Scientists have hypothesized that very early exposures to environmental chemicals (including disinfection by-products (DBP) and bis-phenol-A (BPA)) may have both short-term and long-term health effects on growth and development. Previous studies have been limited by a couple’s inability to recall exposure to chemicals at the time of conception and during pregnancy. By identifying the date that pregnancy started, scientists can help determine when testing should occur during pregnancy in order to match important developmental milestones. Methods exist to determine the most fertile day using lab tests, but they are expensive and not practical for long-term use. The Home Observation of Periconceptional Exposures (HOPE) Study will use a novel and simple method for determining ovulation/conception near the time that it occurs, known as the Peak Day method.

If you are a couple (women 18-35 years and men 18-40 years) planning to conceive with no history of infertility or medical conditions likely to cause sub-fertility and live within an hour’s drive from the study center (University of Utah), you may be eligible to participate in the HOPE Study. Participants will be provided with materials to learn a simple method for fertility tracking and receive compensation for their time. There are no blood draws or clinic visits.

Visit us at http://medicine.utah.edu/dfpm/OCRH/HOPE/ for more information!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Spring Changes to The HOPE Study Staff!

This Spring has brought about a few changes in our HOPE Study staff and we wanted to make you a part of it!



It is with warm hearts and our deepest gratitude that we bid farewell to Lindsey Schmidt, our Participant Coordinator.  Lindsay recently graduated with her Masters in Public Health. She is excited to begin her career, continue volunteering for cancer camp and spend more time with her husband Matt.  She will be missed by both the staff and her participants!  Good luck Lindsey!








It is with great excitement that we welcome a few new faces to our staff:


Nicole Bailey, Graduate Research Assistant
Nicole received her B.S in Biology at Westminster College and is currently attaining her Masters of Public Health degree and Global Health Certificate at the University of Utah.  Her prior research experience includes genetic analysis on cestode species and content analysis of ubiquitin in differentiating stem cells. She is excited to begin this stage of research and work alongside Dr. Porucznik and The HOPE Study Staff.  Her future endeavors include working on her Ph.D., with hopes of working for the CDC in infectious disease control.  In her free time she enjoys mountain biking, skiing, volunteering for cancer camp and crocheting with her cat.

Lindsay Janicki, Volunteer
Lindsay is an avid skier and Utah Utes fan, with a weakness for Mexican food.  She is currently finishing her third year of medical school at the University of Utah and is interested in pursuing a career in OB/Gyn. 









Mack Whitehead, Volunteer
Mack recently graduated from BYU with a Bachelors in Russian Language and Literature. He is applying to medical school, and plans on entering the 2014 class. He was a participant in the HOPE study with his wife Jaci, who recently gave birth to his daughter Dixie. Mack is excited to be a part of the HOPE study team, to help others have wonderful children of their own.
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