Program

Meeting Agenda

Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention 2025 (BDRP)
65th Annual Meeting
Researching New Heights in Birth Defects Research: Fundamentals to Cutting-Edge Research

Download Printable Agenda PDF

Please note that the times listed are in MDT - Mountain Daylight Time (US).

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Saturday, June 28, 2025
7:30 AM–5:00 PM
Registration Open


8:00 AM–8:30 AM
Education Course Coffee and Pastries
(Education Course Session 1 Registrants Only)


8:30 AM–12:00 Noon
The Principles of Teratology
Education Course 1
(Separate Registration Required)

Organized by the BDRP Education Committee,
Chairperson: Ronee Baracani, Eli Lilly and Company

Full Schedule


8:30 AM–8:35 AM
Welcome
BDRP President, Philip J. Lupo, Baylor College of Medicine


8:35 AM–8:40 AM
Course Overview
Education Committee Chairperson,
Ronee Baracani, Eli Lilly and Company


8:40 AM–9:20 AM
Introduction to Wilson's General Principles of Teratology
Robert M. Cabrera, Baylor College of Medicine


9:20 AM–10:00 AM
How the Principles Apply to Basic Developmental Biology and Toxicology Research
Joshua F. Robinson, University of California, San Francisco


10:00 AM–10:15 AM
Break


10:15 AM–10:55 AM
How the Principles Apply to Nonclinical Safety Testing, Registration, and Regulations
Travis L. Calkins, Charles River Laboratories, Ashland


10:55 AM–11:35 AM
How the Principles Apply to Epidemiology and/or Clinical Research
Sonja A. Rasmussen, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine


11:35 AM–12:00 Noon
Discussion


12:00 Noon–1:30 PM
Lunch on Your Own


1:30 PM–5:00 PM
The ABCs of EFDs: Fundamentals of Embryofetal Development Testing
Education Course 2
(Separate Registration Required)

Organized by the BDRP Education Committee
Chairpersons: Ronee Baracani, Eli Lilly and Company; Susan B. Laffan, Amgen; and Caren Villano, Boehringer Ingelheim

Full Schedule


1:30 PM–1:35 PM
Course Overview
Education Committee Chairperson,
Ronee Baracani, Eli Lilly and Company


1:35 PM–2:10 PM
Setting the EFD Testing Study Strategy
Caren Villano, Boehringer Ingelheim


2:10 PM–2:45 PM
Designing an EFD Study
Susan B. Laffan, Amgen


2:45 PM–3:20 PM
Conducting an EFD Study
Denita Williams, GSK


3:20 PM–3:35 PM
Break


3:35 PM–4:10 PM
Interpreting EFD Study Data
Bethany R. Hannas, Eli Lilly and Company


4:10 PM–4:45 PM
Communicating EFD Study Results
Tacey E. White, Tacey White Consulting


4:45 PM–5:00 PM
Discussion


5:00 PM–7:00 PM
BDRP Council 1 Meeting
(All current and incoming Council members as well as current Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs attend Council 1.)


Sunday, June 29, 2025
7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Registration Open


7:00 AM–8:00 AM
Birth Defects Research Journal Editorial Board Meeting


7:00 AM–8:00 AM
BDRP Communications Coordination Committee Meeting


8:00 AM–9:00 AM
Josef Warkany Lecture
Chairperson: Philip J. Lupo, Baylor College of Medicine
Lecturer: Sonja A. Rasmussen, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine


9:05 AM–12:05 PM
Wilson Presentation Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Finalists Platform Session 1
Organized by the BDRP Student Affairs Committee
Chairperson: Deirdre K. Tucker, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals

10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Poster Session 1: Unattended
(Joint with DNTS and OTIS)


12:00 PM–1:30 PM
Lunch on Your Own


12:05 PM–1:25 PM
Past Presidents' and Honorees' Luncheon
(By Invitation Only)


12:05 PM–1:30 PM
Peer Review Lunch Workshop
(Advance Registration Required)
Organized by the BDRP Publications Committee
Chairperson: John M. Rogers, ToxStrategies, Inc.


