CHIRP News
Browse featured publications and news from the Center for Health Innovations in Reproductive and Perinatal Population Research (CHIRP) team.
Community Spotlight
Community Spotlight: Kyle Busse
December 12, 2025
Kyle Busse, PhD, MPH, is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics whose work focuses on how lifestyle factors influence reproductive and perinatal health. In this Q&A, he discusses the experiences that shaped his research interests and what he values about being part of the DBEI community.
Community Spotlight
Community Spotlight: Natalia Irvine
November 10, 2025
Natalia Irvine, MPH, is a Research Project Manager for the Center for Health Innovations in Reproductive and Perinatal Population Research (CHIRP). Her work supports studies focused on advancing reproductive and perinatal health. In this Q&A, she shares her experience joining the DBEI community.
Community Spotlight
Community Spotlight: Julia DiTosto
July 15, 2025
Julia DiTosto, MS, is a PhD student in Epidemiology whose research explores how gynecologic conditions like fibroids and PCOS may impact long-term heart health. Using real-world data and causal inference methods, she aims to generate insights that improve care for reproductive-age populations.
Press Release
Penn and CHOP Researchers Secure $50M NIH Grant to Study Environmental Impact on Pregnancy and Children’s Health
October 8, 2024
Penn and CHOP researchers receive a $50 million NIH grant to study how environmental exposures impact pregnancy and child health, aiming to reduce health disparities and improve maternal-child outcomes.
In the Media
Questioning Restrictions on Physical Activity for Risk of Preterm Birth
September 18, 2024
Penn undergraduates assist Beth Leong Pineles, MD, PhD with a study of activity restriction during pregnancy with the goal of “deimplementation” in the Penn Medicine system and ultimately nationwide.
In the Media
When Studies Conflict, How Can You Know Which Meds Work?
April 26, 2024
Penn Medicine researchers are developing AI-powered tools to help clinicians interpret conflicting clinical trial results, aiming to improve patient care and decision-making.
Press Release
Publication
Penn Medicine Study Shows High Pregnancy Weight Gain Tied to Higher Risk of Death in the Following Decades
October 24, 2023
Excess weight gain during pregnancy increases long-term death risk from heart disease and diabetes, a Penn Medicine study finds, highlighting the need for better prenatal weight management and preventive care.
Press Release
Publication
Pregnancy Complications Tied to Higher Risk of Death As Long As 50 Years Later
March 16, 2023
Pregnancy complications like preterm birth and high blood pressure increase long-term death risk, a Penn Medicine study finds, highlighting the need for preventive care decades after childbirth.
Press Release
Publication
Moderate Amounts of Caffeine Not Linked to Maternal Health Risks
November 18, 2021
Low to moderate caffeine intake during pregnancy may lower gestational diabetes risk without increasing risks for preeclampsia or hypertension, a Penn Medicine study finds, offering reassurance to pregnant coffee drinkers.