Advancing health equities has always been top of mind for Ph.D. student Sherilyn Francis. Her current research studies at Georgia Tech’s Human-Centered Computing program advances her interest to find a solution to create better outcomes for Black women’s maternal journey.

“I recognize I am a member of a marginalized group in the United States and independent of my education and income, once I am in the healthcare space my credentials do not follow me,” Francis said. “My outcome in these spaces are consistent with other members of those marginalized groups. So, this is the driving force of everything I do to find possible solutions.”

Despite the numerous studies surrounding the pregnancy period, Francis recognizes the postpartum period is oftentimes left out of research agendas. In conjunction with the Preventing Maternal Mortality (PM3) application and Google’s resources, the researchers hope to change the narrative and bring light to an underserved sector in women’s health. Francis hopes the study will aid in newfound revelations to help women not only recover from childbirth but thrive throughout the postpartum period.

Currently, Francis is working on an ongoing research project to decipher how technology can address the needs of Black women in rural areas during their postpartum period. Google has advanced its studies by providing 215 FitBits and Fitbit Aria Air Smart Scales. Through a clinical trial and mixed methods of evaluation, 195 women across 159 counties in Georgia will receive the digital health tools, which will be connected to the PM3 application.

Sherilyn Francis

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