Research Interests
Ureaplasma Parvum Infection and Preterm Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes.
PGRMC1 Functions and cell aging in Fetal Membranes and Placentas.
Dr. Feng's research is focused on applying comprehensive molecular and genetic in vitro and in vivo approaches to study the pathogenesis of placenta-associated pregnancy complications and fetal brain and reproductive development.
One line of her research is to investigate the impacts of perinatal environmental exposures on birth outcomes. Specifically, Dr. Feng’s lab investigates the implications and underlying mechanisms of perinatal exposure to PFAS or extreme heat on pregnancy complications, endocrine disruption, fetal brain, and female ovary development, and immune functions in early life. Her research has focused on understanding these impacts by studying placental development and functions and the placenta-fetal brain axis.
Another line of her research is to understand the effects of dysregulated placental signaling on pregnancy outcomes and the health of offspring using genetically modified mice, placental cellular models, and placental imaging.
Selected Grants
Duke University Program in Environmental Health
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029Perinatal Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) exposure and Immunotoxicity
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences · 2023 - 2028Mixtures and maternal health: the effects of forever chemicals in the context of cART
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Battelle · 2024 - 2025Perinatal PFAS exposure and early-life programming and neurodevelopment disorders
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Research Triangle Institute International · 2023 - 2024Effects of perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) exposure on adverse pregnancy outcomes and fetal development
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2017 - 2022Cellular and Molecular Systems Biology of Preterm Birth
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by University of Chicago · 2015 - 2019Mechanisms of Progesterone mediated effect on cytokine induced Metalloproteinase activity in human trophoblast cells
ResearchResearch Associate · Awarded by Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology · 2012 - 2014Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1) as a Predictor of Preterm Birth
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by The Biomarker Factory · 2013 - 2014SAFETY AND IMMUNOGENICITY OF TDAP VACCINE IN HEALTHY PREGNANT WOMEN, SAFETY IN THEIR NEONATES, AND EFFECT OF MATERNAL IMMUNIZATION ON INFANT IMMUNE RESPONSES TO DTAP VACCINE - DMID 05-0048
ResearchResearch Associate · Awarded by University of Maryland · 2010 - 2012DMID 09-0005 Safety and Immunogenicity
Clinical TrialLaboratory Technician · Awarded by University of Maryland · 2010 - 201209-0056 A Phase II Study in Pregnant Women to Assess the Safety and Immunogenicity of an Unadjuvanted Sanofi Pasteur H1N1 Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Administered at Two Dose Levels
Clinical TrialLab Research Analyst II · Awarded by University of Maryland · 2009 - 2010A randomized double-blind trial on the safety and immunogenicity of inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine in pregnant women.
ResearchLab Research Analyst II · Awarded by University of Maryland · 2009 - 2010Fellowships, Gifts, and Supported Research
External Relationships
- Peking University
- Shanghai JiaoTong University
- Tianjin Central Hospital
- U. S Department of Justice
This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported outside activities with the companies, institutions, or organizations listed above. This information is available to institutional leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts of interest.