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. 

View Event Flyer (PDF)

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 2026 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 A/B
12:30 – 2:00 p.m. 
Closed Executive PI Session 
  • BIRCWH PI Photograph immediately after the meeting 
Room E
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 
  • 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 – 4:55 p.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

FEATURED SPEAKERS

MSusan MarguliesSusan Margulies, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Research and Innovation
Vanderbilt University  
Nancy E. LaneNancy E. Lane, M.D.
Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Rheumatology
U.C. Davis Health, U.C. Davis School of Medicine

PODIUM SPEAKERS

Catherine DemersCatherine Demers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
University of Colorado Anshutz
David J. CombsDavid J. Combs, M.D., Ph.D.
Instructor of Anesthesia
Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School
Courtney WoolseyCourtney Woolsey, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
University of Texas Medical Branch
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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