2021 Annual SRNT-E Conference

Raised and educated in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Cristian Meghea is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University. He is also an Associated Researcher at Babes-Bolyai University - BBU, in Cluj-Napoca, his alma mater in Romania. He leads a program of research focused on pregnancy tobacco cessation in Romania, in partnership with BBU, funded since 2008. In addition, he leads a well funded program of research in the USA focused on improving maternal and child health and equity. He is a researcher, mentor and community-engaged scholar. His work impacts the lives of tens of thousands of underserved mothers, children, and families yearly, with the potential to reach many more, and is being recognized within and outside of academia.

As Assistant Professor at Babes-Bolyai University and Executive Director of the Center for Health Policy and Public Health, Dr. Oana Blaga combines rigorous RCT research with practical implementation, particularly focusing on helping pregnant women quit smoking and improving maternal health outcomes. In recognition of her expertise in behavioral science, she was competitively selected to join the WHO Europe Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural and Cultural Insights. Dr. Blaga and the local organizing committee members will help ensure the conference fosters valuable connections among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.