Sandra E. Reznik, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical
Sciences
As a specialist in perinatal and placental pathology, Sandra
Reznik knows firsthand the serious effects of such issues as
pre-term labor and pre-eclampsia, a toxic condition that can occur
in late pregnancy.
“I saw that little progress was being made in addressing many
women’s health issues,” she says. “I knew that clinical research
could make a difference.”
At St. John’s, Professor Reznik and her pharmacy students
conduct research using the latest molecular genetics techniques and
thereby contribute to the body of knowledge that can lead to fewer
premature births. “Advances in neonatology make it possible for
very pre-mature babies to survive,” she explains, “but many have
serious neurological impairments and other issues. So, finding ways
to avoid pre-term labor is important.”
The benefits of research are multi-faceted. “We have a beautiful
facility here and do excellent work,” she says. “But, what is
important is that students learn the process of science —
formulating a hypothesis, testing it, analyzing data, trouble
shooting and figuring out what to do next. We want our students to
be bitten by the science bug like we have been. This is how they’ll
make a difference in the future."