Section Menu

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

Syed Azziz

Syed Azziz

Research Specialist II

Bio

Syed is an ECFMG certified International Medical Graduate. Before immigrating to the USA, he worked as a general practitioner in Bangladesh. After coming to the US, he completed the USMLE while gaining valuable observership experiences in internal medicine at Texas Tech University Hospital Lubbock, Saint Louis University Hospital, and The Loretto Hospitals, Chicago. He worked as a certified medical assistant at urgent care setting in California during the Covid-19 pandemic. In June 2023, he relocated to Columbia, Missouri to join the RSC at the Dept of OBGYN here at Mizzou.

Anna Jones

Anna Jones

Research Specialist II

Bio

Anna graduated in December of 2022 from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Medical Science and Human Biology, minoring in Leadership and Public Service. Prior to graduation, she worked as a Clinical Care Team Associate at University Hospital, providing direct patient care and helping maintain nursing staff workflow. She is passionate about providing care for those in her community . In March of 2023 she joined the Research Success Core team to assist in coordinating the studies of the OBGYN department.

Jasmine Walker

Jasmine Walker

Research Specialist II

Bio

Jasmine obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Chemistry at the University of Richmond. During college, she spent time teaching group exercise classes, singing with her all-female a cappella group, and studying for science exams. After graduating from the University of Richmond in May 2023, Jasmine decided to return to her hometown of Columbia, Missouri. Hoping to remain close to her Missouri roots and pursue her passion for women's health, Jasmine joined the Research Success Core team to assist in coordinating the studies of the OBGYN department.

More Centers, Institutes and Labs

Institute for Women's Health Research