About Us
Established in 2015, the Maternal And Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social stressors (MADRES) Center of Excellence on Environmental Health Disparities at USC is dedicated to advancing research on how chemical pollutants, psychosocial factors, and the built environment collectively impact maternal and infant health during and after pregnancy.
Through the MADRES Cohort—a prospective study of predominantly low-income Hispanic women in Los Angeles—we aim to uncover insights that can drive meaningful change. The Center fosters research innovation, translation, capacity building, and mentorship, with a focus on informing policies, clinical practices, and programs to promote environmental and health equity in Los Angeles communities disproportionately affected by obesity and environmental toxins.
Center News
- MADRES research featured in LA Times: Some forms of air pollution may prolong postpartum depression, researchers say
- KSOM Newsroom: USC Researchers Present the Latest on Environmental Health in Santiago, Chile at 2024 International Society for Environment Epidemiology Conference
- KSOM Newsroom: Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and persistent postpartum depression
Recent Publications
EV-miRNA associated with environmental air pollution exposures in the MADRES cohort by Helen Foley, PhD
Maternal glucose levels and late pregnancy circulating extracellular vesicle and particle miRNAs in the MADRES pregnancy cohort by Elizabeth C Anderson, PhD
Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and persistent postpartum depression by Yuhong Yu, PhD Candidate
Organophosphate ester flame retardant chemicals and maternal depression during pregnancy by Ixel Hernandez-Castro, PhD
MADRES Study Overview Video
Current Projects
