Melissa-Lauren

Melissa-Lauren worked at Women and Infant's Hospital of Rhode Island from 2006 to 2019, a leading research facility specializing in obstetrics, gynecology, and newborn pediatrics. During her tenure, she actively participated in the Women and Infant Diversity Council, highlighting health disparities faced by underrepresented groups, particularly Black maternal health.

Research and Key Projects:

Comprehensive Maternal Health Assessment (2012-2019): Melissa-Lauren led a detailed research project assessing maternal health from pregnancy to one year postpartum, uncovering significant disparities faced by women of color, including higher rates of drug testing, c-sections, and traumatic birth experiences, as well as lower access to supportive services like education on infant care, mental health support, and doula services.

Trauma-Informed Care: She emphasized the need for consistent care models and trauma-informed care for underrepresented populations, highlighting the link between lack of support/education during pregnancy and the development of postpartum depression and anxiety.

Community Involvement and Advocacy:

Families First of RI (2015-2016): Melissa-Lauren served as Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Education, Outreach, and Marketing and held a Board of Directors position as secretary. She contributed to developing community-based support models and assessment tools to enhance postpartum support for new mothers, particularly benefiting underrepresented and marginalized populations.

Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School (2020-2023): As a faculty member, she facilitated training on trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and anti-racist techniques, educating second-year medical students on understanding and addressing health disparities, especially in Black maternal health, and striving for equitable care standards.

Melissa-Lauren has consistently focused on improving Black maternal health and addressing systemic issues within healthcare. She remains committed to shedding light on maternal health disparities and advocating for better medical processes, treatments, and support to achieve equitable outcomes for mothers and babies.

Commitment to Maternal & Reproductive Health

Melissa-Lauren has consistently focused on improving Black maternal health and addressing systemic issues within healthcare. She remains committed to shedding light on maternal health disparities and advocating for better medical processes, treatments, and support to achieve equitable outcomes for mothers and babies.

Community Involvement

Advocacy & Contributions

Families First of RI (2015-2016)

  • Developed community-based support models for new mothers, focusing on underrepresented and marginalized populations.

  • Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School (2020-2023)

  • Educated medical students on health disparities and cultural competence.

Certifications & Affiliations

Certifications

  • Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)

  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification

  • EMR Certified (EPIC, Lifechart, Cerner, eClinicalWorks)

Affiliations

  • Black Women in Clinical Research

  • Hope Health - President’s Board of Directors

  • Society of Research Administrators

  • Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA)