I am a 3^rd year graduate student in the microbiology and immunology department. My research focus in on vaccine development and the immune response to sexually transmitted infections. I wanted to join the certificate program because I am interested in research topics that address health issues affecting women, particularly those that are unique to or disproportionately impact them. I am excited to learn more about current topics in women’s health research and connect with others who share similar interests.

I’m in the Pathobiology & Translational Science PhD program and my research focuses on investigating strategies of innate immune evasion by human papilloma virus (HPV) as it relates to cervical cancer. I wanted to join this certificate so I can learn and provide insight about how racial disparities and social determinants of health impact disease outcomes in minority women.

Research Interest: Women’s Mood Disorders

Faculty Profile

Research Interest: Early Female Pubertal Care, Intersex Births

Faculty Profile

Research Interest: Health Disparities and Inequities, Obstetrics and Gynecology practice-based interventions

Faculty Profile

With a background in public health and nutrition, Heba’s research has focused on factors associated with maternal depression among women of color in North Carolina. She also has experience working as a volunteer birth doula and has conducted clinical research on pediatric eczema, allergies, and asthma at UNC. Through the Women’s Health Scholarly Concentration Program, she aspires to continue contributing to healthcare initiatives and research efforts that promote the well-being of women and children.

Hayley Giordano is originally from Shallotte, North Carolina. After completing her studies in Biology, Ethics, and Law at NC State University, she volunteered with a non-profit in North Central Nigeria, where she gained invaluable experience supporting women at a pregnancy center. This work ignited her passion for serving diverse populations facing unique challenges, particularly in women’s health and health equity. She looks forward to the opportunity to serve as a trusted healthcare partner, empowering women both individually and societally, and contributing to lasting, generational change.

Asia is a medical student with a background in maternal health research, patient advocacy, and community-based interventions. Her passion for women’s health is deeply personal, shaped by her mother’s experience with sarcoidosis and her commitment to addressing the health disparities faced by Black women. As a Castillo Scholar, she gained hands-on experience in obstetrics and gynecology, which deepened her interest in exploring specialties such as minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and gynecologic oncology.

Her research focuses on enhancing culturally competent doula support to improve Black maternal health outcomes. Through the LEADoula Program, she evaluates the effectiveness of culturally responsive doula care, its impact on birth outcomes, and patient experiences. Asia is committed to a career in women’s health, conducting research, and advocating for equitable, patient-centered care for women of color.

Madison Calvert is an MD-PhD student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology with a concentration in Reproductive, Perinatal, and Pediatric Health. She conducts research in the Global Women’s Health Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey Stringer. Her work centers on maternal health, with particular interests in pre-eclampsia prevention, obstetric care, and global health disparities. Madison aspires to become an OB/GYN dedicated to improving maternal wellness and promoting healthy birthing experiences through evidence-based care and advocacy.