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Vision and Mission

The Research Success Core is the clinical research arm of the Institute for Women’s Health Research.  The core was established to assist clinical faculty members in initiating and maintaining a research program and to assist basic science faculty members with translational research projects.

The Vision of the OBGYN RSC is to have a thriving clinical research environment that fosters the growth and development of clinician scholars and increases high-quality research and extramural research funding.

Our Mission is to increase the quality and quantity of clinical and translational research by increasing faculty engagement in research by providing experimental design, logistical planning, compliance and clinical research coordination.

Steps to Request RSC Assistance for Clinical Research Studies

Download the Research Request Flowchart

 

Research Success Core Staff

Laura C. Schulz, PhD

Laura C. Schulz, PhD

Director, Institute for Women’s Health Research | Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health | Adjunct Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

Bio

The placenta is a crucial part of pregnancy in humans and other mammals, acting as a lifeline that enables transport of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus. Schulz works to understand how maternal hormones and nutrients affect placental function — and how that, in turn, affects the fetus’ development and future health. Through a study of mice, she has investigated the role of the hormone leptin in combating the effects of poor nutrition or diabetes. Additionally, she is part of multi-lab efforts to better understand how the placenta develops, as well as how the pre-birth environment affects bone health in offspring.

Schulz’s findings have appeared in many peer-reviewed journals. These include Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, Endocrinology and other prestigious publications.

Numerous professional organizations have recognized Schulz’s outstanding research. In 2009, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine honored Schulz with its New Investigator Award. She is a member of the American Diabetes Association and the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) and has served as chair of the SSR’s Public Affairs Committee.

Learn more about Dr. Laura Schulz

Zachary Culley

Zachary Culley

Research Specialist II

Bio

Zach graduated from the University of Missouri in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Specialization in Medical Science and Human Biology, minoring in psychology. After graduation, he worked for the University as a Teaching Assistant for Vertebrate Histology and Microscopic Anatomy 4990 and Introduction of Biological Systems 1500 during the Fall 2020 semester. Zach then transitioned to healthcare and started as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant for the University in May 2021 where he focused primarily on phlebotomy and working at the COVID-19 Collections Site. Ten months later he joined the Research Success Core team to assist in coordinating the studies of the OBGYN department. His long-term goal is to attend medical school and become a physician.

Nahomi Gonzalez

Nahomi Gonzalez

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Bio

Nahomi is obtaining their Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology at the University of Missouri with an emphasis in medical anthropology and multicultural studies. They joined the Research Success Core team in 2021 to assist in facilitating the studies of the OBGYN department. Their future career aspirations are founded on community-driven advocacy and to create a change in urgent care for marginalized groups.

Gabrielle Quinn

Gabrielle Quinn

Research Specialist II

Bio

Gabrielle obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Lincoln University and later graduated from Washington University in St. Louis from the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine program. Gabrielle has worked over 8 years in the psychology field and spent the majority of them in casework. She began her career in research dually employed by both the Psychiatry and OBGYN departments at Washington University School of Medicine. There, Gabrielle helped bridge the communication between these two departments to foster an inclusive atmosphere while psychiatry conducted research out of the OBGYN clinics. Gabrielle transitioned back to the Columbia area in 2020 to be surrounded by family as she further studied women’s health research.  One year later, she joined the Research Success Core team to assist in coordinating the studies of the OBGYN department.

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