Current Scholars

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Marcia Klein Patel, MD, PhD

Marcia Klein-Patel, MD, PhD

Project:
Characterization and modulation of the immune response to synthetic meshes used for repair of pelvic organ prolapse

Primary Mentor:
Pamela Moalli, MD, PhD

Secondary Mentor:
Michael Lotze, MD

Training:

  • BSc, Syracuse University, 1998
  • MD, PhD, University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey Medical School, 2006
  • Residency in OBGYN, Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2006-2010

Research summary:

Dr. Klein-Patel’s research focus is in the area of urogynecology and surgical correction of pelvic organ prolapse. Through her research, she seeks to expand understanding of the interplay between intrinsic immune host factors, biomechanical demands of the pelvic floor and the impact of surgery and surgical materials, focusing primarily on the innate immune system, mechanotransduction, and biomaterials, and how they are impacted by patient-specific factors.

 

Marie Menke MD, MPH

Project:
Mechanisms underlying sexually dimorphic differences in adipose tissue turnover and composition

Primary Mentor:
Yaacov Barak, PhD

Secondary Mentor:
J. Richard Chaillet, MD,PhD and Allison Morris, MD

Training:

  • BSc, Georgetown University, 1994
  • MD, Virgina Commonwealth University, 2001
  • Residency in OBGYN, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2002-2006
  • Fellowship in Reproductive endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2008-2011

Research summary:

Dr. Menke seeks to understand mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences in adipocyte turnover, which may provide insight into the metabolic consequences of estrogen depletion seen in women suffering from ovarian insufficiency or during menopause, or in states of androgen excess, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

 

Kristin Zorn, MD

Kristin Zorn, MD

Project:
Roteomic evaluation of the ovarian surface epithelium, fallopian tube, and peritoneum in women at increased genetic risk for ovarian cancer

Primary Mentor:
William Bigbee, PhD

Secondary Mentor:
Nancy Davidson, MD, Michael Birrer, MD, and Nathan Yates, PhD

Training:

  • BA, Williams College, 1993
  • MD, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1997
  • Residency in OBGYN, University of Alabama at Birmingham 1997-2001
  • Fellowship in Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 2001-2003
  • Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Institute 2003-2005

Research summary:

Dr. Zorn’s research centers on epithelial ovarian cancer. Non-ovarian sources, such as tubal or peritoneal surfaces, recently emerged as a possible source of epithelial ovarian cancer, Her project focuses on proteomic analysis of cells in the ovarian surface epithelium, fallopian tube mucosa, and peritoneum from women at high risk for developing ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer who undergo risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.