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.

Clinical Research Coordinator

MuMH Lab, Licensed Counselor

Lily earned a bachelor's in psychology (2020) and master's in counseling (2023) with an emphasis in clinical mental health and rehabilitation from the University of Arizona. She is interested in using a social determinants of health framework to investigate reproductive psychophysiology. Outside of the lab, she provides psychotherapeutic treatment for a constellation of reproductive mental health conditions. As a licensed counselor, she translates reproductive justice into therapeutic practice—emphasizing empowerment and social transformation. She values the ways in which research and clinical practice inform one another and hopes to use this knowledge to identify and mitigate gaps in whole health care.

Clinical Research Coordinator

Erika graduated from Arizona State University withB.S. degrees in Health Sciences (Pre-Professional), Biological Sciences(Genetics, Cells, and Developmental Biology), and Psychology. She has two years of research experience from the Psychology Department at Arizona State University and became involved in clinical research in 2019, working on Maternal Fetal Medicine and Vaccine Development studies. Erika joined the University of Arizona, College of Medicine-Pheonix, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2021 and is currently the Clinical Research Coordinator III. She enjoys supporting medical students, residents, and fellows
with their various research endeavors and the unique opportunity to support faculty with their investigator-initiated research projects. Her research interests include identifying and mitigating health disparities and social determinants of health. Her research populations of interest are those that are underprivileged and underrepresented—including racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual minorities. Erika uses her Spanish-speaking skills to diversify participation in clinical research. She hopes to attend medical school soon and aims to conduct her own research.

Clinical Research Coordinator

Stephanie graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Health. Post-graduation, she scribed for a gynecologic oncologist who provided her with a firsthand understanding of the challenges patients face in the realm of Gynecology and Oncology. Witnessing the complexities of women's health issues, coupled with her passion for global health, she found herself drawn to the idea of exploring innovative solutions and treatments through clinical research, particularly within obstetrics and gynecology. Stephanie joined the University of Arizona, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in July 2023 as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She is committed to contributing to advancements in women's healthcare through rigorous research endeavors to improve patient outcomes and address unmet needs. She envisions utilizing her Spanish-language proficiency and clinical knowledge to engage and empower underrepresented communities, ensuring their inclusion in clinical research. Stephanie hopes to attend medical school soon to further her mission of advocating for underserved communities and making tangible contributions to healthcare as a physician.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Research Assistant: PARTO

MEPN Student

Natalia earned a BS in general biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. While gaining experience in the education field and in the hospital’s labor and delivery unit, she developed a passion for teaching, research, and caring for patients. She decided to go back to school and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in nursing (MS-MEPN) at the University of Arizona, with future goals of providing for women and children as either a nurse-midwife or nurse practitioner.

Research Assistant: PARTO

Undergraduate student

Jade is a fourth-year Physiology and Medical Sciences student at UA. She is also completing minors in Spanish and Biochemistry. Upon completion of her bachelor's degree, she is determined to apply to a PA program, earn her master's, and 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. Apart from being a proud health sciences student and PARTO team member, 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.

Research Assistant: PARTO

Undergraduate student

Desiree is a third year student at the University of Arizona majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in biochemistry. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and continue doing research. She is interested in clinical research that incorporates physiological concepts with social determinants of health. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, sewing, and playing sports.

Research Assistant: PARTO

BSN student

Taylor is a third-year student at the University of Arizona majoring in nursing and is a part of the BSN-Tucson program. Currently employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she's eagerly advancing toward her goal of specializing in either NICU or labor and delivery nursing upon graduation. Outside of her studies and work, Taylor treasures moments spent exploring new activities with friends, watching romcoms, dancing, and staying active. 

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.

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.

Research Assistant

Public Health Undergraduate Student

RueShunda is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Arizona majoring in Public Health and completing a minor in Professional Technical Writing. She is a part of The Partnership for Native American Cancer Prevention Program as a student research assistant and plans to join the PARTO team this upcoming academic year. Upon graduation in the Spring, she endures to apply to graduate school for her master’s in Public Health focusing on Epidemiology and has an interest working within maternal health disparities within the American Indian/Alaskan Native population. Outside of the lab, RueShunda enjoys going on hikes, making Dutch bros runs, and playing sand volleyball with friends and family.