Collaboratives: MRCH

Maternal, Reproductive, & Child Health Research (MRCH)

The Maternal, Reproductive, and Child Health (MRCH) Collective is an interdisciplinary group of researchers dedicated to transforming health outcomes for birthing people, children, and families. By bridging the gap between biological research and social determinants, we leverage data science and nursing expertise to co-create innovations that drive global health equity.

Mother cuddling her newborn baby

MRCH Core Areas of Work

Maternal, Reproductive, and Child Health (MRCH) Collaborative and Cores leverage advances in data science and emerging technologies to co-create innovative tools, tests, and interventions to improve detection, prevention, and care, and to test and translate these innovations. Grounded in nursing science and its emphasis on person- and family-centered care, systems improvement, and translation into practice, our ultimate goal is to transform discoveries into interventions, policies, and practices that improve quality, safety, and equity in care for birthing people, infants, children, adolescents, and families.

 

Maternal and Reproductive Health Equity & Justice

  • Reducing maternal mortality and morbidity
  • Dismantling racism and bias in care
  • Advancing midwifery models and integrations
  • Shaping policy grounded in reproductive justice frameworks

Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health & Wellbeing

  • Investigating social and biological contributors to maternal, neonatal, and child health
  • Improving early detection of outcomes such as preterm birth and severe maternal morbidity
  • Promoting the health and well-being of all women, mothers, and parents

Perinatal and Family Mental Health

  • Expanding access to evidence-based interventions for depression, anxiety, and trauma
  • Supporting families in understanding and addressing mental health challenges and reducing stigma
  • Integrating trauma-informed approaches in education and clinical care

Adolescent Health Promotion and Sexual/Reproductive Health

  • Developing culturally tailored, developmentally appropriate interventions
  • Preventing HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy
  • Promoting healthy relationships and sexual decision-making

Community Engagement, Policy, and Workforce Development

  • Partnering with communities, policymakers, and professional organizations to co-create equitable solutions
  • Advancing quality and safety toolkits in maternity and neonatal care
  • Mentoring and supporting a diverse health workforce to sustain change

Data Science and Innovation

  • Leveraging data science, machine learning, and digital tools to advance discovery and prediction
  • Developing and validating new technologies, biomarkers, and tests for early detection and intervention
  • Harnessing innovation to improve access, equity, and outcomes across maternal, child, adolescent, and family health

MRCH Faculty

Theresa Bucco

Clinical Associate Professor

Sascha James-Conterelli

Director of Nurse-Midwifery Program
Clinical Associate Professor

Donna Cill

Clinical Associate Professor
Associate Program Director, Family NP
Deputy Director, WHO Collaborating Center in Nursing and Aging

Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski

Florence S. and William H. Downs Professor in Nursing Research
Senior Associate Dean of Research

Clifton J. Kenon

Clinical Associate Professor
Assistant Dean, Global Programs

Audrey Lyndon

Executive Vice Dean
Vernice D. Ferguson Professor in Health Equity

Mikki Meadows-Oliver

Associate Dean for Pre-Licensure Programs
Clinical Professor

Dilice Robertson

Director of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Clinical Associate Professor

Kelly Walker

Clinical Associate Professor
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Related Meyers Programs:

MORE

HOPE