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The Catov Research Lab - Our Staff


Dr. Janet M. Catov, PhD, is a Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences and Epidemiology in the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, with extensive experience designing and conducting studies of population and clinical cohorts to understand determinants and consequences of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes. She is one of the top three scientists globally studying the intersection of pregnancy and cardiovascular disease (Web of Science, 2024).

Her current research focuses on clues from placental function that may be markers of vascular pathophysiology that contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and accelerated progression to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease across the maternal lifespan. She also leads intervention trials to improve maternal cardiovascular health and reduce disparities during and after pregnancy.

She is Director of Health and Clinical Research at Magee-Womens Research Institute, a member of the UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital Maternal Mortality Review Committee and a leader of the Magee Obstetric Maternal and Infant (MOMI) Database and Biobank, a perinatal cohort of births and linked biospecimens collected across pregnancy. She has mentored junior faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students in medicine and epidemiology; 46% of her mentees are from historically underrepresented populations and she received the 2022 University of Pittsburgh Institute of Clinical Research and Education Distinguished Research Mentor Award.


RESEARCH OVERSIGHT

Samantha Bryan, MPH, is a Research Manager for the Catov Lab. She spent more than three years working in the State Public Health Department before transitioning into research. Her research interests center around health equity and addressing severe maternal mortality and morbidity. She supports the team by operationalizing our protocols and making research happen. In her free time Samantha enjoys reading and hiking.

Alyssa Smith, BS, is the Data Analyst for the Catov Lab. Since graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, Alyssa has worked in medical device and clinical research. Her research interests include improving women’s health outcomes related to postpartum hypertension and using medical devices as a tool for improving maternal health. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys thrifting, having game nights with friends, and exploring Pittsburgh.

Sila Yavan, MS, is a Research Coordinator in the Catov Lab. Sila works with Dr. Malamo Countouris and Dr. Alisse Hauspurg to manage their studies. Sila graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience. Most recently, Sila earned her master's degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In her free time, Sila enjoys shopping and spending time with her friends.

Robin Gandley, PhD is a Vascular Biologist with many years of experience studying the role blood vessels in pregnancy and women’s health. Dr. Gandley has a laboratory at Magee-Womens Research Institute and is a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research focuses on the health and function of very small blood vessels which are important for the transfer of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. The overall goal of Dr. Gandley’s research is to understand why some pregnancy complications are associated with poorer health after pregnancy and to develop approaches to improve women’s health long-term.

STUDY SUPPORT

Oyinda Agbale, BS, is the lead Clinical Research Assistant on the Heart Health Doula Study for the Catov Lab. In May of 2023, Oyinda graduated from Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in biochemistry. Her research interests center around black maternal health. She is specifically interested in solving the black maternal health crisis.

Dara Etienne, BA, is a Research Assistant in clinical research for the Catov Lab. They graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and studio art from Williams College in western Massachusetts in 2022. Originally from Randolph, MA, they moved to Pittsburgh in June 2022 and are currently working their first research job through UPMC. They have worked in undergraduate labs centered on ecology and botany. Artistic focuses include craft and quilting. They spend their free time listening to music, playing games, and making art.

Abi Evans, BS, is a Research Assistant for the Catov lab and works primarily on the NuMoM2b Heart Health Study. She studied at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2021. After graduating, Abi spent two years working at Westen Psychiatric as a Milieu Therapist before coming to work at the Catov lab. Her research interests focus primarily on women’s health, specifically mental health and the differences in diagnosis and treatment across genders. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games, baking, taking care of her plants, and trying out new restaurants.

Julia Fitzgibbon, BS, is a Clinical Research Assistant for the NuMoM2b Heart to Heart Study and ENRICH Study. After graduating from Case Western Reserve University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in human nutrition, Julia worked for WIC for over a year as a nutritionist. Her research interests include understanding the long-term effects pregnancy has on women. She is particularly interested in studying how heart health is impacted before, during, and after pregnancy. In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, watching comedic shows, and playing with her four cats.

Jennifer Hernandez, MS, is a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Countouris-Hauspurg Lab, focusing on understanding hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and identifying long-term treatments for cardiovascular disease. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in Chemistry from Western Connecticut State University in 2021, followed by a master's degree in biomedical science from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Graduate Studies in 2023. During her master's studies, Jennifer conducted research in the Palladino lab, investigating metabolic diseases and their neuromuscular dysfunction effects, with a specific focus on identifying pharmacological neuroprotective compounds for treating TPI deficiency. She plans to pursue her medical degree in women's health, with a keen interest in improving health outcomes among minority communities and advocating for cardiovascular health education. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys dancing, reading, playing with her husky and poodle pups, and hiking.

Lexi Lawson, BS, is a Research Assistant for the Catov Lab, working on the Window Brain Study and Window Lite Study. After graduating from Allegheny College in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in biology and psychology, Lexi spent one year working in the microbiology lab at Meadville Medical Center, before returning to Pittsburgh and joining the Magee-Womens family. She enjoys having a hands-on role in innovative research and hopes that her efforts will help contribute to groundbreaking advances in women’s health in the future. In her free time, Lexi enjoys spending time with her husband Alex, and their two dogs, Ozzie and Indy. She is also an avid Pittsburgh sports fan!

Chris Price, BA, is a Research Assistant leading the NuMoM2b Study at Magee-Womens Research Institute. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in English literature, he has spent the last several years working in a hospital setting, first directly in patient care and then transitioning to laboratory work. He plans on furthering his work in research, where his interests center around mental and cognitive health, with a particular focus on understanding how life experiences can affect the way our brains work. In his free time, he’s an avid sports fan and enjoys watching movies, reading, and playing guitar.

Alex Schilken, BA, is the lead Research Assistant on the Window Brain Study. She was raised in Pittsburgh and received her bachelor’s degree in neuropsychology at Penn State. After graduation, she worked for four years in physical therapy in Pleasant Hills, Pa., before joining the Catov Lab in 2022. Her research interests center around brain health, specifically the relationship between brain structure and physical/psychological dysfunction. She hopes to contribute to research that will improve proactive treatment for cognitive diseases, particularly diseases like Alzheimer’s that disproportionally affect women. In her free time, Alex enjoys cooking, skiing, traveling, and supporting Pittsburgh sports teams.

Christie Serio, MS, is the lead Research Assistant on the ENRICH Study. After completing her bachelor's degree in psychology, she earned her master's degree in mental health counseling. She is from Miami, Florida and began working for the Catov Lab in 2023. Christie is planning to pursue her doctorate in clinical psychology. Her research interests center around developing and improving community informed early intervention programs aimed at improving outcomes for at-risk families. In her free time, Christie enjoys baking, watching movies, and reading.

Julia Whiteleather, BS is a Research Assistant working on the NuMom2b Heart Health Study at Magee-Womens Research Institute. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in psychology where she spent 3 years working in infant and adolescent research. She has spent the last year directly involved in patient care in the hospital setting. Her future plans include furthering her education by attending medical school. She is passionate about improving maternal cardiovascular and cognitive health. In her free time, she enjoys reading, weightlifting, and hanging out with friends.