Essam Othman MD, University of Assiut.

AWARrD Principal Investigator

Dr Othman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Assiut University in Assiut Egypt. He is the  Principal Investigator of the AWARrD Project. A reproductive endocrinologist, he has performed basic research on the development of leiomyomas in the uterus and is an involved clinician, educator and administrator in his department. He is responsible for all aspects of the AWARrD project.

Karim Abdallah MD, University of Assiut.

aim (Project 1)

Dr. Abdalla is a clinical fellow in the University of Assiut's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology . He gained significant experience in clinical research in women’s health during his Research Fellowship supervised by Prof. Ben Mol at Monash University, Australia. During this period, Dr. Abdalla learned basic and advanced clinical research methodology and statistics including the use of SPSS and R statistics software programs in clinical trial design, implementation, analysis and overall management.

Radwa Abdelhamid MD, University of Assiut.

aim (Project 1)

Dr. Radwa Abdelhamid is a resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Assiut University. She will help in recruiting patients to the study in addition to counseling them. Dr. Abdelhamid will participate in the clinical management of patients with uterine fibroids.

Mean Adly Ph.D, University of Assiut. 

aim (Project 1)

Dr Adly is

Ayman Al-Hendy MD, Ph.D, University of Chicago

Project Lead aim (Project 1)

Dr Al-Hendy is a gynecologist and Professor Professor and Vice Chair forResearch in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Chicago with current or prior funding from 8 NIH institutes/Centers (NICHD, NIEHS, NCRR, NIMH, NCATS, NIMHD, ODS, OWHR), USDA, and over 27 commercial and pharmaceutical research contracts. He has served on several NIH study sections and special emphasis panels,and has been the chair of the NIH/CSR Integrative Clinical Endocrinology and Reproduction (ICER) IRG 2014-2016. Dr. Al-Hendy and co-workers were first to report serum vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for uterine fibroids in 2010, pivotal findings confirmed later by other groups worldwide (more than 40 published articles from 23 countries) and present a biochemical explanation for the ethnic disparity of this common disease. Dr. Al-Hendy will also identify and recruit suitable cases of traditional (typical) leiomyoma versus atypical leiomyoma as well as leiomyosarcoma suspicious cases. He will also work closely with the data science experts to map out suspicious areas on MRI scans that will then be used to feed the machine leanings algorithms.

Kirollos Bandry MD, Co-Investigator, University of Assiut. 

aim (Project 1)

Dr. Kirollos Bandry is a clinical fellow in the Department of Radiology department, Assiut University . Dr. Bandry’s tasks related to the aim project will be to identify images from Assiut database of female pelvic MRI images to train the machine learning algorithm in the differentiation of uterine fibroids from leiomyosarcomas. In addition, Dr. Bandry will assist other team members in segmenting (outlining) the lesions on MRI images to facilitate the machine learning process. 

Moumen El-Melegy MSc, PhD, University of Assiut. 

aim (Project 1)

Dr El-Melegy is Dr. El-Melegy received M.Sc and Ph.D in computer science and engineering from the University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Since his M.Sc. research and throughout all these years, Dr. El-Melegy has been working in the fields of image processing, computer vision, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and software engineering. He has developed novel techniques for  brain segmentation and CAD systems for early prediction of transplanted kidney rejection.  In his home university, he founded the computer vision and artificial intelligence group at the School of Engineering, Assiut University.  Dr. El-Melegy and his team have validated a new non-invasive computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) software system for the early and accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer status using 4D diffusion weighted-magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI). Dr. El-Melegy’s experience will be essential for creating the artificial intelligence algorithms necessary to differentiate uterine fibroids from leiomyosarcoma.

Dr Elsayed is a hematologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at Assiut University in Assiut Egypt. Dr. Elsayed is a senior practicing hematologist with special expertise in iron deficiency anemia in reproductive age women. She has a long history of successful conduct of basic and clinical research with a focus on iron deficiency anemia and menstrual disorders both in Egypt and during her collaborative work with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA. Dr. Elsayed will serve as the Core Lead for DatAUB (Project 2) of the AWARrD hub at Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt and will serve as the site PI for the Val-IDA-te pilot study.

Ibrahim Elsemman Ph.D, University of Assiut. 

Co-Investigator, DatAUB (Project 2)

Dr Elsemman is Dr. Elsemman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Computers and Information, Assiut University, Egypt. He is the supervisor of the Applied Bioinformatics department of Molecular Biology Research Institute and conducts his research in systems biology, modeling, and machine learning. Dr. Elsemman will spend 50% of his time working with DMAC, where he will work to solve problems with the heterogeneity of the data given the flo database.

