Center for Research on Women with Disability
The Center for Research on Women with Disability (CROWD) was established in 1993 in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine. Its formation was inspired by the outpouring of support from women with disabilities around the nation in response to the announcement of the team's first federally-funded study of women's issues. The center promotes, develops, and disseminates information to improve the health and expand the life choices of women with disabilities.
Research on Healthcare-associated Infections and Infections Related to SCI
David Mansouri, Ph.D. leads a program of research on pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of healthcare-associated infections, particularly infections associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) such as urinary tract infection, pressure wounds and osteomyelitis, device-associated infections and catheter-related infections. These infections remain challenging and can lead to excessive morbidity and mortality with increased healthcare costs. Dr. Mansouri’s laboratory is particularly interested in both novel diagnostic methods including utilization of biomarkers and development of innovative methods against these infections including antibiofilm strategies and novel small antimicrobial molecules that can evade traditional resistant pathways. Dr. Mansouri’s research has been supported by private, public, and federally funded investigative grants and instrumental in successful implementation of innovative methods that have been used to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
Spinal Cord Injury
Susan Robinson-Whelen, Ph.D. leads a program of research on spinal cord injury (SCI) health and wellness, focused on improving the psychosocial health and well-being of people with SCI, improving weight management of people with SCI, and understanding and addressing the needs of women with SCI. She is a Co-Investigator on the Texas Model Spinal Cord Injury System, and is an Investigator for the TIRR Memorial Hermann Center for Spinal Cord Injury and Disability Research (SCIDR).
Secondary Conditions after Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders
Felicia Skelton, M.D., M.S. is a clinician scientist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), one of 18 competitively awarded VA Health Services Research and Development Centers of Innovation. Her research portfolio explores the outcomes of secondary conditions after spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), implementation of evidence-based interventions in SCI/D primary care and optimizing bacteriuria management after SCI/D using mixed methods, big data and machine learning methodologies.
