Current

Shannon Gillespie, PhD, RN | Principal Investigator

Dr. Gillespie is an Assistant Professor with the Ohio State University College of Nursing Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth. Her program of research aims to bring immune-based screening methods and interventions to the prenatal clinic. By developing biologically-informed clinical screening tools and interventions, she aims to prevent complications of pregnancy and postpartum early and precisely. Dr. Gillespie’s doctoral and early career research and training has spanned psychoneuroimmunology and clinical and translational maternal-infant immunobiology, allowing our team to examine maternal immunobiology from a unique perspective. Fun Facts: Dr. Gillespie loves being silly with her daughters Isla and Mae and dancing to her favorite Pandora stations while she works.

Abby Ward | Student Research Assistant

Abby is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Honors student due to graduate from the Ohio State University in 2023. She is minoring in Health and Wellness Innovation in Healthcare and plans to pursue her Doctor of Nursing Practice after graduation. Ultimately, Abby is interested in the pediatric oncology field, and is excited for the opportunity to work with Dr. Gillespie to learn more about the nursing research process. Fun facts: Abby has a huge family and loves traveling. She has already been to Italy and hopes to go to Ireland and Germany in the not-too-distant future.

Madison Rembowski | Student Research Assistant

Madison is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student due to graduate in 2023. Following graduation, she has plans to further her education and become a Certified Nurse Midwife. Madison is eager to learn how her time with the team will positively impact the way she cares for her future patients. She hopes that one day she will be able to implement evidence based practices directly into patient care that correlate to information that the research team discovers. Fun facts: Madison loves backpacking, kayaking, and gardening!

Shannon Jiu | Student Research Assistant

Shannon is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Honors student due to graduate in 2024. After graduating, Shannon hopes to work with children and their families through either pediatrics or OB/GYN.  Shannon is excited to be working with Dr. Gillespie and can not wait to learn from her. Fun Facts: Shannon is from San Diego and loves holiday shaped Reese’s candies!

Emily Leipold | Student Research Assistant

Emily is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Honors student due to graduate from the Ohio State University in 2024. After graduation she plans to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing so she can ultimately become a neonatal nurse practitioner. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Gillespie, participate in maternal and infant research, and learn more about the research process. Fun Facts: Emily is a huge Justin Bieber fan and loves to go for runs around Ohio State’s beautiful campus!