K. Joseph Hurt, MD, PhD

Director, Preterm Labor Research Laboratory

Degrees/Training:
BA, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington

MD and PhD (Neuroscience), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

OB-GYN Residency, Johns Hopkins Hospital

Reproductive Physiology Postdoctoral Fellow (Uro-Neurology Research Laboratory), Johns Hopkins

MFM Fellowship, University of Colorado

Current Position: Physician-Scientist and Hurt Lab Principal Investigator (PI)

Autobiographical Sketch:
Joe is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is a clinician-scientist OB-GYN and the PI for the translational/basic science Preterm Labor Research Laboratory. The research lab is in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, and his clinical practice and primary appointment is in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine. He sees ultrasound and high risk OB patients as part of the Colorado Institute for Maternal Fetal Health at locations including University Hospital, Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Parker and Platte River Perinatal Centers, and sometimes Littleton Perinatal Center and UCHealth Lone Tree. He is the editor of the popular Pocket Obstetrics and Gynecology manual. For clinical information, look here.

Our laboratory research examines the basic biology of labor (what controls parturition onset) and the role and signaling pathways of gasotransmitters (nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide) in reproductive physiology. We are interested in finding and applying basic science discoveries to advance novel treatments for preterm birth to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with prematurity. Teaching and mentoring are important to me outside of the clinic, and I spend my time engaged in all aspects of academic medicine with research, teaching, and patient care. We are always willing to talk with students, residents, fellows, and postdocs who are excited about reproductive biology and perinatology, or those with clinical perinatology interests as well.

Our laboratory is open for rotation/graduate student trainees in the Integrated Physiology Program, and the MD-PhD (MSTP) and Biomedical Sciences Program (BSP) umbrella programs, and for clinical or postdoctoral fellows as well. Medical students with an interest in OB-GYN and women’s health, or any of our research areas, are also welcome to contact us to explore either bench or clinical/translational projects, including mentoring for your Mentored Scholarly Activity.

Rachael Bok, BS

Degrees/Training:
BS, Colorado State University

Current Position: Senior Professional Research Assistant, Lab Manager

Long term plan/goal: To be determined.

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: Parturition research does not operate on banker's hours!

Autobiographical Sketch:
My name is Rachael. I first met Dr. Hurt as a research associate in a pediatric lab group that I was working with looking at insufficiencies within the pulmonary vasculature of premature infants. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and was drawn to Colorado for college when I read the advertisement "over 300 days of sunshine per year!" While studying chemistry at Colorado State University, I discovered my passion for research in a physiology lab studying ion channels in cerebral blood vessels. My project(s) in the Hurt Lab have focused on the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in pregnancy and parturition and have involved the development of several animal models (preterm vs. term labor, inflammatory vs. non-inflammatory, etc.) to be able to study H2S across gestation and in labor. I am a novice in reproductive research, but I am motivated by the fact that such essential processes (pregnancy/labor) are much more than just biology. I enjoy that our projects are a blend of both basic and translational research, and that no part of my previous training has gone to waste--molecular biology, cellular signaling, microscopy, physiology, genetics, we use it all...all the time!

Fun Facts: Away from the lab, I love to spend time with my husband and two sons, and be outside as much as I can with my camera in tote. Key interests at home are Spiderman, I'm really awesome at laundry, and I get my news of the world from the ESPN ticker.

Kelsey Breen, MS

Current Position: Genetic Counselor at Memorial Sloan Kettering

Degrees/Training:
MS in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania

MS in Genetic Counseling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Lab Role: Professional Research Assistant

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: The Hurt lab is a motivating environment that fosters commitment, enthusiasm and productivity. Dr. Hurt is very grateful for hard work and thoughtful in how he expresses his appreciation.

Autobiographical Sketch:
I grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY and attended Syracuse University for undergraduate school, where I majored in biology. I pursued graduate training in a preterm labor research laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. Following graduate school, I moved to Colorado and was hired in the Hurt lab, where I served roles as both administrator and technician. During this time, I was encouraged to explore creative research interests while provided the support and mentorship necessary to develop critical research skills and produce quality science. The expectation to maintain scientific integrity, the inspiring and productive team environment, and the dedication to the advancement of women’s health were the reasons that I joined the Hurt research team. I spent two years in the Hurt lab, after which I was provided the opportunity to pursue my interest in clinical care and obtained a Masters degree in Genetic Counseling from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. I now work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as a cancer genetic counselor, with an interest in gynecologic oncology.

Sydney Coates

Current Position: Pre-Doctoral Student

Degrees/Training:
Undergraduate, Johns Hopkins University

PhD (in Progress) in Integrated Physiology/Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Colorado

Lab Role: PhD Rotation Student

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: The Hurt Lab is part of the Division of Basic Reproductive Sciences, an exciting and collaborative group to work with.