12:30 PM–1:30 PM
BDRP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee Meeting


12:30 PM–1:30 PM
BDRP Education Committee Meeting


1:30 PM–2:00 PM
F. Clarke Fraser New Investigator Award
Organized by the BDRP Awards Committee
Chairperson: Cynthia J. Wolf, US Environmental Protection Agency


2:05 PM–2:35 PM
James G. Wilson Publication Award
Organized by the BDRP Publications Committee
Chairperson: Wendy Nembhard, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences


2:40 PM–3:45 PM
BDRP Innovator Award Finalists Platform Session 2
 Organized by the BDRP Awards Committee
Chairperson: Cynthia J. Wolf, US Environmental Protection Agency


3:45 PM–4:00 PM
Break


4:00 PM–4:30 PM
Patricia Rodier Mid-Career Award for Research and Mentoring
(Joint with DNTS)
Organized by the DNTS and BDRP Awards Committees
Chairperson: Michael T. Williams, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation
Lecturer: TBA


4:35 PM–6:00 PM
Multidisciplinary Research Needs Workshop
Organized by the BDRP Science Committee
Chairpersons: Suzanne E. Fenton, NC State University; and
Katie J. Turner, Janssen R&D, LLC


6:00 PM–7:30 PM
Poster Session 1: Poster Presentations
(Joint with DNTS and OTIS)


7:30 PM–9:30 PM
Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellows Career Event
Hosted by the Middle Atlantic Reproduction and Teratology Association (MARTA)


Monday, June 30, 2025
7:00 AM–4:30 PM
Registration Open


7:00 AM–8:00 AM
2026 Program Committee Meeting


8:00 AM–9:00 AM
Fetal Surgery
Keynote Lecture
(Joint with DNTS)
Chairperson: Prägati S. Coder, Charles River Laboratories, Ashland LLC
Lecturer: Sarah G. Običan, University of South Florida


9:05 AM–12:00 Noon
Down Syndrome: Assessing Outcomes across the Lifespan Symposium
(Joint with NBDPN)
Chairpersons: Sonja A. Rasmussen, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; and
Philip J. Lupo, Baylor College of Medicine
Full Schedule


9:05 AM–9:10 AM
Introduction
Sonja A. Rasmussen, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine


9:10 AM–9:45 AM
NIH's INCLUDE Initiative to Improve Quality of Life of People with Down Syndrome (S1)
Joaquin Espinosa, University of Colorado School of Medicine


9:45 AM–10:20 AM
Increased Risk for Leukemia among Children with Down Syndrome (S2)
Phillip Lupo, Baylor College of Medicine


10:20 AM–10:35 AM
Break


10:35 AM–11:10 AM
Down Syndrome and Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders (S3)
Deborah Fidler, Colorado State University


11:10 AM–11:45 AM
Health of Adults with Down Syndrome: Decreased Risk for Solid Tumors and Increased Risk for Alzheimer's Disease (S4)
Sonja A. Rasmussen, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine


11:45 AM–12:00 Noon
Discussion


9:05 AM–12:00 Noon
Opportunities and Applications of NAMs for DART Testing from Hazard to Risk Assessment Symposium
Chairpersons: Nicole C. Kleinstreuer, National Interagency Center for Alternative Toxicological Methods; and
Peter J. Boogaard, Wageningen University and Research
Full Schedule


9:05 AM–9:10 AM
Introduction
Nicole C. Kleinstreuer, National Interagency Center for Alternative Toxicological Methods


9:10 AM–9:45 AM
Regulatory Needs and Decision Frameworks for Developmental Toxicity: Opportunities for NAMs (S5)
Elizabeth Mendez, US Environmental Protection Agency


9:45 AM–10:20 AM
Resources to Support Validating NAMs for DART (S6)
Nicole C. Kleinstreuer, National Interagency Center for Alternative Toxicological Methods


