Center for Research on Women and Gender at UIC

Halle Berry and CRWG Senior Director of Research, Dr. Pauline Maki, on Capitol Hill

Halle Berry shouts 'I'm in menopause' on Capitol Hill as she fights for funding to improve women's care

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/halle-berry-shouts-im-menopause-capitol-hill-fights/story?id=109881356

CRWG Affiliate, Irina Buhimschi, Appointed Associate Vice Chancellor for Research

Dr. Irina Buhimschi, CRWG Affiliate and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Illinois Chicago, has always been a connector. In her research on the biological causes of pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and preeclampsia, she has pulled together knowledge from various disciplines to discover biomarkers and create diagnostic tests. As a mentor, Dr. Buhimschi helps junior faculty across campus build their careers in science, and as a collaborator, she conducts research in countries around the world. Read More…

https://research.uic.edu/news-stories/meet-irina-buhimschi-new-associate-vice-chancellor-for-research/

CRWG Senior Director of Research, Dr. Pauline Maki, on Good Morning America

The Oscar winner Halle Berry and menopause experts Dr. Jessica Shepherd and Dr. Pauline Maki join "GMA" to share what women should know.

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/video/halle-berry-doctors-talk-stages-symptoms-menopause-112854599?j=82441&sfmc_sub=197726854&l=1247_HTML&u=1187063&mid=546003729&jb=8&utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=UICtoday_FS_082024&utm_content=Halle+Berry+and+doctors+talk+stages+and+symptoms+of+menopause

Grant Awarded for New UIC Maternal Health Research Center

A new center at the University of Illinois Chicago dedicated to maternal health research will try to reduce health inequities in maternal morbidity and mortality with an $11 million, six-year grant from the National Institutes of Health. https://today.uic.edu/new-maternal-health-research-center-addresses-national-crisis-in-pregnancy-outcomes/

2024 Alice J. Dan Dissertation Award Winner

Congratulations Ashlee Van Schyndel, Community Health Sciences!

Ashlee is a PhD candidate in the division of Community Health Sciences with a focus in Maternal Child Health. Her dissertation will be using a mixed-methods approach to investigate how full-time workers in the US engage with workplace leave policies in the context of miscarriage.

On April 17, 2024, the University of Illinois Center for Research on Women and Gender along with the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health program and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Cancer Center hosted its 6th annual Women’s Health Research Day. The event featured two keynote speakers, Dr. Oluwadamilola Fayanju, MD, MA, MPHS, FACS of the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Joanna Burdette, PhD of the University of Illinois - Chicago. Dr. Fayanju presented a talk entitled Breast Cancer Disparities: Why Doing Better Is the Only Option. Dr. Burdette presented a talk entitled Using Organ on Chip to Study Pathogenesis of Ovarian Cancer from the Fallopian Tube.

In addition to the keynote speakers, students and faculty were invited to submit abstracts for a chance to be selected to deliver an oral abstract at the event and to present a poster regarding their research. 39 abstracts were presented and all submissions were invited to present posters at the event symposium.

Two students were chosen to present their abstracts to attendees, Emma Lee, PhDc and Philippa Burns, MSc. Anita Waye and Mariam Hassan were recognized for their outstanding poster presentations.

LAST CALL
Abstract deadline: Wednesday April 3
Submit abstracts at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2bFf3G7yeD3P4RU
UIC Women’s Health Research Day
April 17, 2024 8:30am-12:30pm
Student Center West
Thompson Rooms ABC 2nd Floor, 828 W. Wolcott
We Must Do Better: Understanding and Addressing
Cancer Disparities in Women
Free Registration: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8CVhz4ocDhj5Zfo
Questions? Please contact Willow Alber-Martin at [email protected]

6th Annual UIC Women’s Health Research Day

April 17, 2024, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm CST
Student Center West Thompson Rooms ABC 2nd Floor, 828 W. Wolcott Ave
Breakfast served at 8:30 am

We Must Do Better: Understanding and Addressing
Cancer Disparities in Women

Abstract deadline: Wednesday, April 3rd
Submit abstracts at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2bFf3G7yeD3P4RU

Registration: Registration is free. Advance registration required. Register by April 10.
Register at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8CVhz4ocDhj5Zfo

Questions? Please contact Willow Alber-Martin at [email protected].

