Announcements
The Ann C. Mertens REACH for the Stars Women in Science Lecture
Celebrating Excellence. Honoring Legacy. Advancing Pediatric Research.
The Ann C. Mertens REACH for the Stars Women in Science Lecture is an annual distinguished lecture established to honor the legacy of Ann Mertens - a visionary leader, dedicated mentor, and passionate advocate for women in science.
This lecture series celebrates exceptional women whose research, leadership, and mentorship are advancing pediatric health and shaping the future of scientific discovery.
About Ann Mertens
Ann Mertens was a champion for pediatric research and an unwavering supporter of women pursuing careers in science and medicine. Through her leadership, mentorship, and collaborative spirit, she helped cultivate an environment where innovation and inclusion flourished. Her legacy lives on in the scientists she mentored, the programs she strengthened, and the enduring impact she made on child health research. The REACH for the Stars Lecture honors her commitment to lifting others and advancing bold ideas that improve the lives of children and families.
"From Down Syndrome to Congenital Zika Syndrome"
We were honored to welcome Dr. Sonja Rasmussen as the inaugural speaker for the Ann C. Mertens REACH for the Stars Women in Science Lecture on April 30, 2026. Sonja Rasmussen, MD, MS, is a Professor in the Departments of Genetic Medicine and Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She previously served as a professor and Director of the Precision Health Program at the University of Florida and spent 20 years in scientific leadership roles at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A nationally recognized leader in epidemiology and public health, Dr. Rasmussen has contributed to major emergency responses including H1N1 influenza, MERS, and Zika virus, authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, and serves as lead editor of The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual. Her research focuses on infections and medications during pregnancy, genetic and environmental risk factors for birth defects, and outcomes associated with genetic conditions.
Click HERE to watch the lecture.
Emory + Children’s Announce the Launch of the Research and Epidemiology for Adolescent and Child Health (REACH) Center
ATLANTA, GA – March 4, 2025 – Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are pleased to announce the launch of the Research and Epidemiology for Adolescent and Child Health (REACH) Center. Led by newly recruited distinguished faculty members, Philip Lupo, PhD and Michael Scheurer, PhD, and in partnership with the former CORPH Interim Director, Shasha Bai, PhD, REACH is designed to serve as a leading hub for child-focused and population-based research and aims to advance collaborative research initiatives to improve pediatric health outcomes.
The vision for REACH is to reduce the burden of disease experienced by children and adolescents across Georgia and beyond. The mission is:
Research: Conduct impactful studies into the causes of and outcomes associated with childhood and adolescent diseases and disorders.
Education: Train clinicians and scientists in pediatric epidemiology and population-based research while disseminating findings to healthcare professionals and researchers nationally and internationally.
REACH builds upon the work of the Center for Clinical Research and Public Health (CORPH), which was founded in 2011 by Dr. Ann Mertens to support child health-focused clinical outcomes and public health research. CORPH has played a crucial role in promoting high-quality epidemiologic and clinical research, mentoring young investigators, and linking healthcare practices to patient outcomes to improve quality of care. The work of CORPH was transformative and has led to this important next phase.
By centralizing and coordinating child-focused population-based and epidemiologic research, REACH will strengthen ties with the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The center will also play a key role in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s wellness initiatives, furthering its commitment to improving the health of Georgia’s children.
We are excited to welcome Drs. Lupo and Scheurer to this vibrant research community and look forward to their leadership in advancing pediatric epidemiology research. For more information or to collaborate, please do not hesitate to REACH out to Dr. Philip Lupo, Dr. Michael Scheurer, or Dr. Shasha Bai.
On March 15, 2025, the REACH Center hosted its inaugural retreat, bringing together 38 members for a day of collaboration and vision-setting. The event opened with participants sharing brief overviews of their research, followed by a group discussion to identify key gaps in the field. A dynamic brainstorming session then focused on defining the stories we should be telling to amplify our impact. Together, we refined our research pillars and strengthened our shared vision for the future. The day concluded with a celebratory happy hour at Wild Heaven Beer—marking not only the end of a productive retreat but the beginning of exciting new collaborations.
Join Team REACH for the Winship 5K on Saturday, October 4 at 8:30 AM! After the race, we’ll meet at The General Muir (Emory Point) for an informal REACH brunch...Click HERE for more details!
Why participate?
Winship Cancer Institute serves over 17,000 new patients each year, working tirelessly to prevent, treat, and cure cancer across Georgia and beyond. Every step taken supports breakthrough research and brings us closer to a cure. Let’s represent REACH and make a difference—together!
Sign up today: Register for Team REACH
Race Day Information
- Race Date & Start Time: Saturday, October 4 at 8:30 AM
- Check out the FAQ section ahead of time to familiarize yourself with where to park: FAQs
- Team Meet-Up: 8:00 AM behind the vendor tents (see attached image) – I will have a sign! (We’ll do a quick team photo at 8:10 AM.)
- Start Area: Asbury Circle, near McDonough Plaza – see attached race route
- Parking: Event Day parking is complimentary at the Peavine Parking Deck and the Michael Street Parking Deck. Please allow adequate time to arrive, park and make your way to the Check-In area at McDonough Field.
- For a campus map of parking structures, please click here.
- Peavine Parking Deck is located at 29 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Michael Street Parking Deck is located at 550 Houston Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
- For a campus map of parking structures, please click here.
- What to Bring: What to Bring: Your preferred warm-up/cool-down essentials. I’ll pick up everyone’s race packets on Friday, October 3 and have them ready for you on race day. I’ll be on-site by 7:30 AM.
- What to Wear: Your REACH shirt (or a top you don’t mind pinning a bib to).
- Post-Race Brunch: The General Muir (Emory Point) immediately after you finish.