Email: [email protected]

  Research Area:

Reproductive biology

  Research Summary:

The focus of our research is to establish methodologies that will eventually be applicable to the clinical field of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The objective is to identify healthy oocytes and embryos that may be placed back in patients to maximize the success rate and to reduce the number of multiple gestations that is associated with the procedure. We are using non-invasive technology to potentially identify healthy oocytes by measuring calcium efflux that is driven by a sodium/calcium exchange protein. We will continue to characterize this mechanism. We also wish to improve culture conditions for oocytes and embryos. Hamster oocytes will be used for those studies to identify an ideal media that can be used for oocyte maturation. In addition we are interested in examining other factors that can effect oocyte maturation such as angiotensin II. The interaction of cummulus cells and oocytes are also included in our interests. Students can become familiar with techniques used in embryology, including microscopy and handling embryos; micromanipulation;biochemical techniques; aseptic cell culture.