Training Programs

The MSDCoE Training Program supports Early-Stage Investigators (those with 10 years of experience or less) and trainees interested in maternal health research in the Mississippi Delta. Training activities emphasize community-engaged research methods, implementation science, and collaboration across academic and community settings. The program is designed to build research capacity while fostering the next generation of maternal health researchers.

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE

The Jackson State University (JSU) – Mississippi Delta Research Center of Excellence for Maternal Health was established to address preventable maternal mortality, decrease severe maternal morbidity, and promote maternal health in partnership with the Mississippi Delta community.

The Center is committed to developing and training Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) and Predoctoral students to become independent maternal health researchers and maternal health scholar-practitioners.

Overarching Goal

Establish a training program for early-stage investigators that addresses the interpersonal and structural factors that affect maternal outcomes. Our research training program will foster culturally responsive research that addresses maternal health disparities by training and mentoring (a) postdoctoral trainees, (b) junior faculty, and (c) other early-stage investigators in the Mississippi Delta.

Specific Aims/Objectives

Aim 1. Increase the number of postdoctoral trainees, junior faculty, and other early-stage investigators engaging in research related to biological, behavioral, environmental, sociocultural, other factors that affect (a) pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated morbidity and mortality; and (b) severe maternal morbidity in the Mississippi Delta. Using a cohort model, we will train six early-stage investigators per 2-year cohort; across the funding period, we anticipate training 18 early-stage investigators.

Training will involve weekly virtual training sessions, three in-person workshops (at JSU, MSU, and HSPH), and individual development plan-based
The long-term goal is to train a critical mass of independent investigators who are capable of (i) engaging in culturally responsive maternal morbidity and mortality research and (ii) advancing the maternal health field.

Aim 2: Provide applied research experiences to predoctoral fellows as the next generation of maternal health research professionals. We will train six predoctoral fellows per year (four from Mississippi and two from Harvard); across the funding period, we anticipate training 36 predoctoral fellows.

Trainees will have the opportunity to collaborate with community partners to identify, develop, implement, and disseminate research projects related to maternal morbidity and mortality.
Pre-docs will utilized existing data for a population-based health practicum through a unique partnership model.

Aim 3: Provide outreach opportunities to reach a broader audience. The training program will disseminate the existing evidence, best practice, and new knowledge on maternal health to young scientists in training as well as to a wider audience of stakeholders in the form of workshops, research forums, trainings, publications, and social media activities.

Dissemination activities will be conducted in close partnership with community partners who will offer innovative virtual and in-person opportunities.

The Bigger Picture

Our extensive research training program for early-stage investigators will support the goals of the center’s research projects, address the interpersonal and other factors that affect maternal health outcomes, and prepare the next generation of clinical researchers focused on improving maternal health outcomes.

Training Team

Dr. Henning Tiemeier

Principal Investigator

Social & Behavioral Science
Harvard SPH/ MSDCoE

Dr. Natalie Slopin

Co-Principal Investigator

Social & Behavioral Science
Harvard SPH/ MSDCoE

Karen Ertel, PhD

Teaching Fellow

T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health

Introducing ESI Cohort 1 (2024-2026)

Hailey Abebe, PhD

“Since joining the Early-Stage Investigators (ESI) Program in 2024 as a part of the inaugural cohort, I continue to gain invaluable insight, knowledge, and skills related to the maternal health research agenda in Mississippi and throughout the United States. My current research focuses on developing and applying machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) models to address challenges in the healthcare system. The ESI training program supports my development as an independent investigator, preparing me to effectively lead extramural research. As a part of my work in the program, I apply machine learning approaches to predict postpartum depression (PPD) using data from the Mississippi Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) and evaluating ML techniques to predict substance use disorder (SUD) treatment outcomes in among pregnant women.”

Brenda Collins

“Being an ESI Scholar/Practitioner with the MSDCoE cohort has been a transformative professional and scholarly experience. As an ESI, “I am engaged in rigorous, structured mentorship and training that has strengthened my research capacity, while deepening my understanding of maternal health inequities that impact women and families in the Mississippi Delta, and similar underserved communities”. The ESI learning community has helped me in my professional practice and developing a MCH research agenda. Being a part of the 2024-2026 ESI cohort fosters a supportive environment that connects my academic training with opportunities to address maternal health challenges.”

Brandon Nabors, DrPH

“I am honored to join the inaugural cohort of Early-Stage Investigators (2024–2026) at the Mississippi Delta Center of Excellence in Maternal Health (MSDCoE). The Harvard–JSU ESI training program has been an invaluable experience, significantly influencing my development as a researcher. I have benefited from advanced mentorship provided by distinguished scholars in maternal health equity, along with specialized instruction in community-engaged research methods, data analysis, and grant writing. I look forward to participating in the January 2026 Writing Retreat, where I will engage in focused scholarly writing alongside my cohort and receive ongoing guidance from mentors.”

Rita Momah, PhD

“I am very thankful to God for this opportunity. For me, this training experience as an ESI is not just shaping my skills, but my mindset as well. The training is helping me to cultivate a more refined level of curiosity, critical thinking, and ethical rigor for public health practice and research—essential for grant writing and publications.”

I anticipate that within this unparalleled intersection of training in both HIV and maternal health, I will be poised to translate this binary passion into evidence-based solutions that can generate knowledge, improve outcomes, and drive real-world change, especially within the most affected region of the Mississippi Delta.

“I look forward to gaining insight on how to ask the challenging yet right questions, seek realistic solutions, and actualize sustainable pragmatic activities that will address the maternal health challenges faced in Mississippi, one step at a time.”

Dr. Dawn Stanley

“The Harvard-JSU Early-Stage Investigator Training Program through the MSDCoE has provided me with the skills and confidence I needed to grow as an early-career researcher”. Through valuable Harvard-JSU mentorship and practical tools, I have strengthened my ability to design and conduct impactful studies.

“Most importantly, this training is helping to enhance my efforts to create awareness of vocal symptoms in postpartum mothers, an often-overlooked aspect of maternal health.

“I have been able to transform what was once just an idea into meaningful research. When we raise awareness, we raise every mother’s VOICE!”

Praise Tangbe, DrPH

“The Harvard-JSU Early-Stage Investigators program through MSDCoE enhances my maternal health research skills with advanced training, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Participation deepens my understanding of maternal morbidity and mortality, improves my ability to translate research into policy, and broadens my professional network. This training supports my commitment to equity-driven, community-based maternal health research to better outcomes for women and families.”

Honoring Dr. Helen Barnes – A Pioneer for Maternal Health and Social Justice in Mississippi

Dr. Helen Barnes of Jackson, Mississippi, stands as a trailblazer in both medicine and social justice. As one of the state’s first Black obstetricians and gynecologists, Dr. Barnes devoted her career to ensuring that Black women, who were often excluded from quality…

Founder Adonica Shaw Is Behind A Redesign Of A Medical Device Improving Safety In High-Risk Childbirth

For 400 years, obstetric forceps went largely unchanged — until now. Adonica Shaw, Founder and CEO of Wingwomen Technologies Inc. and patient advocate with the Preeclampsia Foundation, has designed and developed the first obstetric forceps platform created by a woman…

From Nigeria to JSU, Ebele Okoye shares her journey of purpose and impact

When Ebele Okoye began searching for a doctoral program, she had a clear vision of what she needed: rigorous academics, meaningful research opportunities and a supportive environment that would allow her to grow as both a scholar and a leader. The international…