Yong Wang, PhD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Electrical and System Engineering, Radiology, and Biomedical Engineering, in collaboration with Valerie Ratts, MD, Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, is making strides in discovery related to his project titled “Understanding Uterine Function and How it Relates to Reproductive Health.” This project was recently expanded to investigate the impact of use of different types of intrauterine devices (IUD) and bilateral tubal occlusion on uterine peristalsis patterns using a novel imaging device, “uterine peristalsis imaging” (UPI), invented and developed in Wang lab. To support this work, the team received a $1,347,360 two-year supplement and term extension from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in November 2023. As part of this additional foundation funding, the Wang lab will also develop a portable UPI system that can be used in clinics globally.