Our Board
President
Lauren Richardson
(PhD)
Dr. Richardson's research focuses on bridging the gap between bench-to-bedside research by merging advanced engineering and biology concepts. The goal of her research is twofold. One, to utilize microfluidic devices to collect underutilized biological fluids for biomarker screening, and two, to develop novel organ-on-chip devices that physiologically recreate in utero organs and organ systems. These devices are primed to replace traditional research approaches, limit animal models for research, and speed up preclinical experiments to get the drugs to clinical trials at a much faster pace.
Vice-President
Claire Kendal-Wright
(PhD)
Dr. Kendal-Wright's, an associate professor at Chaminade University of Honolulu, Hawaii, focuses on the role of inflammation in human fetal membrane weakening and is currently funded by the Hawaii Community Foundation and NICHD. She primarily works with both epithelial and mesenchymal cells isolated from the amnion and is particularly interested in how sterile inflammation is initiated in/by these cells to drive the breakdown of this tissue layer leading to its rupture.
Treasurer
John Moore
(MD, PhD)
Dr Moore heads the Division of Neonatology at Case Western Reserve and holds a keen interest on the correlation of the mechanical properties of the fetal membranes with biochemical characteristics. In particular, he and his team have pioneered the use of biomechanics as a tool to tease out important biochemical reactions related to fetal membrane weakening and rupture. Dr Moore's research interests lie in the understanding of fetal membrane rupture and preterm premature rupture, as well as therapeutic agents, such as alpha lipoic acid, to inhibit the necessary pathways.
Secretary General
Liping Feng
(MD, PhD)
Dr Feng's laboratory seeks to understand the mechanisms of preterm birth, which is an important cause of perinatal and neonates’ mortality and morbidity. Based at Duke University, Dr Feng's current interests in the fetal membrane field includes PGRMC1 functions in fetal membranes and the etiology of Ureaplasma Parvum infection-induced premature rupture of fetal membranes. This important research will then lead to a better understanding of preterm premature rupture, and ultimately contribute to its prevention.
Our Committees
Under our Board of Directors exists several smaller committees including Planning, Newsletter and Website committees. If you would like to volunteer your time to contribute to the FMS, please contact our Secretary General here with your name, affiliated institution and a short message of intent.
Website Committee Chair
Abir Zahra
The University of Texas at Galveston
School of Medicine
Newsletter Committee Chair
Alison Eastman (PhD)
University of Michigan
Vanderbilt University Medical Center