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Funded Projects

Examining Health Policy Effects on Maternal Health Outcomes in Wisconsin and Nationally

Awarded in 2025
Postdoctoral Grant
Updated Dec 3, 2025

At a Glance

The project, Examining Health Policy Effects on Maternal Health Outcomes in Wisconsin and Nationally, led by research associate Taehyun Kim, PhD, examines how recent changes in reproductive health policy affect maternal health outcomes in Wisconsin and across the United States. Using a large national electronic medical records dataset, the study will compare trends across states with differing policy environments to generate new evidence on how these changes influence maternal health risks, care experiences and pregnancy-related outcomes. Findings will help inform evidence-based decision-making to support the well-being of pregnant individuals and families. Jenny Higgins, PhD, MPH, professor and director of the Population and Reproductive Health Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UW–Madison, serves as the supervising mentor.

More Funded Projects

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Postdoctoral Grant

Fibroblast-mediated Extracellular Matrix Remodeling as a Driver of Radiation Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Awarded in 2025
The project, Fibroblast-mediated Extracellular Matrix Remodeling as a Driver of Radiation Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, led by research associate Adeel Ahmed, PhD, investigates how changes in tumor tissue structure contribute to radiation resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer closely linked to alcohol and tobacco use and nearly twice as common in Wisconsin as in the rest of the United States. With about half of patients showing limited response to standard radiation and chemotherapy, understanding why treatment fails is critical. This study examines how radiation alters the microstructure of tumor tissue and how these changes may enable cancer cells to survive therapy. David Beebe, PhD, professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UW–Madison, serves as the supervising mentor.
research icon: microscope and stethoscope
Postdoctoral Grant

Policy Impacts on Children’s Health and Academic Outcomes

Awarded in 2025
The project, Policy Impacts on Children’s Health and Academic Outcomes, led by postdoctoral trainee Youngjin Stephanie Hong, PhD, MSW, examines how health and income policies influence the health and academic outcomes of children in low-income families. Using national data on school-age children, the study investigates how certain policies interact to impact indicators such as health care utilization, parental financial and time investments and broader family functioning and children’s health and academic outcomes. Understanding the effects of these policies will help inform future decisions to strengthen stability and promote the well-being of Wisconsin families and children. Maureen Durkin, PhD, DrPH, department chair and professor, Population Health Sciences, UW–Madison, serves as the supervising mentor.