• Dr. Heidi Stuhlmann

    Heidi Stuhlmann, PhD

    • What aspect of your research are you most excited about right now?
      • We are studying how the placenta develops and how placental dysfunction can lead to pregnancy complications and developmentally program the fetus for chronic disease later in life. Presently, we are investigating how transcriptional and epigenetic factors during placentation affect neuronal development and glucose metabolism, using the mouse as a model system.
    • What inspired you to study reproduction, in general?
      • I am a developmental biologist by training and have always been fascinated by research on early mammalian embryogenesis. Having worked on vascular development for many years, we became interested in studying the placental vasculature as the site of exchange of nutrients, gases and hormones between the mother and the fetus.
    • When you’re not doing research, what are your hobbies or non-work-related interests?
      • I like to take long walks and listen to music. Living in New York City allows me to frequently go to the opera and many music venues.
    • What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received over your research career?
      • I was fortunate to have great PhD mentor who encouraged me to pursue my drive to become a scientist.
    • Ideally, how do you envision your research contributing to the broader field of reproduction (be it societal, ecological, etc.)?
      • A healthy placenta is essential for the lifelong health of the mother and her offspring. Impairment of placental function, through environmental insults, viral infections or genetic defects, program the mother and the fetus for chronic disease later in life. We anticipate that our research on placental development will result in a better understanding and management of placental dysfunction