Public Health Research Takes Top Honors at National Birth Defects Conference

Lindsay Denson, PhD, a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, was awarded “Best in Show” at the 2025 National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) conference—marking a first for the Oklahoma Birth Defects Registry (OBDR).

Dr. Denson presented a research poster highlighting findings from her dissertation, which explored gastroschisis-related mortality in Oklahoma. The project represents the first statewide analysis of mortality linked to this congenital condition, offering new insights into public health and clinical outcomes for affected infants. The recognition is a significant milestone, both for Dr. Denson and for the broader efforts of Oklahoma’s birth defects surveillance and prevention community.

In addition to Dr. Denson’s leadership, the poster was co-authored by several distinguished faculty members from the OU Hudson College of Public Health’s Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology—Amanda E. Janitz, PhD, MPH; Jennifer D. Peck, PhD, MS; Daniel Zhao, PhD; and Deirdra R. Terrell, PhD—as well as Stephanie L. Pierce, MD, MS, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Section, OU College of Medicine.

The award-winning poster was one of three presented by the OBDR at the joint NBDPN and Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (BDRP) conference held in Denver. The annual event draws national experts across disciplines to advance birth defect surveillance, prevention, and research.

Dr. Denson’s work stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research, and the Hudson College of Public Health proudly celebrates her achievement and ongoing contributions to maternal and child health.