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Sarah Wernimont, MD, PhD
Sarah Wernimont, MD, PhD
Dr. Wernimont is a maternal-fetal medicine physician-scientist caring for individuals with complicated pregnancies and leading a multi-pronged research program investigating how changes in nutrient availability impact placental development and pregnancy outcomes. Dr. Wernimont received her MD and PhD as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Iowa, as part of their Physician Scientist Training Program. She has been funded through the NIH’s Reproductive Scientist Development Program and has ongoing R01 funding. Dr. Wernimont has been recognized for Excellence in Obstetrics Research by the Perinatal Research Society, for outstanding clinical education (University of Minnesota), and as a Top Doctor: Rising Star (Mpls.St.Paul Magazine).
Laboratory Team Members
Laboratory Team Members
Sneha Jena
Sneha Jena
Researcher
Researcher
Sneha Jena has worked in the Wernimont Lab since 2021. She is an expert in cell culture, molecular biology, trophoblast organoid culture, and epigenetic assays.
Davis Long
Davis Long
Researcher
Researcher
Davis Long joined the Wernimont Lab in 2026. He has developed expertise in trophoblast isolations, molecular biology, and immunofluorescence imaging. He continues to enjoy bioinformatic analyses
Lakshana Sadu Murari
Lakshana Sadu Murari
MCDB&G Graduate Student
MCDB&G Graduate Student
Lakshana joined the Wernimont Lab in 2025 and is investigating the impact of mitochondrial nutrient flux on trophoblast differentiation.
Kara Peak, PhD
Kara Peak, PhD
Post-Doctoral Scholar in Biomedical Engineering
Post-Doctoral Scholar in Biomedical Engineering
Kara Peak is a post-doctoral scholar in biomedical engineering who is leading projects to assess the impact of GDM on biomechanical properties of umbilical cords and placental development. She is supported by an AHA postdoctoral fellowship.
Jessica Gottula, MD
Jessica Gottula, MD
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellow
Jessica Gottula, MD is a maternal-fetal medicine fellow who joined the Wernimont Lab in 2026 and is investigating the impact of ketones on placental development
Laura McClary
Laura McClary
University of Minnesota, Undergraduate Student
Laura joined the lab in Fall 2025. She helps manage samples in GOPHER biobank and is looks forward doing more in trophoblast biology.
Tina Hong
Tina Hong
University of Minnesota, Undergraduate Student
Tina joined the lab in Spring of 2026.
Annelise Wier
Annelise Wier
University of Minnesota, Medical Student
Annelise joined the lab in Fall 2025. She is looking forward to working with trophoblast organoids during summer 2026.
Clinical Research Team Members
Clinical Research Team Members
Bektu Solomon, MD, MPH
Bektu Solomon, MD, MPH
UMN Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident
Catharine Leahy, MD
Catharine Leahy, MD
UMN Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident
Former Team Members
Former Team Members
Former Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellows:
Sereen Nashif, MD
Tiffany Corlin, MD
Isahaq Abdullahi, MD
Former OB/GYN Residents:
Anwei Gwan, MD MPH
Former Post-Baccalaureate Students:
Renee Mahr
Cassandra Norbeck
Former Undergraduate Students:
Mia Tranowski
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