Subhabrata Basu, M.S.
Research Laboratory Manager
Department of OB/GYN
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-3887
FAX: (216) 778-2770

Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Sylvie Hauguel-de Mouzon

Research Description
Experiments dealing with obesity in pregnant women and gestational diabetic pregnancies to regulate fetal growth and nutrition.

Wendy Dalton, R.N.C.
Research Nurse
OB/GYN
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-7533
FAX: (216) 778-8645

Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Brian M. Mercer

Research Description
Works with NICHD funded clinical trials, examines antenatal and intrapartum factors that influence clinical management of the obstetric patient. Identification, recruitment, consenting, continued, and follow-up patient care.

Shirley Dettlebach, R.N., B.S.N.
Research Nursing Coordinator
TEL: (216) 778-3867
FAX: (216) 778-7101

Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Patrick Catalano and Dr. Sylvie Haugel-de Mouzon

Research Description
Responsible for coordinating a 2 yr NIH-funded, ARRA grant study which is looking at how Omega-3 supplements taken in early pregnancy and throughout the course of a woman`s pregnancy, whose BMI is greater than 25, affects their metabolism in order to decrease the amount of adiposity in the newborn. Our staff of 3 research associates are looking to recruit 120 pregnant women who are planning on delivering their babies at MetroHealth. Such tests as indirect calorimetry, OGTT, BodPod, blood levels on the mother and PeaPod and skinfold testing on the newborn are performed by Dr. Catalano’s research staff in the Clinical Research Unit. This study will help Dr. Catalano and his staff to develop strategies to prevent rather than treat the effects of the mother`s obesity on the baby.

Larraine Huston-Presley, B.S., M.S.
Research Project Associate
TEL: (216) 778-8927
FAX: (216) 778-7101

Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Patrick Catalano

Research Description
Evaluating the mechanisms related to insulin resistance in pregnancy and their short- and long-term effects on the infant. Principal Investigator`s current NIH grant-funded research (Dr. Patrick Catalano) focuses on the insulin resistance in maternal skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Fat Biopsies are taken prior to conception and again in early and late gestation and muscle biopsies are take in late gestation and post partum to evaluate alterations in the insulin-signaling cascade as they relate to the physiological changes in glucose and lipid insulin sensitivity.

Amanda Jakubowski
OB/GYN Research
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-8857
FAX: (216) 778-7101
Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Patrick Catalano and Dr. Sylvie Hauguel-de Mouzon

Research Description
Working on NIH funded Omega 3 obesity trial. Duties include subject recruitment, consenting, conducting study visits, and patient follow-up.

Miriam J. Kee
Administrative Secretary
OB/GYN Research
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-4262
FAX: (216) 778-1574

Patricia Mencin, B.B.A., C.C.R.P
Research Project Associate
OB/GYN
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-3007
FAX: (216) 778-7101

Principal Investigator(s): Drs. Patrick M. Catalano and Sylvie Hauguel-de Mouzon

Research Description
Studying pregnancies associated with diabetes, which often result in excessive fetal growth (macrosomia), as well as evaluating longitudinal changes in body composition of infants over first year of life. Additionally, we are part of a cohort involved in assessing body composition in a large pediatric population to establish updated normative pediatric body composition data.

Cynthia Milluzzi, B.F.A, B.S.N.
Manager of Clinical Research
FAX: (216) 778-1574

Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Brian M. Mercer

Research Description
Coordinates a group of national clinical trails under the direction of Dr. Brian Mercer which focus on a variety of antenatal and intrapartum issues which impact Obstetric care. Current trials are looking at the prevention of preterm delivery, management of mild gestational diabetes, optimal antenatal corticosteroid administration before preterm birth, antenatal magnesium sulfate to prevent cerebral palsy, and intrapartum management of the laboring patient with fetal pulse oximetry. Recently, several of these NICHD-funded trials have been initiated at University Hospitals of Cleveland. Ms. Milluzzi and her staff of six are responsible for recruitment, specimen collection and processing, education of department staff, and providing on-going resources for study patients.

Judi Minium, B.S.
Research Associate
FAX: (216) 778-1574

Principal Investigator(s): Drs. Catalano and Kirwan

Research Description
Laboratory specimen analysis for several ongoing research projects. The main area of interest is pregnancy induced insulin resistance as well as the effects of aerobic exercise training on insulin sensitivity in the elderly.

Shoi Smith, M.P.H.
Research Project Associate
OB/GYN Research
MetroHealth Medical Center
TEL: (216) 778-8854
FAX: (216) 778-7101

Principal Investigator(s): Dr. Patrick Catalano

Research Description
Working on the Omega 3 obesity trial. Duties include subject recruitment, consenting, conducting study visits, and patient follow-up.