Grand opening set for facility housing research into maternal-child health topics

Chapman University, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Crean School of Health and Life Sciences, and The Orange Barrio Historical Society are hosting the grand opening of The Early Human and Lifespan Development Research Program.  The new facility will be housed in the renovated and restored Cypress Street Schoolhouse, just west of the main campus. The grand opening is Tuesday, March 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. The campus community is invited to attend.

The Schoolhouse, built in 1928, is significant for being the last-standing Mexican-American segregated school in Southern California.  Today, the Schoolhouse is equipped to support the nationally recognized research program which focuses on women and children.  The state-of-the-art facility, which is undergoing LEED-certification, also will be the new home of the Orange Barrio Historical Society and a focal point for community meetings and education.

The Early Human and Lifespan Development Research Program is headed by Laura Glynn, Ph.D. Dr. Glynn and her collaborators conduct an interdisciplinary program of translational research that examines the interplay between biological, psychosocial and behavioral processes in human pregnancy and the influences of these processes on maternal and fetal/child development.

The program’s research in the realm of maternal-child health covers three main areas:

• Understanding the underlying causes of premature birth, the most serious problem in maternal-child health and the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the United States.
• Elucidating how pre- and postnatal hormone exposures influence women’s psychological health and cognitive function, and also more specifically the quality of maternal behavior and postpartum depression.
• Determining the role of very early life influences in fetal, infant and child development.

“We are thrilled to have this special place near our campus for Dr. Glynn’s important research,” said Janeen Hill, Ph.D., dean, Schmid College of Science and Technology. “The fact that it will reside in a place with historic ties to children and that we are still connected with the Cypress Barrio Society makes it a perfect union.”

Originally, the School House provided education and healthcare to children of migrant workers, but in 1931 it became a segregated campus and remained so until 1944.  The Orange Barrio Historical Society united to conserve this historic building and to record the contributions of the School and the community it served to the history of Orange.

The opening event will take place Tuesday, March 19, at the School House,  544 N.Cypress St., and will feature a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony with President Jim Doti, along with guided tours afterwards.

The event is free, but reservations are requested and may be made calling (714) 289-2061.