GMercyU Biology Student Published in Academic Journal

Gwynedd Mercy University Biology Senior Iqra Siddiqui co-authored a research article recently published in Academic Pediatrics, the official journal of The Academic Pediatric Association.

Iqra was a research assistant at Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia on a study that evaluated the impact of a Baby Friendly-aligned pacifier policy on subsequent pacifier use and breastfeeding at one month of age. The study compared breastfeeding rates pre- and post-implementation of the pacifier policy, which delays the use of pacifiers in newborns.

The study concluded that a Baby Friendly-aligned pacifier policy did not impact overall pacifier use or breastfeeding rates at one month of age.

Students in GMercyU's Biology program all participate in independent research projects. The small class sizes also allow students and faculty to work closely together and develop meaningful relationships.

"I like the connection that the students have with their professors. I'm really close to two professors - Dr. Barbieri and Dr. McEliece. They always go out of their way to help me," Iqra said. "I have my mom and dad at home and then I have my mom and mom here on campus."

Iqra is currently applying to one-year master programs and will then go to medical school. Her plan is to work in pediatrics.