Dr. Ohls has been active in clinical/translational research for over 25 years. She is the PI of an NHLBI-funded multicenter study evaluating neurodevelopmental effects of darbepoetin in preterm infants, currently being performed through the NICHD Neonatal Research Network. In addition she serves on the Executive Committee for the PENUT Study.

Dr. Ohls' translational and clinical studies evaluating the interaction of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) with the developing human brain provided insights into mechanisms of neuroprotection, and were the first to report improved developmental outcomes of preterm infants administered ESAs during their initial hospitalization.