VCU Institute for Women's Health

School of Medicine

Research Development Groups

Research Development Groups bring together faculty from different disciplines across the University around particular topic areas to engage in research development with the goal of fostering new interdisciplinary collaborations, evaluating funding opportunities, and submitting research proposals and joint publications. IWH has several active research development groups and is always looking to add new topic areas.  

Current Active Research Development Groups:

  • Interpersonal Violence and Trauma – Co-chaired by Kellie Carlyle and Abigail Conley 

    • The Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Assault Research Development Group is committed to advancing research, policy, and practice related to interpersonal violence and sexual assault. Centered on interdisciplinary collaboration, the group supports the development of innovative research initiatives, pursues external funding opportunities, and cultivates partnerships that address violence prevention, survivor support, and the promotion of healthy relationships across the lifespan. Through rigorous scholarship and community engagement, the group aims to inform evidence-based, trauma-informed strategies and evaluation that promote safety, and well-being.

  • Perinatal Mental Health – Co-chaired by Patricia Kinser and Susan Bodnar-Deren 
  • Addiction and Women’s Health – Co-chaired by Dace Svikis and Caitlin Martin 

    • This interdisciplinary group is dedicated to fostering connections and new collaborations among scholars across our university who focus on women's health and addiction. By leveraging varied expertise, we aim to build a strong network that addresses the complexities of substance use disorders in women. The ultimate goal is to create a vibrant community that strengthens individual efforts and ultimately enhances our collective public health impact in the area of addiction.

  • Female Athletes – Co-chaired by Jessie Oldham and Kelsey Hagan
    • The Female Athlete Research Development Group is a collaborative initiative focused on the overall health, well-being, and performance of females engaging in physical activity. The female athlete group encompasses assessments of individuals across ages (adolescence to adulthood), engagement levels (recreational exercise to competitive organized sport), and abilities (physically capable through to injury and adaptive sport). This group connects researchers across disciplines (sports medicine, biomedical engineering, psychology, education, and more) to facilitate cross-collaboration for well-rounded, impactful projects centered on advancing the understanding and research of female athletes across all levels.
  • Musculoskeletal Health in Women – Co-chaired by Barbara Boyan and Gretchen Neigh
  • Cancer in Women – Co-chaired by Oxana Palesh and Paula Bos 
  • Nutrition and Women’s Health – Co-chaired by Melanie Bean and Kelsey Hagan
  • AI and Women’s Health 
  • Faculty Advancement 

Interested in joining or creating a Research Development Group, contact: Dr. Molly M. Hyer; molly.hyer@vcuhealth.org