Abdulla Hamed, University of Assiut.

AWARrD Administrator

Mr. Hamed has long administrative experience as a senior member of the secretarial team of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at A as a program coordinator for the Ultrasound Training Center  was among the administrators coordinating a World Health Organization multi-center randomized clinical trial for which Assiut University Women’s Health Hospital was a participating site. He will provide pre- and post-award grant management, including coordination with Assiut University administration, monitoring of regulatory and financial compliance, assisting with human resources issues, implementing quality management, and organizing the submission of progress reports all under the supervision of Drs. Othman and Al-Hendy.

Maryellen Giger Ph.D, Project Co-Investigator, University of Chicago. aim (Project 1)

Dr Giger is the the A.N. Pritzker Professor of Radiology and Medical Physics at The University of Chicago. She is an internationally-recognized expert in computerized quantitative image analysis and AI of medical images, especially in women health. For over 30 years, she has conducted research on computer-aided diagnosis and quantitative image analysis (radiomics)/machine learning in the areas of thoracic diseases (lung cancer, emphysema, osteoporosis, COVID-19), breast cancer, prostate cancer, and bone diseases. She has also served on various NIH study sections, is a former president of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and a former president of SPIE, and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Dr. Giger will have the primary scientific responsibility and oversight for the UChicago AI/radiomics of uterine cancer, and will work with all Co-Investigators on this proposal.

Siobàn Harlow  Ph.D, University of Michigan.

Consultant: DatAUB (Project 2)

Dr Harlow  is an epidemiologist and Professor in both the Departments of Epidemiology and

Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan and serves as that school’s Director of the

Center for Midlife Science. Her research has focused on the understanding ovarian and menstrual function across the lifespan showing exceptional leadership in studies exploring the natural history of ovarian aging and the development of a staging system for reproductive aging. She is an expert in the the development and application of appropriate statistical methodologies that facilitate quantitative analysis of variation in physiologic processes as well as their application in longitudinal cohort studies. She also has considerable experience in fostering career development of junior faculty, am the recipient of two institutional mentoring awards, have chaired 27 dissertations and have over 250 peer-reviewed publications. All of this experience and skill should be useful as one goal of the overall DS-I brief is to build capacity in Africa. In this project, her principal role in this project is to provide epidemiologic expertise in design, data collection and analyses, and to provide expertise regarding measurement of menstrual function and analyses of menstrual data.

Carla Harmath MD, Co-Investigator, University of Chicago. 

aim (Project 1)

Dr Harmath is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Chicago. She is fellowship-trained in body imaging/MRI and is faculty in the Section of Abdominal Imaging at the University of Chicago.On this project, Dr. Harmath will have the primary responsibility for the radiologist assessment of the uterine MRIs, including delineation of fibroids/tumors. Dr. Harmath will also work closely with the other investigators in the interpretation of AI outputs

Sara Hassanian Ph.D, University of Assiut. aim Project 1)

Dr. Hasanain is an assistant professor of Clinical Radiology, Assiut University. She developed experience in segmenting lesions and body parts during a neuroimaging fellowship in the National hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, the United Kingdom. Dr. Hasanain will work with Dr. Saeifeldein to searching the existing database of MRI images of the female pelvis in Assiut University for volumes containing uterine fibroids and/or leiomyosarcomsa and will use computer software to outline the suspected lesions for the artificial intelligence/ machine learning experts.

Hui Li Ph.D, Co-Investigator, University of Chicago.  aim Project 1)

Dr His is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology at The University of Chicago. Dr. Li has been working with Dr. Giger for over 15 years and has expertise in medical image analyses and in statistical evaluations for robustness and reproducibility assessments. Dr. Li will work with Dr. Giger on the radiomic feature analysis and deep learning of fibroid lesions on MRI.

Anna Klepchukova, MD. Flo Health

DatAUB (Project 2)

Dr Klepchukova is the Medical Director for Flo Health

Sandra Laveaux MD, University of Chicago. 

Co-Investigator aim (Project 1)

Dr Laveaux is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Chicago.is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The

University of Chicago. Dr. Madueke-Laveaux specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids, endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.  On this project, Dr. Madueke-Laveaux will provide access to and assist in identifying suitable cases of traditional leiomyoma versus atypical leiomyoma as well as leiomyosarcoma suspicious cases. She will also work closely with the data science experts to map out suspicious areas on MRI scans that will then be used to feed the machine leanings algorithms.