Autobiographical Sketch:
As a cross country runner and biology student at Johns Hopkins University, I developed a love for running and the scientific process. Ultimately, both led me to the University of Colorado to join an exciting research program in America’s fittest state. I joined the Integrated Physiology graduate program for opportunities in maternal and fetal physiology research. A significant portion of pregnancies face complications—including my own mother’s pregnancy with me and my twin sister—and I hope to contribute to understanding and therapies for these problems.

During my rotation in the Preterm Labor Lab, I explored hydrogen sulfide production in the fetal-placental unit as a possible novel mechanism triggering labor. I gained valuable research skills, especially in protein and metabolome analysis, to carry forward in graduate school. I am currently working on research for my PhD thesis in Dr. Lorna Moore’s lab, studying the physiology of high altitude pregnancy.

Sindi Diko, DO

Current Position: Surgical Resident at St. Joe's Medical Center in NJ

Degrees/Training:
BS, University of Washington

DO, Rocky Vista University

Lab Role:

Long term plan/goal: Breast Cancer/reconstruction.

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: Never settle for anything less than the best you can do in research!

Autobiographical Sketch:
Hello! I'm Sindi. I grew up in the Seattle area and moved to Colorado for medical school. I knew I wanted to work in women's health and when I met Dr. Hurt at an ACOG event my first year of medical school, I was really excited at the opportunity to work alongside him for a quality improvement project. I had done a little research after undergrad but this was the first time I got to head a small project. I have learned so much about what goes on behind the scenes of order to publish a study such as grant writing, working alongside very busy coauthors, and the multiple revisions.

Fun Facts: In my spare time, I really enjoy the outdoors, DIY home projects, and trying new food!

Manny Doblado, MD, MA

Current Position: Fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Diego

Degrees/Training:
Undergraduate, Washington University in St. Louis
MA/MD, Washington University in St. Louis

Lab Role: OB-GYN Resident Researcher

Long term plan/goal: Considering practice options and research opportunities.

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: I’m still not sure if Dr. Hurt sleeps.

Autobiographical Sketch:
My name is Manuel Doblado, I’m currently a second year fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UC-San Diego. I grew up in Houston, Texas and did my undergraduate work and medical school at Washington University in St. Louis. I came to the University of Colorado for my residency training in Ob/Gyn and found Dr. Hurt while looking for a mentor with whom I could do a resident research project. During my research time, Dr. Hurt and I were able to create a ‘homebrew’ assay for urinary nitric oxide to look at nitric oxide metabolite levels throughout the menstrual cycle. With Dr. Hurt’s help, I was able to get our assay working and we ran several hundred samples in just 6 weeks during my OB-GYN residency research block. I presented that work at the Society for Reproductive Sciences meeting. Our project helped me decide to pursue a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and sparked my interest in better understanding the process and regulation of ovulation.

Fun Facts: During my spare time, I enjoy running, biking, and traveling.

Mira Estin, MD, PhD

Current Position: Resident Physician in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Duke University

Degrees/Training:
BA in Comparative Literature, University of Pennsylvania

PhD in Immunology, University of Colorado (2016)

MD, University of Colorado (2018)

Lab Role:

Long term plan/goal: Academic Physician/Scientist in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Autobiographical Sketch:
I grew up in Colorado and Iowa, and returned to Denver to join the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Colorado. I completed my PhD in the lab of Jordan Jacobelli at National Jewish Health, where I studied the role of the actin-myosin cytoskeleton in T cell migration. My work demonstrated that EVL and VASP, two linear actin effector proteins, play a role in activated (but not naïve) T cells. Specifically, I showed that EVL and VASP mediate the diapedesis step of extravasation in an alpha-4 integrin-dependent manner; however, they are not required for alpha-4 integrin-mediated T cell adhesion. Taken together, this work suggests a novel role for alpha-4 integrins in the cooperative process by which T cells traverse the vascular endothelium, and suggests that it may be possible to generate immunotherapeutics that more specifically target activated T cell migration. Upon competing my MD in 2018, I went on to train in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke University. My goal for the future is to investigate the role of the immune system during pregnancy, including mechanisms of materno-fetal tolerance, host defense against infectious diseases, and immunologic mediators of pre-eclampsia.

Fun Facts: When I’m not at the hospital or in the lab, I enjoy hiking with my dog Shadow, or curling up with a good book.

Racheal Gilmer, MD

Current Position: Emergency Medicine Resident

Degrees/Training:
Undergraduate, University of Colorado Denver

MD, University of Colorado

Lab Role: Mentored Scholarly Project Research for Medical School

Long term plan/goal: Physician in Emergency Medicine.

