The Charger Blog

ProfessorӰԭs Research Focuses on Improving Maternal Health

Jess Holzer, Ph.D., an expert in health policy, is passionate about improving equity in healthcare and building connections in the surrounding community.

January 7, 2020

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications


Image of Jess Holzer Headshot
Jess Holzer, Ph.D. joined the UniversityӰԭs faculty last fall.

Jess Holzer, Ph.D., an assistant professor of healthcare administration and policy, says her goal is to improve the health and well-being of mothers, especially new mothers and those who are expecting. She is investigating postpartum mental illness or disability directly related to pregnancy and/or childbirth.

ӰԭMy greatest pride is my current project on maternal morbidities,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭMy colleague and I are excited to find many others interested in the topic, and we are planning future interventions in the hope of reducing maternal morbidities postpartum.Ӱԭ

An expert in health policy with a focus on equity, Dr. Holzer previously served as a faculty member at Hofstra University. She earned her Ph.D. in health policy and bioethics from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, her masterӰԭs degree in bioethics from Case Western Reserve University, and her bachelorӰԭs degree in biology and philosophy from Wellesley College.

"Assuring the well-being of mothers benefits babies, families, and communities. Helping people access educational and occupational opportunities without the cost or challenges of needing a car is also crucial."Jessica Holzer, Ph.D.

She credits her personal experiences for sparking her interest in maternal health and active transportation Ӱԭ such as biking and walking. She says investments are needed in both areas in order to improve lives and increase equity.

Image of Jess Holzer Sally's
No stranger to New Haven, Jess Holzer, Ph.D. has already enjoyed the pies at SallyӰԭs Apizza.

ӰԭAssuring the well-being of mothers benefits babies, families, and communities,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭHelping people access educational and occupational opportunities without the cost or challenges of needing a car is also crucial.Ӱԭ

A former postdoctoral fellow at Yale, Dr. Holzer was familiar with the New Haven area before joining the UniversityӰԭs faculty last fall. She has also lived in Queens and in Long Beach, New York.

An avid traveler, Dr. Holzer has been to every continent but Antarctica Ӱԭ a place she hopes to visit one day. She is now focused on continuing to connect with the University and the local community.

ӰԭI'm excited to be part of the School of Health Sciences,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭI am looking forward to growing the programs, and to developing partnerships across the University.Ӱԭ

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