The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology has a vibrant research program that continues to grow in stature. Faculty are actively involved in basic research with an overall emphasis in translational research focused on benign and malignant gynepathologies, as well as social and community based research.
In the basic sciences the emphasis is on understanding maternal-fetal interactions as it relates to blastocyst implantation together with using model systems to understand the pathophysiology of endometriosis and its impact on infertility. In addition the strong emphasis on gynecological oncology seeks to identify genes that are dysregulated in endometrial and ovarian cancers. The overall focus of these studies are to analyze molecular pathways that could predict therapeutic strategies for patients using a personalized medicine approach.
Another area of research is the data linking and analysis of State Warehouse databases providing information on maternal child health (MCH) policy and program changes in the Michigan Medicaid populations. This project identifies the set of risk and protective maternal characteristics that could support policy and program changes. Furthermore, the department also concentrates on community-based participatory research and women's health policy through the designing and implementation of breast and cervical cancer prevention and intervention program, the Kin KeeperSM Cancer Prevention Intervention. The guide helps cross-train the community health workers who then implement the model with public health patients.
Graduate training opportunities are routinely available in the laboratories of the faculty who are also affiliated with the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program (RDSP) at MSU. To inquire about possible openings potential candidates are encouraged to contact the faculty directly, or through the interdisciplinary programs website at Michigan State University