NDPP NextGen logoNDPP-NextGen is pre-conception trial for women of child-bearing age and larger bodies who are interested in improving their health before getting pregnant. We are comparing pre-conception health information typically given by health care providers against an online group class promoting diet, activity, and weight loss for young women. Key outcomes are maternal body mass index at conception, maternal glucose levels in early pregnancy, and newborn adiposity.

Participants are females aged 18-39 years who have overweight or obesity, may become pregnant within two years, and are established patients at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Study team members contact individuals who may be eligible based on medical record data and offer information about the study to those who are interested in participating. 

For more information:

Wake Forest University School of Medicine Team

Katherine Ann Sauder, PhD

Kate Sauder, MD

Kate Sauder, PhD, is Multiple Principal Investigator of NDPP-NextGen. She is an Associate Professor of Implementation Science and Pediatrics. Dr. Sauder became interested in health before and during pregnancy when her peers started getting pregnant and asking questions about healthy eating, gestational diabetes, and weight gain in pregnancy. Dr. Sauder reached out to Dr. Natalie Ritchie, researcher and former director of a National Diabetes Prevention Program in Denver, Colorado, to understand how well the NDPP engages and supports young women. Together, they have published 15+ papers on the NDPP’s impact, including among young women, and obtained funding from the National Institutes of Health to formally test the NDPP’s potential to promote maternal/child health before pregnancy. Dr. Sauder is excited to learn if this widely available program can be slightly modified to better help young women and their future offspring.

Kelly Dugan, MA

Kelly Dugan, MA

Kelly Dugan, MA, is the Project Manager for NDPP-NextGen. Ms. Dugan is responsible for study implementation, including supervising and directing staff in all recruitment, data collection, and program delivery activities. She coordinates with AHWFB research resources and manages all administrative aspects of the research study. Ms. Dugan’s favorite thing about NDPP-NextGen is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team of researchers passionate about promoting health and well-being for mothers and their children.

Breanna Hayes, MS

Breanna Hayes, MS

Breanna Hayes, MS, is a Health Coach and Data Collector with NextGen. She is responsible for enrolling participants into the study, collecting data from participants, and leading NDPP classes. Breanna's favorite part about the NextGen research is being able to expose mothers to resources needed to help cultivate a healthy lifestyle during and after pregnancy, leading to healthier generations to come.

Sheccid Ontiveros-Santillan, BS

Sheccid Ontiveros-Santillan, BS

Sheccid Ontiveros-Santillan BS, is a Health Coach with NextGen. She is responsible for leading the Spanish-language NDPP classes for participants and supporting all participant-related activities. Her favorite part of her NextGen job is learning about the distinctive needs of women seeking to get pregnant and contributing to the facilitation of safer pregnancies and the nurturing of healthier of children.

Ana Tinoco-Martinez, MS

Ana Tinoco-Martinez, MS

Ana Tinoco-Martinez, MS, is a Health Coach and Data Collector with NextGen. She is responsible for recruitment, meeting the participants at the Clinical Research Unit, and leading DPP classes in Spanish. Her favorite thing about NextGen is working with women and supporting them through pregnancy, as it is one of life's great milestones. Additionally, she really enjoys working with this amazing team of people on this project.

Ralph B. D'Agostino JR., PhD, FASA

Ralph D’Agostino, Jr, PhD

Ralph D’Agostino, Jr, PhD, is the Biostatistician for NDPP-NextGen. Dr. D’Agostino is a Professor of Biostatistics and Data Science who has conducted observational and clinical trial research at Wake Forest University for 30 years. Dr. D’Agostino advises on study implementation and directs data analysis.

Melissa L. Kozakiewicz, MD

Melissa Kozakiewicz, MD

Melissa Kozakiewicz, MD, is a Co-Investigator for NDPP-NextGen. She is a Maternal-Fetal-Medicine Specialist and Obstetrician/Gynecologist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Dr. Kozakiewicz advises on clinical workflow, feasibility, safety, and integration of the study with the busy clinics and Birth Center at AHWFB.