Research

Jennifer Williams is investigating the effect of sex hormones, including those found in hormonal contraceptives, on early risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women. Williams, a PhD candidate in the Vascular Dynamics Lab, is working under the supervision of Maureen MacDonald, the dean of the Faculty of Science.

Approximately 1.3 million Canadian women are currently using oral contraception pills (OCPs) and they are the most common prescription for women in Canada between the ages of 15 and 44. Yet, minimal research exists exploring the short- and long-term effects of hormonal oral contraception pills on measures of cardiovascular health. Williams’ doctoral research aims to investigate these effects using artery response to a series of stimuli, alongside other indicators, such as the stiffness of arteries and markers found in blood, observed using ultrasound technology. Williams is an advocate for women’s health and inclusion of women in basic and clinical research and is passionate about education and research on the integration of sex/gender in biomedical research