Dr. Margeaux W. Marbrey – Principal Investigator
Dr. Margeaux W. Marbrey graduated with her Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of South Carolina where she developed an insatiable desire to answer relevant research questions. She then studied at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas in the laboratory of Dr. Francesco DeMayo. Dr. Marbrey developed unique transgenic animal models to understand the distinct functions of the progesterone receptor isoforms in early pregnancy and maintenance of the healthy reproductive tract. She determined that a decline of progesterone receptor A isoform levels was essential for embryo implantation. She also determined uncontrolled progesterone receptor B isoform levels can result in benign ovarian tumors. As the DeMayo laboratory relocated, Dr. Marbrey completed her PhD studies at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, where she made lifelong friends. For her postdoctoral fellowship, Dr. Marbrey trained under Dr. Kathleen Caron at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Dr. Marbrey investigated how the hormone peptide, adrenomedullin, promoted placental development, especially in the context of cigarette smoke exposure. Although Dr. Marbrey studied a variety of exposures including phytoestrogens, plasticizers, and cigarettes, she is most well known for her seminal studies on how e-cigarette vapors delay gestation. Her work at UNC was the first to show that e-cigarettes delayed gestation and implantation and caused chronic metabolic deficits within in utero exposed offspring. Dr. Marbrey received a prestigious K99/R00 Young Investigator Award to examine how e-cigarettes can impact pregnancy and fetal health. She started a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Division of Reproductive Sciences in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Duke University School of Medicine in February of 2023. Dr. Marbrey enjoys physical activity, travelling, and frequenting diverse eateries. When Dr. Marbrey is not exploring new scientific ventures above sea level, she enjoys scuba diving the underwater infinite abyss.
Rennica Huang – Research Technician
Rennica hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina and graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Biology (Cell & Molecular Concentration) with Minors in Chemistry and French. In the Marbrey Laboratory, her research focuses on how compounds in e-cigarettes affect placentation and embryo implantation. If she is not in lab, you can find her hiking Grandfather Mt., top-roping Pilot Mt., and trail running!
Dr. Samuel Cripps — Postdoctoral Fellow
Originally from Australia, I studied the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on male reproduction for my PhD. It made me appreciate the degree to which humans in the modern industrial age are constantly exposed to synthetic and naturally occurring substances, which in turn can have substantial impacts on reproduction and health in general. My interest in this field eventually led me to the Marbrey Lab at Duke to study e-cigarette exposures. Outside of the lab, I enjoy winding down with a book, watching a movie and cooking. I’m also hoping to explore and learn more about the US while I’m here, particularly the food of the South.
Aanvi Somany- Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! I’m Aanvi and I’m from New Delhi, India. I’m a senior at Duke studying Biology and Psychology. I am interested in women’s reproductive health, and therefore joined the Marbrey Lab to research the effect of E-cigarettes on reproductive fitness. Beyond the lab, I like to travel, dance, hang out with friends and scuba dive!
Meera Khare- Undergraduate Research Assistant
My name is Meera, and I live near Chicago, IL. At Duke, I’m studying Chemistry with a minor in Medical Sociology. I joined the Marbrey Lab to learn more about the association between e-cigarette use and early implantation in pregnant women. I’m excited to acquire hands-on experience with medical research, as my goal is to become a doctor one day. In my free time, I love spending time with my dogs, going to the gym, and finding new music!
Elizabeth Fein- Undergraduate Research Assistant
My name is Elizabeth Fein, and I’m from Seattle, WA. I am currently majoring in Chemistry on the pre-med track with minors in Biology and Mathematics, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Marbrey Lab to further my interest in women’s health, specifically the impacts of substance use during pregnancy. I look forward to the challenges of research and am eager to play an active role in solving them. In my spare time, I enjoy playing violin in Duke Symphony Orchestra, tutoring in math, and baking.
Alumni
Elizabeth Hagerty — Visiting Scholar, Medical Student
Ayla Weiss — Undergraduate Research Assistant
Cameron Rankin — Doctoral Student, Rotation
Sofia Chodri — Research Technician
Morgan Orsolini — Doctoral Student, Rotation
Sasha Trainor — Undergraduate Research Assistant
