve maternal health outcomes. Outside of research, Brandon is passionate about strength training, watching football, and relaxing with his two cats.

    Clinical Collaborators: Faculty, Residents and Medical Students

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    Rachel Darché

    MD, OB/GYN & Residency Program Director

    PARTO Study- Faculty Physician Collaborator

    Rachel is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology with Banner University Medical Center Tucson's Department of OB/GYN. Prior to joining the faculty at the UA College of Medicine Tucson, Dr. Darche completed her residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. She attended medical school at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. She also has experience working in the developing world in Peru and Nicaragua.

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    Nick Lolli

    MD, OB/GYN Resident Physician

    PARTO Study Support

    Nick is an ObGyn resident at the University of Arizona. Originally from Maryland, he earned his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Maryland and completed his medical degree at the University of Virginia. After completing residency, he plans to practice as a generalist with special interests in peripartum care, LGBTQ+ health, and family planning. When not at work, he enjoys taking care of his cats and watching the newest movies.

    Undergraduate & Graduate Research Assistants

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    Sydnee Wendel

    Research Assistant: PARTO

    Pharmaceutical Sciences Undergraduate Student

    Sydnee is a sophomore at the University of Arizona studying pharmaceutical sciences. Although still working to determine her professional path ahead, Sydnee knows her passion lies in healthcare. The PARTO study has already sparked lots of interest and she is excited to explore some of the aspects of maternal-fetal medicine. In her free time, Sydnee enjoys going to the gym, traveling, pickleball, and spending time with friends and family.

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    Gisselle Vergara

    Research Assistant: PARTO

    Pharmaceutical Sciences Undergraduate Student

    Gisselle is a third-year student at the University of Arizona
    majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her career goal for after
    graduation is to pursue her PharmD degree and become a Pharmacist. She is interested in the PARTO study, and wants to learn more about how research is conducted and the methods used to support it. Apart from her academic endeavors, Gisselle enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, reading, and baking.

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    Angelina Nediyathu

    Research Assistant: PARTO

    Undergraduate Biology Research Program

    Biotechnology Undergraduate Student

    Angelina is a junior at the University of Arizona, majoring in Applied Biotechnology and minoring in Public Health. Her career goals after graduation include attending medical school to obtain an MD-MPH and eventually becoming a perinatologist or neonatologist. She is involved in the PARTO study and is particularly interested in the intersection of genetics, maternal health, and perinatal outcomes. Outside of academics, Angelina enjoys playing badminton, cooking, reading, and cafe-hopping with friends.

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    Lily Sol-Schott

    Research Assistant: PARTO & BioBAYB2

    BSN Student

    Lily is a senior at the University of Arizona earning her BSN. She is halfway through nursing school and knows her passion lies with maternal health. Her goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse after she graduates, with the hope of eventually becoming a CNM after gaining some experience. She is interested in researching personalized due dates with the BioBAYB2 study with the goal of preventing preterm births and helping the PARTO study discover how to predict postpartum hemorrhages to increase maternal safety. In addition to maternal health and nursing, Lily loves reading and writing, especially fantasy, and spending time in nature.

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    Maiella Alpert

    Research Assistant: PARTO & BioBAYB2

    Pre-Nursing Student

    Maiella is an aspiring Certified Nurse-Midwife and current sophomore at the University of Arizona. She will begin nursing school in her junior year to pursue a BSN, with plans to earn a Master's in Midwifery after graduation. Her academic and career interests center on women’s and maternal health, particularly improving maternal health outcomes and addressing gaps in prenatal and childbirth care in the United States. Maiella is passionate about contributing to both the PARTO and BioBAYB2 studies. Outside of her academic work, Maiella enjoys babysitting, cooking and baking, thrifting, and spending time with friends and family.

    Lab Graduates

    - RueShunda Jim (Public Health)

    - Desiree Riley (Biomedical Engineering)

  • Current Projects

    See what's keeping us so busy!

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    PARTO Study 

    Predicting Adequate Response to Oxytocin

    While a lot of factors have been associated with a person having postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), our clinical tools for predicting PPH currently miss 1 in every 2-3 cases of hemorrhage. That is, the birth was consider low-risk for hemorrhage but it happened anyway. Our PARTO project aims to study biomarkers linked to oxytocin function in the body for predicting PPH. Click here for a recent blog about the science behind this study. Click here to see the participant video for our currently enrolling study at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson and Phoenix, AZ in English or en Español.

    Click to learn more Here
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    BioBAYB

    Biological Rhythms Before & After Your Birth

    In this study, we examine how physiological data gathered from wearable devices worn during pregnancy could be useful in tracking pregnancy health and outcomes. Using machine learning and artificial intelligence can be useful in analyzing the complex signals of life during gestation. See our publications (NPJ Digital Medicine , BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth) and / blog here.

    Click to learn more here
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    The Clock is Ticking

    Biological Age in the Era of Advanced Maternal Age

    The term "Advanced Maternal Age" usually is applied to anyone giving birth who is 35 years or older. A growing number of births are occurring later in life as people pursue educational or economic milestones prior to having children. However, most pregnancies after 35 don't have complications and many people under 35 have age-related problems like diabetes, hypertension or other factors that influence their health in pregnancy. This study is using biomarkers from DNA, called "epigenetic clocks" to examine biological age and learn if advanced biological age is linked to social stress during pregnancy and birth related complications.

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    Midwives as Mechanisms

    How does the care we provide support physiology?

    Certified Nurse-Midwives and other midwifery professionals hold the perspective that labor and birth and normal parts of reproductive physiology. Data on midwifery-led care can help us understand how the processes of care, which emphasize watchful waiting in the absence of pathology in pregnancy, can help achieve healthy birth outcomes like a lower Cesarean birth rate for appropriate clients. Midwives work in conjunction with health systems and obstetricians and may attend births in hospital, birth centers or at home. See our publications for past studies on midwifery care outcomes.

  • MuMHy Blog, News & Media

    Thoughts on the science of birth, maternal health and sciencing life.

    Local News Abour Our Work!
    KGUN in Tucson had us on for a feature about BioBAYB work!
    Exciting new grant from the Arizona Biomedical Research Centre
    We're so grateful to be a recipient of an Investigator Award for the BioBAYB2 project. Read more about the award here. Over the next three years, we will be studying how subtle but critical changes in physiological signals change across pregnancy, and how we can use this information to understand...
    Pod Cast Interview: "Through the Pinard"
    I had the pleasure of being midwife & academic, Liz McNeill's, guest on her recent podcast! Listen Here and Other Podcasts by Liz
    Deciphering the 'due date' - predicting pregnancy duration using physiological data from wearables
      Pregnant individuals are often asked about their due date. However, few births will spontaneously occur on this date. Using machine learning and physiological data from a wearable device, our study aims to forecast longer vs. shorter pregnancies relative to the clinical due date. Published...
    Birth and blood loss: an epigenetic perspective on oxytocin use during labor
    While interest in the epigenetic regulation of oxytocin function is growing in many fields of science; little is known about how pharmacologic oxytocin administration, a common medical intervention during childbirth, may be influenced by a person's epigenetic pattern. Published Jan 27, 2023 ...
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    BioBAYB2
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