Berfin Guzel

Global Challenge: Reproductive Health Equity

Abstract:

My GLASS journey has been shaped by a commitment to advancing reproductive justice through biomedical innovation and interdisciplinary research. From New York to Melbourne, I explored how health disparities intersect with technology, trauma, and data science. Studying abroad in Australia, I led a Brain-Computer Interface project focused on mobility solutions for paraplegic patients. Back in New York, I contributed to reproductive health research at the Empower Lab, Yale Sozen Lab, and the American Hospital IVF Lab, where I worked on AI-assisted embryo selection and trauma-informed care models.

These experiences deepened my interest in how early-life adversity affects maternal outcomes. My work examines the biological and systemic impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on pregnancy—bridging public health, medicine, and AI to highlight pathways like chronic inflammation and HPA axis dysregulation. Through GLASS, I learned how to transform this knowledge into action by advocating for trauma-informed obstetric practices and early ACE screening in clinical settings.

GLASS has provided me the tools, global perspective, and mentorship to connect science with policy, and innovation with empathy. I now view research not just as discovery, but as a means to challenge inequity and co-create solutions with communities.

Aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, my research advances maternal health equity by integrating AI, trauma studies, and clinical innovation. GLASS allowed me to contextualize scientific inquiry within global health challenges and interdisciplinary teamwork. From leadership at Empower Lab to international conferences and lab work, I developed a holistic approach to reproductive health research—one rooted in advocacy, ethics, and innovation.

Bio:

"Berfin Guzel is a researcher, innovator, and aspiring physician passionate about the intersection of biomedical engineering, AI, and maternal health. She majored in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. As a GLASS Scholar, she has conducted research at the Yale Sozen Lab, Empower Lab, and the American Hospital IVF Lab, focusing on trauma-informed obstetric care, adverse childhood experiences, and AI-assisted embryo selection.

Her global experiences span from New York to Melbourne, where she led a Brain-Computer Interface project aimed at developing mobility solutions for paraplegic patients. She has also participated at international conferences like SWE Chicago, and held leadership roles on campus through the NYU Presidential Internship Program, supporting both Campus Safety and Wasserman Career Services..

Berfin plans to pursue medical school to advance equitable, data-driven maternal care.