Current BIRCWH Scholars

My focus areas are reproductive epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, and women's and maternal-child health. My current research program is designed to discover and understand genetic and environmental risk factors for complex phenotypes, with an emphasis on the perinatal period and developmental origins of health and disease. Specifically, my work focuses on understanding the multigenerational effects of maternal health. My lab leverages large electronic health record databases and linked biorepositories, employing bioinformatic, epidemiologic, and genetic methods, to study common characteristics and complications of pregnancy, including perinatal depression, perineal lacerations following childbirth, and glucose variation throughout pregnancy. My major focus is on gestational weight gain, a potentially modifiable risk factor for adverse outcomes throughout the life course of birthing persons and their children. The goal of my research is to uncover biological mechanisms and identify modifiable risk factors associated with maternal-child health and build off this line of work to translate findings into advances in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.

Active Grants: 

5K12AR084232-25 (NIAMS)                                     Velez Edwards and Majors (PIs)                              08/01/2022 - 07/31/2027
Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health Career Development Program
The BIRCWH career development program mentors junior faculty members working in the area of sex and gender biology as they transition to research independence in interdisciplinary research career spanning the spectrum from basic science to translational and patient-oriented research to population science. Role: Faculty Scholar

1P50HD106446-03 (NICHD)                Kannankeril/Velez Edwards (MPIs)                 07/01/2021 - 06/30/2026
Vanderbilt Integrated Center of Excellence in Maternal and Pediatric Precision Therapeutics (VICE-MPRINT)
This Center of Excellence proposal leverages our institutional strengths in Precision Medicine and Bioinformatics to address knowledge gaps in pharmacogenomics and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome using innovative analyses of electronic health datasets. Another major goal is the establishment and dissemination of educational resources to create and sustain a physician-scientist workforce in maternal and pediatric precision therapeutics at the national level through collaboration with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Role: Co-Investigator.

Honors/Awards: 

2021-present    NIH/NICHD K12 Vanderbilt Building Interdisciplinary Careers in Women's Health Faculty Scholar, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

2021-2023 Vanderbilt Integrated Center of Excellence in Maternal and Pediatric Precision Therapeutics (VICE-MPRINT) Precision Therapeutics Academy Trainee

2020-2021    NIH/NHGRI T32 Vanderbilt Genomic Medicine Fellowship, Vanderbilt University Medical Center