T H E   T E A M

Tracy A. Manuck, MD MSCI

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Tracy Manuck, MD is a tenured Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, where she serves as Medical Director of the Prematurity Prevention Program. Dr. Manuck is also the Perinatal Section Head of the Institute for Environmental Health Solutions. 

Dr. Manuck completed her Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Utah in 2010. She is a 2-time award winner of the National March of Dimes award for the Best Research in Prematurity.  She is nationally renowned for her work and served on multiple Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine committees and special task forces. Her clinical interests and expertise include preterm labor, cervical insufficiency, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and preeclampsia. She specializes in providing care for women at highest risk for preterm birth, including those with multiple previous preterm deliveries and preterm deliveries before fetal viability. Dr. Manuck also has expertise and passion for investigations of health disparities as they relate to preterm birth and perinatal outcomes, including the impact of environmental exposures. She is a passionate mentor and actively involved with the research education and mentorship of medical students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty.

Her current NIH R01, K24-funded, and State of NC grant research collaborations focus on improving the prediction of which women will deliver preterm, and evaluating maternal and fetal genetics, epigenetics, and environmental exposures to help predict which women will have favorable pregnancy outcomes despite high risks for maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Further, Dr. Manuck seeks to provide personalized solutions to reduce preterm birth risk factors and health disparities, and lower the risk of these adverse pregnancy outcomes. 

Our Current Research Team

Amber Ivins
Amber Ivins is a seasoned researcher with a passion for improving maternal healthcare. With over 12 years of dedicated experience, she has been a driving force in advancing our understanding of pregnancy-related issues. Her extensive work with the pregnant population at the University of North Carolina (UNC) has contributed to pregnancy research in the areas of pre-eclampsia, diabetes & maternal mental health. Amber's commitment to excellence led her to pursue a Masters in Clinical Research at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), further honing her skills and expanding her knowledge base. Her hands-on experience uniquely positions her to navigate the complex landscape of clinical research as well as become a leader.  Currently, Amber serves as a Team Leader in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Research Department, where she helps facilitate a dynamic team of physician researchers and study staff.
Heather Barrera-Ramirez​
Heather Barrera-Ramirez graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2021 with a Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology and Minor in Spanish Translation and Interpretation. Heather has been a part of the Manuck Research Team since 2022 and is pursuing a career in healthcare. Prior to joining the Manuck Research Team, she was a part of the ACT-UP Research Team, whose main goal was to improve healthcare quality and experience among underserved communities in North Carolina during the peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Heather now devotes her time to being the main Research Associate for the PROTECT-MC study.
​Ashlyn Tolbert
​Ashlyn Tolbert is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Medical Anthropology and Medicine, Literature, and Culture. She is an aspiring physician with a large interest in public health and women’s health issues. Ashlyn also volunteers with several local nonprofits and is a certified EMT. She primarily helps with the PROTECT-MC study and CARE initiative.

Libby Gascoigne

Elizabeth Gascoigne is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill majoring in Psychology and Human Development and Family Science. She plans to attend graduate school to get a master's in Genetic Counseling after taking a few years postgrad to join the Peace Corps. ​

Ximena Diez

Ximena Diez is a senior neuroscience major, minoring in chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Working as a work-study student on Dr. Manuck's team, she aids in the research projects conducted by the senior members. Ximena's previous experience in bench lab settings has inspired her to become a physician-scientist after graduation by enrolling in an MD/PhD program.
Emily Gascoigne
Emily Gascoigne graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2021 with a degree in Global Studies. She has been working with the Manuck Research Team since 2019 and plans to pursue a career in medicine. Emily also volunteers as a Doula on Labor and Delivery at UNC and is a certified instructor in Mental Health First Aid. She primarily works on the PTBCARE+ study and CARE initiative. 
Megan Ragusa
Megan Ragusa graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Science with Minors in Biology and Chemistry. Megan has been working with the Manuck Research Team since 2022 and will be attending medical school in the Fall of 2024. Prior to joining the Manuck Research Team, Megan attended graduate school at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She primarily works on the PTBCARE+ study and CARE initiative. 

Joy McNeal

Joy McNeal earned her Master’s in Public Health from The University of North Carolina’s Gillings School of Global Public Health with a focus in Maternal, Child, and Family Health in 2023. Additionally, by mid-2024, she will be a Dona Certified Doula. While in graduate school, Joy focused on the issue of de novo occurrences of postpartum preeclampsia and conducted an comprehensive analysis into this widely unrecognized threat to maternal health. She joined the Manuck Research Team in February of 2024 and will be assisting with data analysis, manuscript preparation, and conference presentations for past and current studies. She is eager to use qualitative and quantitative research methods to improve maternal health outcomes, especially in marginalized and high-risk communities.
Audrey Solarchik
​Audrey Solarchik is a current senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill majoring in Exercise and Sports Science. She is from Charlotte, NC and is planning to go to PA school after graduating. 

Ali White

Ali White is a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Biology. Ali is a Certified Nurse Aide, prior to joining the Manuck Research Team, Ali worked as a clinical research assistant at the UNC School of Medicine. He is from Raleigh, NC and is working towards his goal of becoming a physician.
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​Please always use your best judgement and speak with your provider regarding your specific situation, circumstances, and condition. 
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