Scholars

Ben Albright, MD, MS

Ben Albright is a gynecologic oncologist, clinical educator, and clinical and health services researcher. Dr. Albright’s research focus is on health services and outcomes research, particularly as it pertains to the intersection of health policy and clinical care, for gynecologic cancers.

In the U.S., endometrial cancer is the fourth most common cancer of women and typically presents with an easily identifiable symptom of abnormal bleeding, yet no effective screening algorithm has been identified, routes to diagnosis are widely variable, and incidence and mortality are rising in recent years. Through the support of the WRHR program, Dr. Albright aims to model potential screening strategies for endometrial cancer, and to use complementary data sources and analytic approaches to define current diagnostic care patterns with the aim of identifying inefficiencies in diagnosis and treatment initiation for endometrial cancer and its precursors earlier.

Lauren Kucirka, MD, PhD

Lauren Kucirka is a maternal-fetal medicine physician and epidemiologist with more than 15 years of experience designing and conducting large data studies to inform clinical practice. Dr. Kucirka’s research interests include improving big data analytics in maternal fetal medicine, understanding and mitigating health disparities, renal disease and transplantation in pregnancy, infectious diseases, and the intersection of public health and clinical medicine.

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, yet major gaps remain in understanding basic pathophysiology. The goal of Dr. Kucirka’s WRHR project is to use AI and machine-learning techniques to identify distinct preeclampsia subtypes and examine their impact on maternal and fetal outcomes.

Andrea Knittel, MD, PhD (2020-2025) is UNC Associate Professor of General Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Midwifery; Director of the General Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Fellowship; and Medical Director for Incarcerated Women’s Health. In her clinical work, she provides full spectrum OB/GYN care to women, trans men, and gender expansive people, including office gynecology, gynecologic surgery, prenatal care, and labor and delivery. Her current research work addresses the obstetric and gynecologic impact of incarceration.

Chemtai Mungo, MD, MPH (2020-2025) is UNC Assistant Professor of General Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Midwifery. Dr. Mungo’s primary research is centered on increasing access to effective, evidence-based cervical cancer prevention in low-income countries, including investigating resource-appropriate and effective methods of treating cervical precancer.

Allison Stuebe, MD, MSc (2008-2010) is UNC Professor of Ob-Gyn in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Medical Director of Lactation Services, and Associate Director at the UNC Center for Maternal and Infant Health. She studies underlying biological mechanisms for mood disorders and is funded by two NIH R01s. Recently, her work on the fourth trimester of pregnancy has garnered national recognition, highlighting the needs of mothers, newborns, and families in the first 12 weeks after birth.

Gretchen Stuart, MD, MPH (2005-2010) is UNC Professor of Ob-Gyn and Division Director of Family Planning. She is an experienced researcher at the intersection of contraception, HIV, and global health. She has also evaluated strategies to initiate contraception at novel timeframes (e.g., following delivery or abortion). Her research has been supported by over 30 grants and contracts.

Anne Steiner, MD, MPH (2005-2010) is a UNC Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Fellowship Program Director for Reproductive Endocrinology. She studies reproductive aging and predictors of fertility and infertility and currently serves as vice-president-elect of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.