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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.
Cassandra Norbeck
Cassandra Norbeck
Researcher
Researcher
Cassandra Norbeck joined the Wernimont Lab in 2024. She has developed expertise in trophoblast isolations, molecular biology, and immunofluorescence imaging in human placenta. She is supported by MN Postbaccalaureate Readiness in Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes Program.
Briana Clifton
Briana Clifton
Medical Student
Medical Student
Briana Clifton joined the Wernimont Lab in 2022 and is investigating the impacts of gestational diabetes on placenta development and how glucose regulates trophoblast differentiation. She is supported by an ASCI-PSSF Fellowship.
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.
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.
Mia Traniowski
Mia Traniowski
University of Minnesota Undergraduate Student
Mia joined the lab in Fall of 2024. She manages samples in the GOPHER biobank and is involved in all aspects of trophoblast and organoid imaging
Clinical Research Team Members
Clinical Research Team Members
Tiffany Corlin, MD
Tiffany Corlin, MD
UMN Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow
Anwei Gwan, MD, MPH
Anwei Gwan, MD, MPH
UMN Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident
Bektu Solomon, MD, MPH
Bektu Solomon, MD, MPH
UMN Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident
Isahaq Abdulahi, MD
Isahaq Abdulahi, MD
UMN Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellow
Catharine Leahy, MD
Catharine Leahy, MD
UMN Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident
Former Team Members
Former Team Members
Sereen Nashif, MD
Renee Mahr
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