At the scientific core of the MaRCH Center are the Research Project Leaders (RPLs). These individuals are early-stage investigators who conduct innovative research to implement practical strategies and interventions to reduce maternal and reproductive health barriers in Arkansas, particularly among rural communities.
Research Project Leaders are selected through a competitive process and supported for up to three years as they build the skills, evidence base, and publication record needed to secure independent NIH R01 or equivalent funding. Projects are designed to address the biological, behavioral, social, and structural factors contributing to maternal and reproductive health outcomes, reflecting the multilevel complexity outlined in the Center’s overall research strategy
The MaRCH Center leverages statewide resources to ensure each RPL has the tools to design rigorous, culturally responsive, and innovative research studies, including:
- The Rural Research Network for recruitment and implementation
- The SUCCEED Core for stakeholder-engaged and community-engaged methods
- The Digital Health Core for advanced telehealth, mHealth, and remote-monitoring integration
Through structured mentoring, quarterly Work-in-Progress meetings, annual scientific retreats, and coordinated support across cores, RPLs receive comprehensive guidance in project design, regulatory processes, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. This layered support helps RPLs progress efficiently toward research independence while contributing meaningful, translational insights that advance maternal and reproductive health across Arkansas and other IDeA (Institutional Development Award) states.
Research Project Leaders
Dr. Katy Allison is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, College of Public Health. She is core faculty with the Rural Telehealth Evaluation Center and a member of the Center for Implementation Science.
Her research targets digital health interventions for pregnant women in rural and underserved populations. An early-stage investigator, she has 33 publications and 5 under review in just 4 years.
Dr. George Pro is an assistant professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education.
His research focuses on disparities in treatment services and outcomes for opioid and methamphetamine use disorders among pregnant and postpartum women. Dr. Pro is a very prolific ESI with 21 publications (and 6 under review) after only 3.5 years as an assistant professor.