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: I learned how to work in as a team in collaboration. I also learned how important a clear plan, goal, and template for data collection is from day one!

Autobiographical Sketch:
My name is Racheal Gilmer. I am currently a resident at the University of Chicago Emergency Medicine Residency Program. I came to work for the Hurt lab in my third and fourth year of medical school, where I participated in a quality improvement project on perineal lacerations in vaginal deliveries. I began working in quality improvement through an elective offered through my medical school at the University of Colorado, and was connected with Dr. Hurt through a medical education initiative. The initiative was funded in order to connect advanced physicians with medical students to encourage interactive learning and teaching in a clinical and research setting. While working on this project I learned how to perform chart abstraction, data consolidation, and data analysis. I also had the opportunity to report findings at several local and national conferences including the National Forum on Quality Improvement in Healthcare. I have strong interests in Quality Improvement and Administrative Medicine. One day, I hope to get my MBA and save an Emergency Department out there some money! My hobbies include any outdoor activity, teaching my ‘old dog’ new tricks, and drinking lots of coffee.

Fun Facts: My hobbies include any outdoor activity, teaching my ‘old dog’ new tricks, and drinking lots of coffee.

Damian Guerra, PhD

Degrees/Training:
BS in Biochemistry, Washington State University (2007)

PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Davis (2013)

Current Position: Postdoc

Long term plan/goal: Tenure-track academic position.

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: 9 times out of 10, dispense with the passive voice!

Autobiographical Sketch:
I grew up in northern Idaho, where placid forests meet Palousean hills. My mother was an artist, musician -- the Rain. My father is a scientist, philosopher -- Stone. Just as rain drives the minerals of stone into the biosphere, the irrigation of my rational soul instilled a curiosity that moved like fire from Augustus to Augustine, from flowers to flavonoids. Eventually I found myself baptized in the electron-pushing waters of organic chemical reaction mechanisms, the curved arrow anastomoses that nourish and sustain the field of biology. Thus did I find my calling in biochemistry. For my PhD project, I characterized a ubiquitin-mediated regulatory pathway of amino acid export in plants. There are more ubiquitin ligase genes than US representatives, but lose just one of them and intercellular amino acid transport nearly ceases! I then spent three years studying the highly-conserved enzyme S-nitrosoglutathione reductase, or GSNOR. GSNOR is an abundant enzyme known to curtail nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and I discovered a mechanism by which NO reversibly curtails GSNOR activity. Might this explain how NO signaling can occur in the presence of GSNOR?

I longed to diversify my skills and expand the applicability of my efforts to human health and disease. This movement was both practical and personal. Humans, animals, and cell lines are robust models to demonstrate or falsify the physiological importance of a particular biochemical pathway. Just as importantly, obstetrical complications have personally affected my family. To both sate curiosity and address a moral imperative, I joined Dr. Hurt’s lab in August of 2016. I am fascinated by all aspects of gasotransmitter biochemistry, but particularly as it relates to smooth muscle contractility and placentation.

Fun Facts: When I am not studying the mechanisms of preterm labor and gastroparesis, you will find me with my wonderful wife Brandy and our miraculous boy Colfax. I also enjoy hiking, weight-lifting, cooking, writing poetry, and the occasional margarita.

Jenny Labudde, MD

Current Position: OB-GYN Resident at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, ME

Degrees/Training:
Undergraduate, Colorado College, in Colorado Springs

MD, University of Colorado

Trained as a Wilderness First Responder

Lab Role: Mentored Scholarly Project Research for Medical School

Long term plan/goal: OB-GYN

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: The value of a thorough editing process!

Autobiographical Sketch:
Jenny grew up in Cooperstown NY and came to to Colorado for college, where she received a bachelor's degree in Feminist and Gender Studies from Colorado College. She completed her MD at the University of Colorado. Before college Jenny worked as an Outward Bound instructor, teaching multi-week wilderness courses for teenagers. In medical school, she joined the Hurt Lab to work on a project in the field of medical education. Specifically, Jenny joined a project started by Dr. Hurt and another student aimed at developing a communications training program for medical students in difficult obstetric clinical situations. Jenny decided to go into OB-GYN and is passionate about Women’s Health as a resident at Maine Medical Center.

Fun Facts: Her other interests include bike commuting and brewing beer.

Janae Luellen

Current Position: Undergraduate Student/Summer Research Assistant

Degrees/Training:
Undergraduate, University of Colorado Boulder

Lab Role: Undergraduate Summer Investiagator

Long term plan/goal: I hope to pursue a career in medicine or clinical research after my undergraduate degree, or potentially graduate school.

