research

          Project Title: Optimizing a scalable intervention to maximize guideline-recommended diabetes testing after GDM

Contact Principal Investigator (PI): Susan D. Brown, Ph.D. and Multiple PI:  Assiamira Ferrara, M.D., Ph.D.

Description: The SUNRISE trial tests a novel digital health intervention designed to increase postpartum diabetes screening and participation in diabetes prevention programs among individuals with gestational diabetes. Using an online, interactive outreach approach and a randomized factorial trial design, the study evaluates strategies to address motivational and logistical barriers to preventive care among patients in a large healthcare system. For more information, visit the SUNRISE website.  

1. Smith BP, Greenberg M, Scandurro A,  Serrato-Bandera H, Millman A, Garrison S, Haynes SC, Zhu Y, Ferrara A, Brown SD. Understanding Patient Perspectives on Glycemic Control: A Mixed-Methods Study of Diverse Patients With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes, Obesity, and CardioMetabolic CARE 10 June 2026; 1 (3): 385–395. https://doi.org/10.2337/doc25-0034
2. Brown SD, Garcia BL, Ritchie JL, Tsai AL, Millman A, Greenberg M, Quesenberry CP, Ferrara A. Digital health outreach to promote postpartum screening after gestational diabetes: A randomized factorial pilot study. PEC Innov. 2024 Jan 19;4:100256. doi: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100256. PMID: 38282680; PMCID: PMC10818066. 

Contact PI: Susan D. Brown, Ph.D.

Description: This NIH Administrative Supplement supports M.D.-Ph.D. student Ijeoma Uche, M.P.H., in conducting a process evaluation of the SUNRISE trial’s digital health intervention. 

Project Title: Motivational Determinants of Postpartum Lifestyle Behaviors, Weight Retention, and Metabolic Syndrome

PI: Susan D. Brown, Ph.D.

Description: PETALS-2 is a longitudinal cohort study that examines how enjoyment of healthy lifestyle behaviors influences postpartum weight retention and engagement in key behaviors such as healthy eating, physical activity, and self-weighing. By following individuals from pregnancy through the postpartum period, the study aims to identify factors that support maternal cardiometabolic health.

1. Brown SD, Kiernan M, Hedderson MM, Quesenberry CP, Smith BP, Millman A, Serrato Bandera H, Daredia S, Shan J, Ferrara A. Greater intrinsic motivation for engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors is associated with reduced postpartum weight. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025 May;33(5):927-935. doi: 10.1002/oby.24271. Epub 2025 Apr 6. PMID: 40189488; PMCID: PMC12015650.
2. Lewey J, Beckie TM, Brown HL, Brown SD, et al. Opportunities in the Postpartum Period to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk After Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. 2024 Feb 13;149(7):e330-e346. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001212. Epub 2024 Feb 12. PMID: 38346104; PMCID: PMC11185178.
3. Yuhas M, Moore CF, Garay J, Brown SD. Improving Maternal Cardiovascular Health in Underserved Populations: a Narrative Review of Behavioral Intervention Trials Targeting Postpartum Weight Retention. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2022 Sep;24(9):689-699. doi: 10.1007/s11883-022-01045-3. Epub 2022 Jul 4. PMID: 35781777; PMCID: PMC10373576.

Project Title: Mentoring Diverse Early Career Researchers in Behavioral Diabetes Prevention Research

PI: Susan D. Brown, Ph.D.

Description: This Established Investigator Award supports mentoring to advance the next generation of investigators in diabetes prevention research. Mentees receive training in behavioral approaches to diabetes prevention, maternal health, health promotion for all populations, and implementation science.

Project Title: Diabetes Research and Engagement through Advanced Multilevel Science Center for Diabetes Translational Research

UC Davis Lead PI: Susan D. Brown, Ph.D.

The DREAMS-CDTR advances diabetes translational research through innovative healthcare and community-based approaches that improve diabetes outcomes and inform clinical practice, community programs, and health policy. Through its research cores and training programs, the Center supports community-engaged research, data-driven innovation, policy-focused research, and investigator development to advance equitable diabetes prevention and care. The DREAMS-CDTR offers seminar series, annual pilot awards, and consultations. To schedule consultations with Susan D. Brown, Ph.D., click here.

Behavioral Health Core Lead: Susan D. Brown, Ph.D.

Description: This Center addresses the link between dementia and cardiovascular disease, along with their shared risk factors, in women. Through behavioral health research, training, and partnerships, the Behavioral Health Core develops and implements strategies to promote healthy behaviors, advance women’s health, and improve health equity.

Related Publications:

1. Villablanca AC, Smith BP, Wickman BE, Norman JE, Garrison SL, Nuthikattu S, Milenkovic D, Brown SD. From basic science to prevention - the imperative for a convergence science approach for cardio- and cerebrovascular risk reduction in females with diabetes. J Clin Transl Sci. 2025 Oct 8;9(1):e240. doi: 10.1017/cts.2025.10169. PMID: 41395172; PMCID: PMC12695496.
2. Villablanca A, Dugger BN, Nuthikattu S, Chauhan J, Cheung S, Chuah CN, Garrison SL, Milenkovic D, Norman JE, Oliveira LC, Smith BP, Brown SD. How cy pres promotes transdisciplinary convergence science: an academic health center for women's cardiovascular and brain health. J Clin Transl Sci. 2024 Jan 3;8(1):e16. doi: 10.1017/cts.2023.705. PMID: 38384925; PMCID: PMC10880003.