Mississippi Preeclampsia Collaborative Center
Research Highlights
Preeclampsia Research Month: Weekly Researcher Highlights
Our weekly Researcher Spotlight series highlights innovative work advancing the understanding, detection and treatment of preeclampsia. Featured work includes early detection through predictive biomarkers and improved screening, as well as investigations into underlying disease mechanisms, including placental dysfunction, vascular changes, immune responses and inflammation. The series also explores the long-term maternal health outcomes, alongside efforts to develop targeted therapies and translate scientific discoveries into clinical practice. Additional focuses include maternal-fetal health interactions, placental biology, precision medicine approaches and emerging diagnostic technologies. Importantly, this series also highlights research addressing health disparities and promoting equity in maternal care, with the overarching goal of improving outcomes for mothers and babies.
Drs. Racheal F. Morris, James M. Tucker and Sarah R. Novotny serve in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) roles dedicated to managing high-risk pregnancies, with a strong focus on hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia. Their clinical expertise includes first-trimester risk assessment, advanced ultrasound and Doppler evaluation, and individualized care plans that incorporate preventive strategies like low-dose aspirin for at-risk patients. They specialize in the early recognition and management of complications—including fetal growth restriction and preterm birth—while coordinating multidisciplinary care to optimize outcomes for both mother and baby. In addition to their clinical work, they are actively involved in research exploring the underlying mechanisms of preeclampsia, including placental dysfunction and angiogenic biomarkers, as well as improving screening models and testing interventions to reduce disease severity. Their contributions also extend to patient education and community outreach, helping to raise awareness of warning signs and promote timely care during Preeclampsia Awareness Month and throughout the year.