Education
ScD, Johns Hopkins University, 1993
MS, Princeton University, 1982
BSc, University of Cape Town, 1978
Overview
My research aims to reduce mortality and morbidity in under-served populations in the United States and abroad. The underlying discipline bases for this research are epidemiology, community randomized trials and biostatistics. Areas of focus include (1) maternal, neonatal and child health, (3) nutritional deficiencies and infectious diseases, (4) eye diseases and blindness prevention.
Current projects include
1. A randomized trial to assess the impact of newborn massage with mustard seed versus sunflower seed oil on neonatal morbidity and mortality in rural Nepal.
2. A randomized trial to assess the impact of maternal influenza vaccination on respiratory infections in mothers and infants in Sarlahi, Nepal.
3. An observational study to determine if auxiliary nurse midwives can be trained to evaluate non-cephalic presentation, multiple gestation and placenta previa accurately in the 3rd trimester using portable ultrasound in rural Nepal.
4. Pertussis incidence, risk factors and maternal antibody transfer among young infants in rural Nepal.
5. Step wedge trial to assess the impact of improving cook stoves to reduce indoor air pollution and respiratory infections in young children in rural Nepal.
6. A study to assess the validity of maternal recall of postnatal newborn care in rural Nepal.
Honors and Awards
2016 Maryland Women's Hall of Fame
2014 Children's Prize
2011 Johns Hopkins Alumni Knowledge for the World Award
2011 Global Health Excellence in Advising Award, Johns Hopkins University
2011 Golden Apple teaching Award, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Advising, Mentoring and Teaching Recognition Award, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2002, 2005, 2011
2009 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Fellow
2009 American Academy of Ophthalmology Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Profession of Ophthalmology
Fellow, American College of Epidemiology, 1994
Delta Omega, 1993