10:20 AM–10:35 AM
Break


10:35 AM–11:10 AM
PBK Modelling to Link Human Biomonitoring Data for Marker PAHs to Critical Concentrations in a Battery of In Vitro Test Systems Predictive for Prenatal Developmental Toxicity (S7)
Danlei Wang, Wageningen University and Research


11:10 AM–11:45 AM
Moving the Needle Forward for NAMs in DevTox Testing: Proceedings of a HESI DART Workshop (S8)
TBA


11:45 AM–12:00 Noon
Discussion


10:00 AM–5:30 PM
Poster Session 2: Unattended
(Joint with NBDPN)


12:00 Noon–2:00 PM
Lunch on Your Own


12:05 PM–1:45 PM
Career Development and Career Options in DART
Professional Development Lunch Workshop
(Separate Registration Required)
Organized by the BDRP Student Affairs Committee
Chairpersons: Deirdre K. Tucker, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals; and
Hao Chen, Ionis Pharmaceuticals

2:00 PM–2:30 PM
Agnish Fellowship Lecture
Organized by the BDRP Education Committee
Chairperson: Ronee Baracani, Eli Lilly and Company


2:35 PM–5:30 PM
The Ripple Effect: Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome from Birth to Adolescence Symposium
(Joint with DNTS)
Chairpersons: Melissa Beck, Cedarville University School of Pharmacy; and
Wendy Nembhard, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Full Schedule


2:35 PM–2:40 PM
Introduction


2:40 PM–3:15 PM
Animal Models of NAS: What Have They Told Us? (S9)
TBA


3:15 PM–3:50 PM
Opioid-Induced NAS: Diagnosis, Neonatal Outcomes, and Treatment (S10)
Jennifer McAllister, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center


3:50 PM–4:05 PM
Break


4:05 PM–4:40 PM
Long-Term Outcomes Associated with NAS (S11)
Melissa Beck, Cedarville University School of Pharmacy


4:40 PM–5:15 PM
Potential Socioeconomic Influences on Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of NAS (S12)
Ginger Cameron, Purdue Global School of Health Sciences and Hawkeye Community College School of Science and Health Science


5:15 PM–5:30 PM
Discussion


2:35 PM–5:30 PM
Platform Session 3


5:30 PM–7:00 PM
Poster Session 2: Posters Presentations
(Joint with NBDPN)


Tuesday, July 1, 2025
7:00 AM–3:30 PM
Registration Open


7:00 AM–8:00 AM
BDRP Awards Committee Meeting


7:00 AM–8:00 AM
BDRP Student Affairs Committee Meeting


7:00 AM–8:00 AM
BDRP Science Committee Meeting


8:00 AM–9:00 AM
Antiretroviral Drugs and Use in Pregnancy/Lactation
Robert L. Brent Lecture—Teratogen Update
(Joint with DNTS and OTIS)
Chairperson: Prägati S. Coder, Charles River Laboratories, Ashland LLC
Lecturer: Vani Vannappagari, ViiV Healthcare


9:05 AM–12:00 Noon
Birth Defects and Reproductive Issues in Post-Dobbs vs. Women's Health Organization Era Symposium
(Joint with DNTS and OTIS)
Organized by the BDRP Public Affairs Committee
Chairpersons: Vijaya Kancherla, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health; and
Sarah G. Običan, University of South Florida
Full Schedule


9:05 AM–9:10 AM
Introduction
Vijaya Kancherla, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health


9:10 AM–9:45 AM
Implications of Abortion Legislation on Birth Defects Surveillance (S13)
Amanda L. Elmore, University of South Florida


9:45 AM–10:20 AM
Obstetric Clinical Perspectives in the Post-Dobbs Era (S14)
Sarah G. Običan, University of South Florida


10:20 AM–10:35 AM
Break


10:35 AM–11:10 AM
Ethical Challenges in the Post-Dobbs Era (S15)
Anne D. Lyerly, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill


