Innovative research initiatives at MEWI: paving the way for health equity

At the Myrlie Evers-Williams Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities (MEWI), our diverse portfolio of research projects embodies our commitment to addressing the complex health challenges faced by underserved communities. Here’s an overview of the impactful work our teams are leading, including team members and contact information for further details:

ASPrincipal InvestigatorRIN Trial

• Description: This clinical trial is in collaboration with Ohio State University and funded by PCORI to examine the effectiveness of two aspirin doses in preventing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Rachael Morris, MD; Co-Investigators: Laura E. Coats, PhD; Clinical Research Manager: Ramona Pleasant, MS
• Contact: Dr. Laura Coats

• Description: This is a pilot study in partnership with the EversCare Clinic to assess the feasibility and acceptability of integrating social vulnerability screenings in a head and neck cancer clinic.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Anne Kane, MD; Co-Investigators: Gina Jefferson, MD; Abigail Gamble, PhD
• Contact: Dr. Anne Kane

• Description: This is a project in partnership with UCSF and supported by NIH to evaluate letrozole's effectiveness against a placebo for treating uterine fibroids symptoms.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Kedra Wallace, PhD; Co-Investigators: Elizabeth Lutz,MD; Sheila Belk, MD; Shauna-Kay Spencer, BSN-RN, BS, MS; Elizabeth Wigley
• Contact: OBGYN-News@umc.edu
  

• Description: This study aims to investigate the effects of antihypertensive therapy during pregnancy on postpartum cardiovascular and mental health.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Kedra Wallace, PhD; Co-Investigators: Sarah Novotny, MD; Sheila Belk, MD; Shauna-Kay Spencer, BSN-RN, BS, MS
• Contact: OBGYN-News@umc.edu

• Description: This study aims to identify and address barriers to treatment for uterine fibroids in Central Mississippi and Delta regions.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Kedra Wallace, PhD; Co-Investigators: Mauda Monger, PhD; Sheila Bouldin, MD; Sheila Belk, MD; Elizabeth Wigley
• Contact: OBGYN-News@umc.edu
  

Perinatal Mood and Immune Mechanisms

• Description: This project explores the biological and sociodemographic factors that might increase the risk of anxiety and depression among pregnant women.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Kedra Wallace, PhD; Co-Investigators: Sheila Belk, MD; Shauna-Kay Spencer, BSN-RN, BS, MS
• Contact: OBGYN-News@umc.edu

• Description: This project assesses the outcomes of treating pregnant women with type 2 diabetes using a combination of insulin and metformin.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Kedra Wallace, PhD; Co-Investigators: Michelle Owens, MD; Sheila Belk, MD; Shauna-Kay Spencer, BSN-RN, BS, MS
• Contact: OBGYN-News@umc.edu

• Description: This study investigates potential neurodevelopmental effects in children exposed to azithromycin during pregnancy.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Kedra Wallace, PhD; Co-Investigators: Sarah Novotny, MD; Sheila Belk, MD; Shauna-Kay Spencer, BSN-RN, BS, MS
• Contact: OBGYN-News@umc.edu

• Description: This project compares birth outcomes between teenage and adult mothers who deliver at full term.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Kedra Wallace, PhD; Co-Investigators: Sheila Belk, MD; Sheila Bouldin, MD; Shauna-Kay Spencer, BSN-RN, BS, MS
• Contact: OBGYN-News@umc.edu

• Description: This project is an educational intervention focused on improving the management of postpartum hypertension among women with hypertensive pregnancies.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Kedra Wallace, PhD; Co-Investigators: Sheila Belk, MD; Wondwonsen Yimer, PhD; Shauna-Kay Spencer, BSN-RN, BS, MS
• Contact: OBGYN-News@umc.edu

• Description: This study in partnership with Columbia University aims to improve viral suppression in the Deep South using community health workers and mobile health technology.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Mauda Monger, PhD; Co-Investigators: Haley Bender, MPH, CHES; Makailya Drake
• Contact: Dr. Mauda Monger

• Description: This project is funded by Providence/Boston Center for AIDS Research in order to develop a video health campaign to promote the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Black women in Mississippi.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Mauda Monger, PhD; Co-Investigators: Haley Bender, MPH, CHES; Makailya Drake
• Contact: Dr. Mauda Monger

• Description: This project evaluates the Mama Let's Move intervention, which combines mHealth and peer health coaching with WIC services to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior among pregnant Black teens in the Mississippi Delta.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Abigail Gamble, PhD; Co-Investigators: William D. Hillegass, MD, PhD; Victoria M. Gholar, DNP; Sharon J. Herring, MD; Justin B. Moore, PhD; Rolanda J. Buck, MS; Skyellar Harris; Kaveyan Thompson
• Contact: Dr. Abigail Gamble

• Description: This project aims to evaluate the implementation of evidence-based diabetes prevention and control imitative by activating sustainable clinical-community linkages.
• Team: Principal Investigator: Abigail Gamble; Co-Investigators: Victoria Gholar; Josie Bidwell; Vishnu Garla; Aurora Diaz; Astria Goolsby; Rebekah Andrew Ayyasamy; Haley Bender James; Sabrina Fields; Qula Madkin; Jayda Lee; Sonjia Fuqua; Izzy Thornton
• Contact:Dr. Abigail Gamble