Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health (BIRCWH) Annual Meeting

Date and Time

– December 4, 2026, 5:00 PM EST
Event Information

BIRCWH is an institutional mentored career-development program designed to connect junior faculty, known as BIRCWH Scholars, to senior faculty mentors.

The BIRCWH Annual Meeting is a gathering of senior and junior faculty that provides an opportunity to network and share scientific advances. 

A link to register for the event is forthcoming.

Agenda
TimeSessionLocation
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Registration & Networking
Auditorium
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
BIRCWH Abstracts/Posters Discussion and Networking
Atrium
10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
15 MINUTE BREAK
 
10:45 – 10:50 a.m.
Introduction of the 2025 BIRCWH Scholars 
  • Marquitta White, M.S., Ph.D.
    BIRCWH Program Officer, ORWH
Auditorium
10:50 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
2026 BIRCWH Scholars — Podium Presentations
Auditorium
 
The Mesometrium is a Functionally and Molecularly Distinct Origin Site for Uterine Contractions in Pregnant Mice 
  • David J. Combs, M.D., Ph.D. (Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School) 
    PIs: Jill Goldstein, Ph.D.; Kathryn Rexrode, M.D., M.P.H.
 
 
Maternal Adverse Childhood Experiences and Maternal Glucocorticoids During Pregnancy: Differences by Fetal Sex 
  • Catherine H. Demers, Ph.D. ((University of Colorado Anschutz) 
    PIs: Judy Regensteiner, Ph.D.; Nanette Santoro, M.D.
 
 
Modeling Ebola Virus-Induced Dysfunction at the Human Chorio-Decidual Interface 
  • Courtney Woolsey, Ph.D. (University of Texas Medical Branch) 
    PI: Abbey Berenson, M.D., Ph.D.
 
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK 
 
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
BIRCWH Scholar and ICO Mentors Meet-and-Greet 
Room F/G
12:30 – 2:00 p.m. 
Closed Executive PI Session 
  • BIRCWH PI Photograph immediately after the meeting 
Room D
2:00 – 2:10 p.m. 10 MINUTE BREAK 
2:10 – 2:20 p.m. 
Welcome from ORWH 
  • Xenia T. Tigno, Ph.D.
    Associate Director for Careers, ORWH 
  • Janine Austin Clayton, M.D., FARVO 
    NIH Associate Director for Women's Health Research 
    Director, Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) 
Auditorium
2:20 p.m.
Introduction of Keynote Speaker 
  • Janine Austin Clayton, M.D., FARVO 
Auditorium
2:20 – 3:05 p.m.  
Keynote Address: Ruth L. Kirschstein Memorial Lectureship 

  • Nancy E. Lane, M.D. 
    Endowed Professor of Medicine, Rheumatology, and Aging Research; Director for the Center for Musculoskeletal Health at U.C. Davis School of Medicine

Auditorium
3:05 – 3:20 p.m.  
15 MINUTE BREAK 
 
3:20 – 3:55 p.m.;
Veterans Affairs Career Development (K) Awards and VA-BIRCWH Program Overview r
  • John J. Fraser, DPT, Ph.D., FACSM 
    Scientific Program Manager, Office of Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs 
  • Carol B. Fowler, Ph.D.  
    Health Science Officer, Office of Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs
Auditorium
3:55 – 4:10 p.m. 
15 MINUTE BREAK  
 
4:10 p.m.
Introduction of Keynote Speaker 
  • Xenia T. Tigno, Ph.D. 
Auditorium
4:10 – 4:55p.m.
Legacy of Leadership Lectureship 
  • Susan Margulies, Ph.D. 
    Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, Vanderbilt University 
Auditorium
4:55 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks for Plenary Session 
  • Marquitta White, Ph.D. 
Auditorium
5:00 p.m.
Meeting Adjourned 
 
Speakers

Speakers TBD

Abstracts

Abstracts TBD

Hotel Recommendations

For individuals attending this event in-person and seeking local lodging, ORWH recommends that attendees consider the following nearby hotels.  

The Bethesdan Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 
8120 Wisconsin Avenue  
Bethesda, MD 20814 
(301) 652-2000 

Hyatt Regency Bethesda
7400 Wisconsin Avenue 
Bethesda, MD 20814 
(301) 657-1234  

Videocast

A recording will be available via NIH Videocast after the conclusion of the event.

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