11:10 AM–11:45 AM
Why We Need Segmentation of Data in Medical Records and Why We Might Not Want It (S16)
Bradley Malin, Vanderbilt University


11:45 AM–12:00 Noon
Discussion


12:05 Noon–1:45 PM
Genomics and Multi-omic AI Applications for Birth Defect Research
Lunch and Learn Mini Course
(Separate Registration Required)
Organized by the BDRP Education Committee
Chairperson: Ronee Baracani, Eli Lilly and Company
Full Schedule


12:05 Noon–12:15 PM
Lunch Pick-Up


12:15 PM–12:50 PM
AI in Genomics
Paul Wolujewicz, School of Health Sciences, Quinnipiac University


12:50 PM–1:25 PM
AI in Multi-omics
Vanessa Aguiar-Pulido, University of Miami


1:25 PM–1:45 PM
Discussion


12:00 Noon–2:00 PM
Lunch on Your Own


8:00 AM–10:55 AM
Integrating In Vitro and Computational Approaches to Identify Novel Developmental and Reproductive Toxicants and Enhance Chemical Hazard Assessments Symposium
Chairpersons: Joshua F. Robinson, University of California, San Francisco; and
Michele La Merrill, University of California, Davis
Full Schedule


2:00 PM–2:05 PM
Introduction


2:05 PM–2:40 PM
An In Vitro High-Throughput Screening Approach to Estimate Human Neurodevelopmental Risk (S17)
Randolph S. Ashton, University of Wisconsin, Madison


2:40 PM–3:15 PM
Genome-Wide Profiling of miRNA and mRNA Expression in Human Embryonic Stem Cells Developmental Bone Toxicity (S18)
Nicole R. Sparks, University of California Irvine


3:15 PM–3:30 PM
Break


3:30 PM–4:05 PM
Integration of Computational Molecular Tools and Nonmammalian Models to Identify Teratogens Relevant for Human Exposure (S19)
Michele La Merrill, University of California, Davis


4:05 PM–4:40 PM
Application of Nonanimal Data in DNT Hazard Identification and Chemical Risk Assessment (S20)
TBA


4:40 PM–5:00 PM
Discussion


2:00 PM–5:00 PM
Genomic Studies of Birth Defects: Findings from the Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Symposium
(Joint with NBDPN)
Chairpersons: Lynn M. Almli, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
Paul A. Romitti, University of Iowa
Full Schedule


2:00 PM–2:05 PM
Introduction
Lynn M. Almli, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


2:05 PM–2:40 PM
Genetic Studies of Birth Defects from the Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (S21)
Lynn M. Almli, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


2:40 PM–3:15 PM
Gene Variants and Craniosynostosis: From GWAS to WGS (S22)
Paul A. Romitti, University of Iowa


3:15 PM–3:30 PM
Break


3:30 PM–4:05 PM
In Vivo Validation of Exome Sequencing-Derived Candidate Genes Associated with Heterotaxy in NBDPS (S23)
Nanette Nascone-Yoder, North Carolina State University


4:05 PM–4:40 PM
Different Inheritance Models Present in Limb Defects (S24)
Horacio Gomez-Acevedo, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences


4:40 PM–5:00 PM
Discussion


5:30 PM–8:00 PM
Social Event & Awards Presentations
Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Awards
Edward W. Carney Trainee Awards
Wilson Presentation Awards
James C. Bradford Memorial Student Poster Awards
Edward W. Carney Distinguished Service Award
BDRP Innovator Award
Recognition of Other Awards Presented throughout the Week


Wednesday, July 2, 2025
6:30 AM–7:30 AM
BDRP 44th Annual Volleyball Game


7:30 AM–1:30 PM
Registration Open


8:00 AM–9:00 AM
BDRP and ETS Exchange Lecture
Chairpersons: Philip J. Lupo, Baylor College of Medicine; and
Jason C. Manton, Toxiqua Ltd.


