In this episode of She Leads Science, Dr. Liz Joy sits down with Dr. Michelle Mottola, a globally recognized leader whose work has helped transform exercise during pregnancy from a source of caution and confusion into an evidence-based standard of care. Together, they explore Dr. Mottola’s scientific journey, her leadership in advancing maternal health research, and the growing global recognition that cardiometabolic health during pregnancy can shape a woman’s future risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The conversation highlights her groundbreaking work on gestational diabetes, exercise safety, and the long-term health implications of pregnancy, as well as her success translating research into practice through the NELIP program. Dr. Mottola also shares one of her most memorable and practical messages for pregnant women: don’t eat for two, eat twice as healthy. This episode is a compelling look at the science, leadership, and global impact of exercise during pregnancy.

In this episode of She Leads Science, host Dr. Liz Joy sits down with pioneers Drs. Mary Jane De Souza and Nancy Williams to explore the science and leadership behind the Female Athlete Triad. Together, they trace their paths into research, reflect on navigating male-dominated fields, and discuss how their work reshaped the understanding of energy deficiency, menstrual function, and bone health in physically active women. The conversation unpacks the physiology of energy deficiency and examines the long-term consequences for reproductive and skeletal health. They also address persistent misconceptions, gaps between science and clinical practice, and the importance of translating complex research into actionable care. Finally, they reflect on mentorship, leadership, and the power of collaboration between scientists and clinicians to drive meaningful change in women’s health. Highlighted below are recent publications on the expansion of our understanding of the Female Athlete Triad, and its translation into clinical care.

De Souza MJ, Williams NI, Misra M, Nattiv A, Joy E, Barrack M, Ricker EA, Gorrell S, Koltun KJ, O'Donnell E, Mallinson RJ, Salamunes ACC, Woodruff K, Fredericson M, Plessow F. 2025 Update to the Female Athlete Triad Coalition Consensus Statement Part 1: State of the Science and Introduction of a New Adolescent Model. Sports Med. 2026 Feb;56(2):327-373. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02333-z. Epub 2025 Dec 31. PMID: 41474493; PMCID: PMC12982264.

Williams NI, De Souza MJ, Misra M, Nattiv A, Joy E, Barrack M, Ricker EA, Gorrell S, Koltun KJ, O'Donnell E, Mallinson RJ, Salamunes ACC, Woodruff K, Fredericson M, Plessow F. 2025 Update to the Female Athlete Triad Coalition Consensus Statement Part 2: Clinical Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Return to Play for Adolescents and Adults. Sports Med. 2026 Feb;56(2):375-427. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02332-0. Epub 2025 Dec 31. PMID: 41474492; PMCID: PMC12982345.

In this episode of She Leads Science, host Dr. Liz Joy sits down with Kathryn (Katie) Porter Starr, PhD, RD—Associate Professor at Duke University, Research Health Scientist at the Durham VA, and Chief Science Officer at Vivo. Katie’s research focuses on how nutrition and strength training can preserve muscle, function, and independence in older adults, particularly those facing obesity, frailty, or surgery. In this conversation, Katie explains the science behind protein, resistance training, and “nutritional vulnerability,” and why protecting muscle is central to healthy aging. She also shares what it’s like to lead research and innovation across academic medicine, the VA, and the private sector while raising three young daughters, including twins. The discussion explores leadership, mentorship, and the realities of balancing multiple professional roles with family life, while providing insights into building a meaningful scientific career and managing the many demands of life beyond the lab.