Michelle Lavin MD, Ph.D, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland. Consultant: DatAUB (Project 2)

Dr Lavin  is theis a pediatric haematologist at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, who has

directed her research and clinical care to hemostasis, working to improve recognition and management of people with bleeding disorders in general but with a focus on women and girls. She has a vibrant research training program for junior investigators at both undergraduate and graduate level works as a consultant hematologist in the National Coagulation Centre (NCC) a consistently recognized centre for excellence in the field of bleeding disorders. Dr Lavin provides the necessary hematological expertise necessary for this project, and is somewhat unique in that she has both interest and experience in trials involving girls and women with heavy menstrual bleeding.  She will participate in weekly meetings of the Steering Committee which will vary somewhat during the five years, participate in the analysis, interpretation of results and dissemination via manuscript preparation and other means. She will also serve to assist the capacity building aspect of this project by mentoring Pr Elsayed, also a hematologist and the PI from the University of Assiut. 

Professor Lumsden is the Executive Director of FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) headquartered in London UK, a member of FIGO's Menstrual Disorders Committee and a Voluntary Professor at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. An experienced clinical investigator,Dr. Lumsden will assist Dr. Munro with the day-to-day management of the Dat-AUB project and will advise and work with Dr. Ghada Elsayed fromAssiut (Core Lead).  She will work at FIGO to encourage use of the Flo Database in the 40+ countries on the

continent. She will co-chair the regular meetings of the DatAUB Steering Committee, the smaller DatAUB Working Group, and will interact with both the DMAC as appropriate on a regular basis. Dr. Lumsden will take the lead in guiding the staff in the Assiut Val-IDA-te pilot assisted by Dr. Munro, while Dr. Munro will take the lead in investigator guidance the Dandora Val-IDA-te pilot study assisted by Pr Lumsden During the planning and recruitment phases, these studies will require near daily

communication with the study teams on the ground. In Assiut that will be Dr Elsayed and in Dandora it will be Dr Vaughn. Pr Lumsden will have to make at least two site visits to Kenya and Egypt early in the set-up phase, and then again at least once later in recruitment. Dr Lumsden will work with Drs Munro and Elsayed on analysis and manuscript preparation at various points during, and particularly in the last six months of the overall project.

Kristen Matteson MD, MPH, Brown University.

Consultant: DatAUB (Project 2)

Dr Matteson is  an obstetrician gynecologist who is vice Chair for research in the Department of

Obstetrics and Gynecology and an Associate Professor at Brown University. Dr Matteson has specialized in the development of tools for measuring the clinical impact of abnormal uterine bleeding on women’s health. Her research has resulted in the development and validation of the Menstrual Bleeding Questionnaire. She has also made continuing contributions to development, review and modification of the FIGO Systems for Symptoms and Classification of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in the Reproductive Years. She will consult on the selection of individual menstrual bleeding tool outcome measure elements into the reproductive health dataset, the design of the study protocols and procedures, the planned data analyses, and collaborate on the interpretation of results and dissemination via manuscripts and other means. 

Malcolm G. Munro MD, FRCSC, FIGO. 

DatAUB Study Chair;  Co-Investigator, DatAUB

Dr Munro is the Chair of FIGO's Menstrual Disorders Committee and a Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr Munro was instrumental in the organizational development of the FIGO Menstrual Disorders Committee (MDC) and its systems for categorizing symptoms and causes of AUB are used worldwide. He has substantial experience in managing international teams of clinicians and in the design and management of multinational research. Dr Munro has published extensively on abnormal uterine bleeding and advised Flo Health on the development of their tool for estimating the volume of menstrual bleeding.

Mean Nagy, University of Assiut.

Co-Investigator, AWARrD Core

Mr. Nagy is teaching assistant in the Department of Information Systems in the Faculty of Computers and Information, Assiut University, Egypt. He teaches various courses and  conducts research in big data analytics and data science. Mr. Nagy will devote 50% effort to working with the DMAC, where he will be working with imbalanced data existing through smart technologies.

Marawan Radwan, University of Assiut.

Co-Investigator, AWARrD Core

Mr. Radwan is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems, in the Faculty of Computers and Information, Assiut University, Egypt where he conducts research in large scale graph mining. Mr. Radwan will spend 50% effort of his time working with the DMAC, where he will work jointly with Dr. Salem to deploy machine learning algorithms for the AWARrD projects.

