: The Reproductive, Perinatal, and Pediatric Epidemiology (RPPE) program, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Gillings School of Global Public Health (SPH), has long emphasized multidisciplinary training. Our program is unique in that it bridges across three departments in the School; Epidemiology, Nutrition, and Maternal and Child Health (MCH). Dr. Siega-Riz is the director and Dr. Julie Daniels will replace Dr. Andrew Olshan as the co-director in the next term. Our goal is to provide trainees with a multidisciplinary perspective: a strong foundation in epidemiologic concepts and methods, the underlying biology of reproduction and child development and growth, and research experience and skills to pursue independent careers in reproductive, perinatal and pediatric epidemiologic research. To achieve this goal, we developed a curriculum based on courses in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Maternal and Child Health, Nutrition and Biology; seminars on professional development and cutting edge research topics; and research practice guided by our experienced Program Faculty and Affiliated Members. Overall, in our first round of funding we have supported 13 predoctoral students (5 per year); 5 who have graduated and entered academics as either research tract faculty or postdoctoral fellows. Average time to completion of the degree has been 4 years. The trainees have published 68 articles during their training with 8 more in the submission process. They have all presented and attended at least one national meeting during their training and have actively participated in our RPPE activities. Two of them have won awards. These accomplishments are an indication that our program goals are being achieved by our trainees and they are highly sought after-successfully gaining employment and highly productive as researchers in the field. Renewal of the RPPE program would permit a stable funding base for training, enhance recruitment of outstanding students, including minority students, and provide a new, innovative structure for training through coursework, research mentorship and venues for discussion and exchange.

Public Health Relevance

The Reproductive, Perinatal, and Pediatric Epidemiology (RPPE) program, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Gillings School of Global Public Health (SPH), is unique in that it bridges across three departments in the School: Epidemiology, Nutrition, and Maternal and Child Health. Our goal is to provide trainees with a multidisciplinary perspective: a strong foundation in epidemiologic concepts and methods, the underlying biology of reproduction and child development and growth, and research experience and skills to pursue independent careers in reproductive, perinatal and pediatric epidemiologic research.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32HD052468-08
Application #
8843020
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHD1-DRG-D (59))
Program Officer
Ren, Zhaoxia
Project Start
2006-04-01
Project End
2018-04-30
Budget Start
2015-05-01
Budget End
2016-04-30
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$180,453
Indirect Cost
$11,048
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
608195277
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599
Kane, Jennifer B; Harris, Kathleen Mullan; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria (2018) Intergenerational pathways linking maternal early life adversity to offspring birthweight. Soc Sci Med 207:89-96
Rosenberg, Nora E; Graybill, Lauren A; Wesevich, Austin et al. (2018) Individual, Partner, and Couple Predictors of HIV Infection among Pregnant Women in Malawi: A Case-Control Study. AIDS Behav 22:1775-1786
Richardson, David B; Kinlaw, Alan C; Keil, Alexander P et al. (2018) Inverse Probability Weights for the Analysis of Polytomous Outcomes. Am J Epidemiol 187:1125-1127
Kinlaw, Alan C; Jonsson Funk, Michele; Conover, Mitchell M et al. (2018) Impact of New Medications and $4 Generic Programs on Overactive Bladder Treatment Among Older Adults in the United States, 2000-2015. Med Care 56:162-170
Yourkavitch, Jennifer; Kane, Jennifer B; Miles, Gandarvaka (2018) Neighborhood Disadvantage and Neighborhood Affluence: Associations with Breastfeeding Practices in Urban Areas. Matern Child Health J 22:546-555
Doherty, Brett T; Hoffman, Kate; Keil, Alexander P et al. (2018) Prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters and cognitive development in young children in the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study. Environ Res 169:33-40
Pace, Nelson D; Desrosiers, Tania A; Carmichael, Suzan L et al. (2018) Antioxidant Consumption is Associated with Decreased Odds of Congenital Limb Deficiencies. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 32:90-99
Bauer, Anna E; Avery, Christy L; Shi, Min et al. (2018) A Family Based Study of Carbon Monoxide and Nitric Oxide Signalling Genes and Preeclampsia. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 32:1-12
Yourkavitch, Jennifer M; Alvey, Jeniece L; Prosnitz, Debra M et al. (2017) Engaging men to promote and support exclusive breastfeeding: a descriptive review of 28 projects in 20 low- and middle-income countries from 2003 to 2013. J Health Popul Nutr 36:43
Wouk, Kathryn; Stuebe, Alison M; Meltzer-Brody, Samantha (2017) Postpartum Mental Health and Breastfeeding Practices: An Analysis Using the 2010-2011 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Matern Child Health J 21:636-647

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