Research Interests:

My research evaluates the functions, mechanisms of activation and lineage relationships of immune competent cell populations that home to the maternal-fetal interface during mammalian pregnancy. Of particular interest is the uterine Natural Killer lymphocyte, a mobile cell population that appears to promote changes to maternal arteries suppling the developing placenta. We conduct investigations using mice and women and create custom models involving adoptive transfer of lymphocytes, blastocysts and/or fetal trophoblast to immune deficient mice to advance basic understanding of this complex interface. The role of immune cells in maternal hemodynamic changes over pregnancy  and in programming of the fetal cardiovasulary system in normal and diabetic pregnancies are included in our assessment. Mouse ultrasound and radiotelemetric studies are conducted to complement immune and genetic approaches. The goals of our studies are to promote improved fetal and maternal health.

Sources of Research Funds:  Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; Canadian Institutes of Health Research; Canada Foundation for Innovation and Canada Research Chairs Program.