PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Kristine Joy Chua, PhD
Assistant Professor
I am a biocultural anthropologist who integrates evolutionary and biocultural perspectives to understand human pregnancy and maternal-fetal stress biology in populations experiencing social and health inequalities. I work closely with pregnant Filipina women in the Philippines and Filipina American mothers in Southern California. I also examine the role cultural practices play in shaping health norms. Currently, my work aims to understand how the bidirectional exchange of maternal and fetal cells is sustained during pregnancy, and how the maternal immune system maintains tolerance for these fetal cells using a mixed-methods approach. In addition to my academic work, I am committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion through undergraduate mentorship, partnerships with K-12 educators, and collaborations with community stakeholders. I received my Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2023.
TEAM
Lucia Leporte
Research Associate
Lucia recently graduated from UC Santa Barbara, majoring in Biological Anthropology and minoring in Philosophy. She is interested in the evolution of medicine, its clinical implications, and the ethical consequences of such applications. She plans on pursuing a career in public health.
Thanh Thach
Graduate Research Intern
Thanh is pursuing graduate education in Social Work at CSU Fullerton, where she hopes to bridge the gap in mental healthcare disparities for Asian Americans and immigrants. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara, where she earned her B.A. in Anthropology.
Kiersten Rose Mateo Reyes
Graduate Research Intern
Kiersten is pursuing a a Master’s in Public Health from UC Irvine. She earned her B.A. in English at UC Berkeley. Her interests lie in education, community outreach, public and mental health; in particular for Asian American and minority groups.
Ashlynne Bracamonte
Undergraduate Research Intern & Resident Graphic Artist
Ashlynne is an undergraduate student studying Biology and Theology at the University of Notre Dame. She is interested in understanding the role health disparities play in the overall health and well-being of underserved communities. She is also very passionate about advancing civic engagement to improve community health and education.
Zoie Martin
Undergraduate Research Intern
Zoie is an undergraduate student at the University of Notre Dame studying Neuroscience & Behavior, with a minor in Science & Patient Advocacy. She is interested in evolutionary medicine, social and health inequities, as well as the role the maternal immune system has on fetal cognitive and neurological health. She plans on pursuing medical school, where she can support patients in their treatment journeys.
Isabella Tobin
Undergraduate Research Intern
Isabella is an undergraduate student at the University of Notre Dame studying biochemistry, with a supplemental major in Spanish. She is interested in exploring the relationship between biological, environmental, and cultural factors within the context of health care. She plans to pursue higher education in medical-related areas to improve access to personalized health care.
Jordan Sadan
Undergraduate Research Intern
Jordan is an undergraduate student at the University of Notre Dame studying neuroscience and behavior, with a minor in anthropology. Her interests lie at the intersection of mental health, biology, and the environment among underserved communities. She is working toward a career in healthcare as a compassionate, multi-disciplinary provider.
Ashley Oh
Undergraduate Research Intern
Ashley is an undergraduate student at the University of Notre Dame studying biochemistry. She is interested in implementing a global health perspective to understand the various health inequalities, especially regarding to maternal health within underrepresented communities. She plans to pursue a career in medicine to further cater towards the needs of communities that are impacted by disparities within maternal and reproductive health.
