Faculty Member

Scientific Interests

James R. Woods, Jr., M.D.

Woods' research interests include the factors that contribute to pregnancy loss and premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), as well as oxidant stress and fetal heart rate monitoring. He also is senior editor of Strong Perifax, an online continuing education program that serves more than 12,300 clients.

Richard K. Miller, Ph.D.

Miller investigates the causes and origins of birth defects. Primarily he is studying how HIV infects the human placenta, and he is working to identify which anti-HIV therapies best reduce transmission of HIV from mother to fetus. Miller also studies how viruses, metals, alcohol and other toxins interfere with the placenta.

Gunhilde Buchsbaum, MD

Buchsbaum studies the causes of breakdowns in the voiding function, including the prevalence, risk factors and prevention of bladder stress incontinence.

Brent DuBeshter, MD

DuBeshter conducts clinical research into treatment, risk factors and surgical advances for ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers.

David C. Foster, MD, MPH

Foster is an internationally known expert in the study of vulovaginal disease. He investigates causes, treatments and pain management techniques for such conditions as interstitial cystitis, vulvar vestibulitis and other abnormalities of the lower urinary tract.

David S.Guzick, MD, PhD

Guzick investigates treatment associated with endometriosis and related pelvic pain. His other areas of special interest include polycystic ovarian syndrome, unexplained infertility and in vitro fertilization.

Kathleen M. Hoeger, MD

Hoeger researches the long-term treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that prohibits regular ovulation and can lead to diabetes and heart disease. She investigates the role of medications and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, to restore normal androgen and lipid profiles in women with PCOS.

Fred M. Howard Jr., M.D.

Internationally recognized as an expert in chronic pelvic pain, Howard investigates the use of laparoscopic surgery and medications to treat pain associated with endometriosis.

Vivian Lewis, MD

Lewis focuses her clinical research on hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms, infertility (specifically male infertility), and how best to induce ovulation in women.

Morton W. Miller, PhD

Miller's primary area of interest is the effect of ultrasounds, as a diagnostic tool, on the developing fetus. He investigates the thermal and non-thermal mechanisms of action associated with using Doppler ultrasounds, and possible risk in early pregnancy. Additionally, Miller investigates the general implications of thermal biology (temperature changes in the body) on pregnancy.

Mark Plessinger, PhD

Plessinger investigates the underlying cellular causes of premature rupture of the fetal membranes (PROM), which accounts for 40 to 60 percent of all premature births. Collagen formation is important for membrane strength, and one area of interest is in the biomarkers responsible for collagen production. In addition, his research focuses on the hormone relaxin, which is normally secreted during early labor, and its effect on amniotic epithelial cells.

Shanna H. Swan, PhD

Swan investigates the impact of exposure to environmental toxicants on male and female reproductive health, and the effect of toxins on the developing fetus. She also has special interest in geographic variations in infertility rates, and hormone-related toxicants.

Patricia Rodier, PhD

An expert on the causes of autism, Rodier discovered in the mid-1990s that autism might result from a defect in the nervous system of a developing fetus. Her hypothesis: a mutation in the genes controlling brain development, along with unknown environmental factors, may lead to autism. Rodier also leads a team studying autism treatments, such as special diets and behavioral therapy.

Michael Flynn, MD

Flynn studies the etiology of bladder over activity, female urinary incontinence, and the role that Botox injections have in treating this condition.

Shawn Murphy, PhD

An immunologist, Murphy investigates why the mother's body does not reject the fetus. Armed with this knowledge, future research may lead to a better understanding of why miscarriages occur.

Sireesha Y. Reddy, MD

Through a special program at the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, Reddy is extensively involved in clinical and basic research for endometriosis. She also has a special interest in pediatric and adolescent gynecology.

Ron Wood, PhD

Wood's special interest is in urogynecologic disorders, particularly voiding dysfunction and pelvic pain. The goal is to refine our understanding of these problems, and develop new ways to diagnose and treat the conditions.

Christopher Stodgell, PhD

An investigator into developmental disabilities, Stodgell is studying the environmental and genetic roots of autism spectrum disorders. Currently his work focuses on understanding how the HOXA1 gene, which is responsible for the development of the nervous system, and other gene systems, might be affected by teratogens and other chemicals.