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.

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 UA, 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.

Associate Professor

Director, Laboratory of Neurovascular Physiology and Disease

PARTO & Breathing for Two Studies

Dr. Pires is from Brazil, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Master of Science degree in Cell and Structural Biology. He moved to the USA in 2007, and received his PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Michigan State University in 2013. He completed Post-Doctoral training at the University of Nevada, Reno. In 2019, he moved to the University to Arizona as an Assistant Professor to start the Laboratory of Neurovascular Physiology and Disease in the Department of Physiology. Dr. Pires is passionate about science, especially the mechanisms by which cerebral vascular disease lead to cognitive decline, which is the current focus of his laboratory. In his free-time he enjoys playing with his kids, reading books and watching sci-fi movies and TV shows.

Clinical Research Coordinator

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

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.

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.

Postdoctoral Researcher

PhD, Certified Nurse-Midwife

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 Candidate, Nursing

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.

PhD Candidate, Nursing

Registered Nurse

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.

PhD Student, Clinical Translational Sciences

MPH

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.

Research Assistant: PARTO & Breathing for Two

Public Health Master's Student

Kennedy is an MPH student in Health Behavior and Health Promotion at the University of Arizona and earned her BS in Physiology and Medical Sciences from UA in 2024. She has several years of experience in clinical trial research, with more than two years focused on inspiratory muscle strength training to improve cardiovascular health. Kennedy joined the MuMH Lab’s Breathing for Two study because of her background in breathing training and interest in women’s health research. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree and a career in clinical research centered on women’s health and equity as well as cardiovascular health. Outside of academics, she enjoys cycling, strength training, DIY projects, and spending time with her senior rescue cat.

PARTO Study - Faculty Physician Collaborator

MD, OB/GYN & Residency Program Director

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.

PARTO Study Support

MD, OB/GYN Resident Physician

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.

PARTO Study Support

Medical Student

Isabelle Pellot is a medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Tucson. She earned a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership from Chaminade University and a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from UCLA. Prior to medical school, she worked as an elementary school teacher. This experience shaped her approach to patient communication, advocacy, and education. Isabelle’s passion for women’s health research is rooted in a desire to strengthen clinical practice and meaningfully improve the healthcare experiences of women. In addition to her academic interests, Isabelle enjoys reading, painting, yoga, and working on home remodeling projects.

Research Assistant: PARTO & BioBAYB2

Pharmaceutical Sciences Undergraduate Student

Sydnee is a junior 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 & BioBAYB2

Pharmaceutical Sciences Undergraduate Student

Gisselle is a fourth-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: PARTO & BioBAYB2

Biology and Biomedical Sciences Honors Student

Isabella is a third-year student at the University of Arizona studying Biology with an emphasis in Biomedical Sciences. Working on the PARTO and BioBAYB2 studies has furthered her passion for connecting research and clinical practices to expand access to women’s health resources in underserved and rural areas. Isabella’s goal after graduation is to continue this passion in medical school, where she hopes to become an OBGYN. Outside of academics, Isabella enjoys hiking, traveling, trying out new cafes, and spending time with family and friends.

Research Assistant: PARTO

Physiology and Medical Sciences Honors Student

Keely is a second-year undergraduate student in the W.A. Franke Honors College at the University of Arizona, pursuing a major in Physiology and Medical Sciences. She has already completed a minor in Mathematics and is currently working toward additional minors in Ballet and Psychology. Deeply passionate about the field of medicine, Keely plans to attend medical school with the ultimate goal of becoming a surgeon.

Research Assistant: BioBAYB2

Physiology and Medical Sciences Honors Student

Anika is a junior at the University of Arizona studying Physiology and Medical Sciences and Molecular and Cellular Physiology with minors in Spanish and Biochemistry. Her career goals after graduation include attending medical school to become an oncologist. She is involved in the BioBAYB study and is particularly interested in utilizing innovative technology to help inform patients and improve health outcomes. Anika enjoys traveling, crafting, and spending time with friends and family in her free time.

Physiology Honors Student

Katie is a fourth-year student at the University of Arizona studying Physiology with a double minor in Spanish and Theater. She is thrilled to be part of the MuMH lab team and is focusing her work on the role of doula care during labor and childbirth. Particularly, she is interested in the impact that doulas have on the physiology of these events. She has completed doula training through DONA International and is part of the Arizona Community Doula Collective. After graduation, Katie hopes to pursue a Master's in Nursing through the University of Arizona and one day work as a certified nurse-midwife. Outside of school, Katie enjoys attending Broadway in Tucson shows, studying at local cafes, teaching yoga, and spending time with friends and family.