Methodius Tuuli, MD, MPH, MBA and Audra Van Wart, PhD

Dr. Methodius (Method) Tuuli, Chace-Joukowsky Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gyneclogy at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Women & Infants Hospital, and Dr. Audra Van Wart, Associate Dean for Training, Education and Program Development and Director, Office of University Postdoctoral Affairs, at Brown University, will jointly lead this important initiative, shaping and enhancing our Professional Development Core’s offerings for clinical and translational researchers.

Dr. Tuuli, a prominent physician, has devoted his career to improving the quality of maternal care and eradicating disparities in perinatal outcomes. With a rich background comprising over 200 peer-reviewed pulications in esteemed journals like NEJM, JAMA and JAMA Pediatrics, along with extensive research projects, Dr. Tuuli has contributed greatly to the field. His depth of experience will be a boon and inspiration to Rhode Island’s early career investigators who use the PD Core’s services.

As the Associate Dean for Training, Education, and Program Development and Director of University Postdoctoral Affairs at Brown University, Dr. Audra Van Wart brings a wealth of experience to the co-Director role. She has spearheaded various initiatives, including the Advance-K Career Development Program, the Advance-R Program and the professional development pillar of the Advancing Research Careers R25 program. A proven leader, she demonstrates a strong commitment to the training and professional development of junior faculty.

Advance RI-CTR extends heartfelt gratitude to the former director of the PD Core, Dr. Ira Wilson, who was recently appointed Associate Provost for Academic Space at Brown University. Under his leadership, the PD Core introduced several new programs, including the Advance-R program, and extended research funding to the Rhode Island research community through annual Mentored Research Awards. 

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Drs. Audra Van Wart and Methodius Tuuli. To learn more about the Professional Development Core of Advance RI-CTR, visit the PD Core page of our website.