Center for Clinical and Translational Science

On May 15, 2025, four Heilbrunn Nurse Scholars presented their research at the 2025 Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar Symposium. Topics ranged from examining surgical and pharmacologic treatments for obesity before pregnancy, to gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese women, to ethical conflict experienced by obstetric providers related to drug testing in postpartum women with opioid use disorders, to exploring the feasibility of an individualized online home-based exercise program for gynecologic cancer survivors.

Gynecologic Cancer Survivors and Psychoneurological Symptoms
Zahra Barandouzi, PhD, RN, an assistant professor at Emory University, highlighted her project targeting gynecologic cancer survivors who suffer from psychoneurological symptoms such as pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and cognitive impairment. Using a home-based, individualized exercise programs, her pilot study has the potential to improve the quality of life for gynecologic cancer survivors. Her research also focuses on reducing barriers to such treatment, incuding accessibility. 

Advanced Practice Providers and Opioid Use Among Postpartum Women
Caroline Darlington, PhD, RN, who recently completed her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, discussed how Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) play a vital role in maternity care. Still, they often face challenges when supporting patients with opioid use disorder. Darlington’s research shed light on this critical issue, advocating for systemic interventions like standardized policies and improved research funding. Her findings aim to minimize the moral stress APPs face inproviding compassionate, patient-centered care for this patient population. 

Addressing Health Risks in Chinese American Women 
Shuyan Huang, PhD, RN, post-doctoral fellow from New York University  brought attention to the cardiometabolic risks faced by Chinese American women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. Her findings emphasize the need for culturally tailored care, focusing on holistic health interventions in physical activity, nutrition, and sleep. 

Semaglutide Use and Pregnancy Risks 
Yang Yu, PhD, RN, assistant professor from the University of Rochester, explored the health implications of semaglutide use during pre-pregnancy, with her important finding of  higher gestational weight gain and increased risk for other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Her research also identified the need for treatment guidelines for patients with pre-pregnancy obesity. 

Advocating for Science 
Barry Coller, MD, provided the closing keynote remarks on championing support for  biomedical research, emphasizing the medical, humanitarian, and economic value of continued investment in science. 

Research Matters
The research presented at the Heilbrunn Nurse Scholar Symposium underscores the vital connections between health, community, and policy. It showcased how nurse scientists are essential in advancing healthcare, from enhancing patient care access to promoting cultural competency in clinical care. The symposium highlights the impact of research in addressing healthcare challenges and fostering meaningful improvements.