Reproductive Scientist, Conservation Biologist
Fortunately, all my watching of Animal Planet on TV as a kid inspired my interests in conservation biology, rather than rotting my brain as my parents had threatened…
After studying Animal Science with a minor in Education at Cornell University, I followed my interests in species conservation to a series of internships at the Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). There, I realized I loved reproductive biology when being covered in African lion feces was still a good day.
As a graduate student in the Joint Graduate Training Program between Cornell and SCBI, I researched domestic dog reproduction. The goal of this research was to improve understanding of the dog’s unique reproductive biology, and use this knowledge to develop assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in this species, which might be applied to endangered canid conservation efforts and/or the production of biomedical research models. Transitioning into In my postdoctoral research at NZCBI, I began working with biomedical engineers to develop a “artificial ovary”. By mimicking the physical and hormonal environment of the ovary, we hope to better understand how ovarian follicles and eggs grow, as well as produce an in vitro system for fertility preservation in a large mammalian model.
In my position as a Research Biologist in the Center for Species Survival at NZCBI, my research program focuses on developing more bio-mimetic assisted reproductive techniques, from in vitro folliculogenesis to fertilization, toward the goal of producing higher quality gametes and, ultimately, healthier offspring. Outside of the laboratory, I am a proud dog-mom to my test tube puppy Cannon (pictured), a fairly reliable home improvement weekend warrior, and a very reliable cupcake enthusiast.
Related Links
SCBI Profile
Smithsonian National Zoo Webpage
Publication List
Google Scholar
Research Profile
ResearchGate
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