Dr. Monica Longo is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist with subspecialty training in Maternal Fetal Medicine. She also holds a PhD degree in Preventive Medicine and Community Health. Dr. Longo’s main research interests focus on the maternal physiological adaptations to pregnancy, and in particular the relationship with cardiovascular and metabolic disease in the mother and offspring. Dr. Longo received her medical degree in 1996 from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Modena, Italy. In June 1997, she joined the research team at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) where she earned her Master and PhD degrees, followed by residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. While at UTMB, and with funding from NICHD and NHLBI, Dr. Longo developed a novel transgenic animal model of fetal programming. In 2013, Dr. Longo joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC) as an Associate Professor where she established a basic science research laboratory focusing on pregnancy complications using animal models. While at UTHSC, Dr. Longo pursued fellowship training in Maternal Fetal Medicine between 2016 and 2018. Dr. Longo was an active member of the faculty at UTHSC prior to joining NICHD in January 2021 with both clinical and research activities. Throughout her career, Dr. Longo has mentored several graduate students, fellows, residents, and faculty. At NICHD By focusing on pregnancy, Dr. Longo’s ultimate career goal is to improve outcome for mothers and children throughout the lifespan from preconception to later in life.