6th Annual UIC Women’s Health Research Day

April 17, 2024, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm CST
Student Center West Thompson Rooms ABC 2nd Floor, 828 W. Wolcott Ave
Breakfast served at 8:30 am

We Must Do Better: Understanding and Addressing
Cancer Disparities in Women

Abstract deadline: Wednesday March 27th, 2024
Submit abstracts at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2bFf3G7yeD3P4RU

Registration: Registration is free. Advance registration required. Register by April 10.
Register at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8CVhz4ocDhj5Zfo

Questions? Please contact Willow Alber-Martin at [email protected].

It's February, and we all know what that means: Galentine's Day is here! Show some love to your gal pals, and the women in your life, by donating to the UIC Reproductive Justice Coalition.

Abortion is healthcare, and women across our nation deserve access to safe and affordable abortion services. We are just $10,000 shy of our $35,000 goal: your gift will help us provide housing for individuals and families travelling to Illinois seeking abortion services.

https://flamesfunded.uic.edu/?cfpage=/o/university-of-illinois-chicago/i/uic-crowdfunding/s/rjc2023

Thank you for supporting reproductive health education and expanding accessible abortion care in Chicago. Happy Galentine’s Day!
Sincerely,
UIC Reproductive Justice Coalition
UI College of Medicine Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
UI Health

First Lady Jill Biden, Halle Berry to visit University of Illinois Chicago on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
According to the White House, the First Lady is scheduled to visit the University of Illinois Chicago alongside actress and women’s health advocate, Halle Berry.
The White House said during her visit, the First Lady will highlight the importance of advancing research on menopause and women’s health, as part of the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research.
https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/first-lady-jill-biden-halle-berry-to-visit-university-of-illinois-chicago/

Dr. Pauline Maki was presented the 2023 Health Education Visionary Award

Society for Women’s Health Research presented the Health Education Visionary Award to Dr. Pauline Maki on April 26, 2023. Dr. Maki serves as Senior Director of Research at the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Research on Women and Gender.

Dr. Maki was honored for her significant research contributions that are improving our understanding surrounding key issues in women’s health, particularly around cognition, mood, and brain function during pregnancy and menopause. She leads a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research program on women, cognition, mood, and dementia, with a particular focus on the menopause.

Congratulations!

Women’s Health Research Day 2023
On April 17, 2023, the University of Illinois Center for Research of Women and Gender along with Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health program and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology hosted its 5th annual Women’s Health Research Day. The event featured two keynote speakers, Dr Rebecca Thurston, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh and Dr. Kathleen Rospenda, PhD, of the University of Illinois Chicago. Dr. Thurston presented a talk entitled When the Heart Breaks: Trauma, Violence, and Women’s Cardiovascular Health. Dr. Rospenda presented a talk entitled Workplace Harassment and Health.

In addition to the keynote speakers, students and faculty were invited to submit abstracts for a chance to be selected to deliver an oral abstract at the event and to present a poster regarding their research. 29 abstracts were presented and all submissions were invited to present posters at the event symposium.

Congratulations to the Abstract winners: Katherine Craemer & Elizabeth Wenzel and the Poster winners: Nandi Tumbayar and Monica Haughn!

5th Annual UIC Women’s Health Research Day

The Body Tells the Story:
The Toll of Harassment and Trauma on Women’s Health

April 17, 2023 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm CST
Student Center West Thompson Rooms ABC 2nd Floor, 828 W. Wolcott Ave

Registration: Registration is free. Advance registration required.
Register at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2g9s7CSQXUMX1ye

Women's Health Research Day 2023
https://today.uic.edu/events/april-17-womens-health-research-day/

LAST CALL FOR ABSTRACTS April 17 Women's Health Research Day

Call for Abstracts for Oral and Poster Presentations: Students, fellows, staff, and faculty are invited to submit an abstract on their basic, clinical or translational research in women’s health or s*x- or gender medicine. The top two abstracts will be selected for brief (5-minute) oral presentations and will be awarded $200. Others will participate in poster presentations with the top two posters also receiving recognition in certificates.