9:05 AM–12:15 PM
Advancements in Assessing the Effects of Environmental Chemicals on Maternal Health and Fetal Development Symposium
Chairpersons: Kembra L. Howdeshell, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; and
Paige Bommarito, US Environmental Protection Agency
Full Schedule


9:05 AM–9:10 AM
Introduction
Kembra L. Howdeshell, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences


9:10 AM–9:45 AM
Investigating Fetal Development Using 3D Ultrasounds: Applications to Understanding the Developmental Impacts of Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (S25)
Danielle Stevens, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences


9:45 AM–10:20 AM
Prenatal Exposure to Environmental Chemical Mixtures and Maternal-Child Health Outcomes in Multiple Pregnancy and Birth Cohorts (S26)
Julia Varshavsky, Northeastern University


10:20 AM–10:40 AM
Warkany Tea


10:40 AM–11:15 AM
The Intersecting Roles of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Diet during Pregnancy for Maternal and Child Health (S27)
Rita S. Strakovsky, Michigan State University


11:15 AM–11:50 AM
Multi-omic Data Illuminates the Placenta’s Role as a Mediator between Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Exposure and Spontaneous Preterm Birth (S28)
Alison Paquette, University of Washington


11:50 AM–12:15 PM
Discussion


9:05 AM–12:15 PM
Neurobehavioral Testing in Nonrodent Models Used in Safety Assessment Symposium
(Joint with DNTS)
Chairpersons: Kristina York, Charles River Laboratories; and
Melissa Beck, Cedarville University School of Pharmacy
Full Schedule


9:05 AM–9:10 AM
Introduction
Kristina York, Charles River Laboratories


9:10 AM–9:45 AM
Wisconsin General Testing Apparatus (WGTA) in Nonhuman Primates (S29)
C. Marc Luetjens, LabCorp Early Development Services GmbH


9:45 AM–10:20 AM
Conditioned Eye Blink Reflex in Rabbits (S30)
Mark Herberth, Charles River Ashland LLC


10:20 AM–10:40 AM
Warkany Tea


10:40 AM–11:15 AM
Neurobehavioral Assessments in Preterm Pigs(S31)
Helen J. K. Sable, University of Memphis


11:15 AM–11:50 AM
Regulatory Aspects of Neurobehavioral Testing in Alternate Animal Models (S32)
TBA


11:50 AM–12:15 PM
Discussion


12:15 Noon–1:30 PM
Lunch on Your Own


12:30 PM–1:30 PM
BDRP Membership Committee Meeting


12:30 PM–1:30 PM
BDRP Public Affairs Committee Meeting


12:30 PM–1:30 PM
BDRP Publications Committee Meeting


1:30 PM–4:30 PM
Minimizing Use of Nonhuman Primates for Safety Assessment of Risk to Fertility and Pregnancy Symposium
Chairpersons: Christopher J. Bowman, Pfizer Inc.; and
Ronald L. Wange, US Food and Drug Administration
Full Schedule


1:30 PM–1:35 PM
Introduction
Ronald L. Wange, US Food and Drug Administration


1:35 PM–2:10 PM
Current State of NHP Use Supporting Developmental and Reproductive Risk Assessment (S33)
Angela R. Stermer, Merck & Co.


2:10 PM–2:45 PM
Experience Demonstrates Weight of Evidence for Monoclonal Antibodies Identifies Human Relevant Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes as Well as Pregnant NHP Studies (S34)
TBA


2:45 PM–3:00 PM
Break


3:00 PM–3:35 PM
Fertility Assessment in NHP: Evaluation of Marketed Products and Opportunities to Reduce Monkey Use (S35)
Puck Roos, Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board


3:35 PM–4:10 PM
Looking Forward, Are NHP Really Needed for DART Assessments? (S36)
Christopher J. Bowman, Pfizer Inc.


4:10 PM–4:30 PM
Discussion


4:45 PM–5:45 PM
BDRP Annual Business Meeting


6:00 PM–8:30 PM
BDRP Council 2 Meeting
(2025–2026 Council members)


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