People
Team Members
Nozomi Nishimura, Ph.D.
- Director, Menopause Health Engineering initiative
- Associate Professor
Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell, Ithaca
The Schaffer-Nishimura lab engineers advanced microscopes to study the behavior of cells within the living body. These imaging technologies have led to discoveries about blood flow in the organs such as the brain in Alzheimer’s disease and the failing heart. Menopause alters many factors that contribute to differences between males and females in both of these diseases. While targeting blood flow could be a potential therapy, ongoing studies suggest that menopause will change which strategies are the best for women.
Ben Cosgrove, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor
Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell, Ithaca
The Cosgrove lab investigates how cells within the ovary exhaust over time due to aging. This cellular exhaustion precipitates the onset of ovarian decline and menopause. Cosgrove lab members are using new tools of transcript sequencing and comparative analysis across various species and human subjects to elucidate how different models can in-form ovarian dysfunction in humans. Their work has identified new therapeutic approaches to extend ovarian function.
Claudia Fischbach-Teschl, Ph.D.
- James M. and Marsha McCormick Family Director of the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering
- Stanley Bryer 1946 Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell, Ithaca
Menopause often causes weight gain and bone loss, which are linked to higher risks and aggressiveness of cancers such as breast cancer. The Fischbach lab uses biomaterials, microfabrication, and advanced imaging to build in vivo–like models that reveal how menopausal changes in fat and bone influence the development and treatment of cancer. By comparing these models with findings from mice and humans, their work informs strategies to ease menopause symptoms, protect tissue health, and improve outcomes for women with postmenopausal cancer.
Karl Lewis, Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor
Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell, Ithaca
The Lewis lab leverages advanced intravital imaging to study osteocyte mechanobiology within the native, living bone environment. This approach is particularly powerful in the context of menopause and osteoporosis, where complex, whole-body changes disrupt bone remodeling. Rather than isolating single hormonal pathways, the lab captures how osteocytes integrate multiple in vivo signals to maintain bone health. These insights re-veal how osteocyte dysfunction contributes to bone fragility and inform future therapies aimed at restoring native cell signaling–moving beyond hormone replacement alone. Their work combines technological innovation with a systems-level perspective on bone health, redefining what is possible in skeletal biology.
Roberta Marongiu, Ph.D.
- In Vivo Models Science Lead
- Assistant Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience in Neurological Surgery
Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City
The Marongiu lab is illuminating a neglected but crucial frontier in brain health: how biological sex, hormonal changes, and menopause influence Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Using state-of-the-art genetic, viral vector gene therapy, computational and animal modeling—including a unique mouse model that mimics human menopause—her team seeks to uncover the mechanisms that drive risk and progression, and differential therapeutic responses for these brain disorders in men and women. By bridging traditionally separate science domains—neuroscience, endocrinology, and women’s health—her lab aspires to usher in a new era of precision, sex-aware therapies that prevent and treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease more equitably and effectively.
Ned Place, Ph.D., M.D.
- Professor, Department of Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences
- Director, Endocrinology Laboratory, Animal Health Diagnostic Center
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca
Research involves comparative, integrative work in reproductive aging across species—especially on ovarian aging mechanisms—adds valuable context to menopause research.
Chris Schaffer, Ph.D.
- Meinig Family Professor of Engineering
Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell, Ithaca
The Schaffer-Nishimura lab engineers advanced microscopes to study the behavior of cells within the living body. These imaging technologies have led to discoveries about blood flow in the organs such as the brain in Alzheimer’s disease and the failing heart. Menopause alters many factors that contribute to differences between males and females in both of these diseases. While targeting blood flow could be a potential therapy, ongoing studies suggest that menopause will change which strategies are the best for women.
Marjolein van der Meulen, Ph.D.
- Swanson Professor of Biomedical Engineering
- Associate Vice Provost for Research and Innovation
Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell, Ithaca
Dynamic mechanical stimuli are important regulators of both cortical and cancellous bone mass and structure. Controlled mechanical loading holds promise as an agent to inhibit bone loss and maintain bone mass and strength following hormonal compromise and aging, particularly with menopause. The van der Meulen group is interested in the potential of in vivo loading to maintain and enhance bone mass in skeletons with altered metabolic and hormonal status. In addition, bone adaptation contributes to changes in other tissues, including diseases such as osteo-arthritis, which has greater prevalence in postmenopausal women. The potential of this center to integrate these concepts across organ systems and tissue interactions is exciting and will lead to new therapies for women.
Kayla Wolf, Ph.D.
- In Vitro Technologies Science Lead
- Assistant Professor
- Nancy and Peter Meinig Family Investigator in the Life Sciences
Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell, Ithaca
The Wolf lab uses bioengineering to tackle critical challenges in gynecological health. They are building human reproductive tissue models “in a dish” to study processes like menopause that are difficult to investigate in animals or patients. They plan to use these models to understand how menopause affects reproductive tissues, including mechanical changes that contribute to conditions ranging from pelvic floor prolapse to uterine cancer.
Advisors
Susan E. Loeb-Zeitlin, MD, FACOG
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City
Dr. Loeb-Zeitlin is a practicing physician providing personalized women’s care across the lifespan, including menopause and menopause counseling. She emphasizes holistic, individualized treatment for menopause symptoms—ranging from lifestyle support to hormone and nonhormonal therapies—and supports women through midlife transitions via the Women’s Midlife Program and various patientfocused educational initiatives
Denise Howard, MD, MPH
- Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology
NY Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York City
- Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City
Dr. Howard is a board-certified OB-GYN with extensive expertise in women’s health and menopause care. Her clinical focus includes hormonal disorders, complex contraception, fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and prenatal care. Dr. Howard emphasizes health literacy, patient engagement, and technology to improve access and equity in women’s healthcare.
Lauren Osborne MD, MPH
- Vice Chair of Clinical Research, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Psychiatry
Weill Cornell Medicine-NY Presbyterian, New York City
Dr. Osborne is a reproductive psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health during hormonal transitions, including perimenopause and menopause. At Weill Cornell Medicine, she treats mood and anxiety disorders linked to these life stages. Her research explores how hormonal and immune system changes affect mental health, aiming to improve care for women during menopause. Dr. Osborne integrates clinical care and research to advance understanding of menopause-related psychiatric conditions.