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: Scientists are the most optimistic pessimists I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Autobiographical Sketch:
I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder and will be graduating in May of 2018 with a BS in chemical and biological engineering. I was born and raised in Colorado and have stayed close to home to enjoy my education as well as the mountains. As a student at CU, I have developed a passion for medicine and aspire to enter the medical research field after I finish my undergraduate degree. I am thankful to have found a place in Dr. Hurt’s lab through a summer research fellows program. My research experience was limited before entering the lab, but I learned quickly under the skilled guidance in Dr. Hurt’s lab, and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have developed in my time here. Witnessing the passion and excitement that the Hurt Lab exhibited towards clinical research, particularly in women’s health research, influenced me to look farther into this field and reinforced my decision to pursue a career in medicine after graduation.

Fun Facts: When I am not working in the lab, studying as a student, or working in a local vet clinic, I am usually enjoying the outdoors or backpacking.​

Humphrey Petersen-Jones

Bio coming soon...

Noel Rodriguez, MD

Current Position: Resident Physician in OB-GYN, University of Texas Southwestern

Degrees/Training:
Undergraduate, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

MD, University of Colorado (2015)

Residency (in Progress), University of Texas Southwestern, Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program

Lab Role: Mentored Scholarly Project Research for Medical School

Long term plan/goal: Complete my residency program at Parkland Memorial Hospital and continue to ponder the possibility of fellowship.

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: It would be difficult to name one! Be timely, efficient, enthusiastic, meticulous in your efforts and seek any and all venues to share your work.

Autobiographical Sketch:
My name is Noel. I’m originally from Truchas, New Mexico (a small town on the highroad to Taos) and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. From there, I spent two years working as a research assistant at the National Institutes of Mental Health in the Pediatric Developmental Neuroscience Branch in Bethesda, MD. I had the great fortune of joining the Hurt Lab during my first year of medical school at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Hurt served as my mentor on the Preterm Birth Communication Project, a collaborative effort with the March of Dimes Colorado Chapter bringing preterm birth families together with medical students to engage in a mutually beneficial educational experience aimed at improving the medical communication abilities of our future physicians. The project sparked an interest in medical education research and reinforced my passion for the reproductive sciences. After four amazing years working with Dr. Hurt, I was accepted into the University of Texas Southwestern Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program in Dallas, Texas where I continue to learn and grow in my passion for providing quality women’s healthcare.

Vibhuti Vyas, MS

Current Position: Research Technician at City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA

Degrees/Training:
BPharm, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India

MS in Pharmacology, St. John’s University, NY

Lab Role: Professional Research Assistant

Long term plan/goal: I would like to work as a research team leader (scientist) in an academic or industrial research setting.

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: Good work is always appreciated.

Autobiographical Sketch:
My name is Vibhuti. I am from India where I did my BS in Pharmacy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore. To pursue my interest in pharmacology, I came to the United States in 2010 and completed my MS in Pharmacology from St. John’s University, NY. My interest in reproductive sciences and women’s health research sparked while doing my thesis project under the guidance of Dr. Sandra Reznik. An opportunity to work in Dr. Joe Hurt’s lab was perfect to strengthen my skills and fulfill my desire to contribute to this field. Finding a target for the prevention of preterm birth is one of the biggest challenges we are facing today. My role as a research assistant is to map out the mechanism of action of gasotransmitters such as hydrogen sulfide which relax uterine smooth muscle. To work as a team along with being self-sufficient are some of the basic values I have gained in the Hurt lab.

Fun Facts: In my spare time I like to cook, read and travel new places.

Brian Wakefield, MD

Current Position: OB-GYN Resident at University of Washington

Degrees/Training:
Undergraduate, Whitman College

MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine (2017)

Lab Role: Professional Research Assistant

Long term plan/goal: I hope to pursue a career in academic medicine.

Something to know about the Hurt Lab: Respect the uterus!

Autobiographical Sketch:
My name is Brian. I finished my MD at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 2017, and am now a resident in Seattle. I am from the small town of Philomath, OR and came to the Hurt lab after completing my BA in Biology at Whitman College. I was originally drawn to Colorado as a great place to spend two years off before medical school and was lucky to get in touch with Dr. Hurt through Whitman College alumni connections. My previous research experience was from my honors thesis in cancer pharmacology at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and I was excited to build on my laboratory skills before going into the medical school application process. Through exposure to clinical medicine and translational research, my experience working in the Hurt lab helped to solidify my interest in pursuing a career in medicine and also sparked an interest in the reproductive sciences. Throughout medical school I drew on the skills and knowledge I gained working with Dr. Hurt and our colleagues in the Division of Reproductive Sciences. During medical school, I also wrote two clinical case reports with Dr. Hurt, and learned a lot from the writing, editing, and publishing process.

Fun Facts: In what spare time I have, I am an avid triathlete, baker of cakes, and enjoyer of the outdoors.