Mostafa Salem Ph.D, University of Assiut.

Co-Investigator, AWARrD Core

Dr. Salem is an Associate Professor, the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computers and Information. He conducts research in machine learning and image processing and is also Dr. Salem is currently a member of the current COVID-19 big data platform project funded by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Dr. Salem will spend 50% effort of his time working with DMAC, where he will be assigned to deploy machine learning algorithms for AWARrD projects.

Gehan Seifeldein Ph.D, University of Assiut

Co-Investigator aim (Project 1)

For 20 years while at Assiut University Dr. Seifeldein has developed her clinical subspecialty interest in the use of CT and MRI pelvic imaging for evaluation of the female pelvic floor and reproductive tract.  She is also a member of the gynecologic oncology multidisciplinary team. With her co-investigators has published highly cited papers regarding gynecologic oncology and disorders of the female pelvic floor. For this project, Dr. Seifeldein will be responsible for searching the existing Assiut University database of MRI images of the female pelvis for volumes that portray uterine fibroids and leiomyosarcomsa. She will also work with her team to outline the suspected lesions on the images for the artificial intelligence/ machine learning experts

Katsiaryna Shkodzik, MD. Flo Health,

Dat-AUB (Project 2)

Dr Shkodzik is 

Taysir Solimon, Ph.D Hub Assiut Egypt

Dr Soliman is Professor and Head of the Department of Information Systems,

Bioinformatics Program Coordinator, and Dean of the Faculty of Computers and Information, Assiut University.. She supervises big data analytics and bioinformatics research groups conducting research in data science, data mining, and big data analytics for bioinformatics and other domains.  She was the focal point of DellEMC at Assuit University, and currently is the program coordinator at Google Assiut University developers group. Dr. Soliman was Assiut University PI at DAAD biodialog project for scientific exchange. She is currently the PI of COVID-19 big data analysis platform funded by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Research which will end within 4 months. Dr. Soliman will serve as the PI/Core Lead of the DatAUB Data Management and Analysis core (DMAC) at Assiut University.She will assume the overall responsibility for the achievement of the goals of DMAC. Dr. Soliman will schedule

and conduct regular progress meetings and ensure DMAC compliance with all institutional guidelines and policies concerning the conduct of research.

Dr Stevens is the Associate Laboratory Director of the Computing, Environment and Life Sciences Directorate at Argonne National Laboratory, and a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago, with significant responsibility in delivering on the U.S. national initiative for Exascale computing and developingthe DOE initiative in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Science. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has received many national honors for his research, including an R&D 100 award. Professor Stevens will be responsible for the overall project management, scientific direction, and all other aspects of the project.

Joseph Vaughn, MD. Brother Andre 

Site PI Val-IDA-te (Kenya) and Co-Investigator, DatAUB (Project 2)

Dr Vaughn is a hematologist who is on the staff of the Brother Andre Medical Center in Dandora/Nairobi Kenya. Dr. Vaughn will be responsible for all aspects of the project at BAMC, programmatic and financial. He will oversee the activities of all personnel, prepare all required reports, and evaluate and disseminate research data and resources generated during the grant period. He will lead recruitment efforts, data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Fangfang Xia, Ph.D University of Chicago,

DatAUB (Project 2)

Computer Scientist in the Data Science and Learning Division at Argonne National Laboratory. He will assist Professor Stevens on implementation of strategies that facilitate coordination with the projects, implementation of strategies that foster data sharing, and will help implement strategies and provide regular guidance to the Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) on data quality assurance and quality control methods.

Liudmila Zhaunova, Ph.D Flo Health

Site PI, DatAUB (Project 2)

Dr Zhaunova is the Scientific Lead for Flo Health and is the key liaison between Flo and the DatAUB project.academic partners. Through Dr Zhaunova, Flo Health has demonstrated a commitment to supporting research involving the menstrual cycle using appropriately anonymized data from their widely used application for "smart phones" As an example, together with Professor Dr Robert Norman from the University of Adelaide in Australia the menstrual cycles of more than 1.5 million Flo users from all over the world where characterized and published, an experience that will be invaluable for characterising menstrual cycles in African women. In addition, in partnership with Professor

Tarun Jain from Northwestern University PCOS was characterized among Flo app users around the world using an app-based survey . This experience would be in help for identifying

the prevalence of HMB symptoms in Africa. Dr Zhaunova will be involved in the day to day management of the Flo relationship and will facilitate interaction amongst the data scientists at the University of Assiut, FIGO, and Flo Health