Registration: Registration is free. Advance registration required.
Register at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2g9s7CSQXUMX1ye

Abstract deadline: Monday, April 3, 2023
Submit abstracts and posters at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0MnmIHIMVACs3c2

Questions? Please contact Willow Alber-Martin at [email protected].

5th Annual UIC Women’s Health Research Day
April 17, 2023, from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm CST
Student Center West Thompson Rooms ABC 2nd Floor
828 W. Wolcott Ave

The UIC Center for Research on Women and Gender and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in partnership with the UIC Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program are pleased to announce the 5th Annual UIC Women’s Health Research Day.

Registration: Registration is free. Advance registration required.
Register at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2g9s7CSQXUMX1ye

Abstract deadline: Monday, April 3, 2023
Submit abstracts and posters at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0MnmIHIMVACs3c2

Celebrate International Women's Day

5th Annual UIC Women’s Health Research Day
April 17, 2023, from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm CST
Student Center West Thompson Rooms ABC 2nd Floor
828 W. Wolcott Ave

The UIC Center for Research on Women and Gender and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in partnership with the UIC Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program are pleased to announce the 5th Annual UIC Women’s Health Research Day.

Registration: Registration is free. Advance registration required.
Register at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2g9s7CSQXUMX1ye

Abstract deadline: Monday, April 3, 2023
Submit abstracts and posters at: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0MnmIHIMVACs3c2

Learn About Hypertension during Pregnancy

HRSA’s Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs invites you to a webinar on Thursday, February 23, 11 a.m. ET to learn about best practices to manage hypertension during pregnancy.
Register for the webinar:
https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItceGpqTwiGRPaWtDXIK0R6OAcK4-QbwI?utm_campaign=enews20230216&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Celebrate Black History Month

February is Black History Month.
Please join us in celebrating by hearing leadership stories from Black faculty leaders at UIC.

February 9, 2023, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Registration is required:
https://uic.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvde6sqz4jHtYQVcY2NyCEZVH1Oiwme1qU

Women In Engineering/Campus Advocacy Network

Meet & Greet
February 9, 2023, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
https://wlrc.uic.edu/events/can-meet-greet-with-eiep/

National Women Physicians Day

Women Physicians Day recognizes the birth of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, a pioneer of medical and feminist history who became the first women to earn a medical degree from an American medical school in 1849. We celebrate the accomplishments of women physicians everywhere and honor the path they have paved and continue to pave for the next generation of aspiring female physicians.

UIC Women’s Leadership and Resource Center
Spring Open House
January 19, 2023, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
1200 W. Harrison, 1700 SSB, Chicago, IL 60607

Join us for the Spring 2023 Open House. Meet the staff of the Women’s Leadership and Resource Center and Campus Advocacy Network; check out our space at SSB; learn about campus resources and opportunities; contribute to our community vision board; and connect with other students, staff and faculty.
https://wlrc.uic.edu/

Shaping the future of mental wellness for women

It is estimated that about 1 in 9 adult women have had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. These episodes often occur during periods of hormonal flux, such as pregnancy, menopause, and across the menstrual cycle. It is challenging for many people to access mental healthcare, but for women, seeking care is complicated by the need for treatment approaches that are tailored for mood and anxiety problems that occur during periods of hormonal flux. “While we now have a highly effective and precise treatment for postpartum depression, it can be costly and is not universally available across medical centers. Pregnant women need advice on treatments that improve mood but confer the lowest risk to offspring. Menopausal women need advice on how to effectively treat menopausal symptoms, such as sleep difficulties, that can exacerbate mood issues,” says Dr. Pauline Maki, Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Director of Women’s Mental Health Research Program in the UIC Department of Psychiatry.
https://uifightdepression.psych.uic.edu/ui-center-on-depression-and-resilience/shaping-the-future-of-mental-wellness-for-women

UIC COM Resiliency Center in the News

WTTW-TV’s Chicago Tonight featured the UIC College of Medicine Student Resiliency Center, interviewing Dr. Jenna Duffecy, the Center Director and Nirali Chauhan, a second year medical student and member of UIC’s Student Wellness and Resilience Committee.

They discussed the struggles of medical students due to pressure, stress and exhaustion, and giving students the tools they need to be effective in managing their mental health.

https://news.wttw.com/2022/11/16/exacerbated-pandemic-uic-program-aims-support-mental-health-medical-students