Basic research in my lab has continued to focus on two areas of early mammalian development that have clinical implications: (i) understanding the molecular dynamics of the mammalian oocyte and early preimplantation plasma membrane as related to functional polarizations involved in determining fertilization permissive regions in the oocyte and how focal zones permissive for intercellular communication between blastomeres are established and initially transient but subsequently become more permanent. (ii) improving the simplified in vitro fertilization culture system we developed to encompass in vitro maturation of the oocyte and use of a high-resolution time-lapse recording and remote viewing functions that can be assembled inexpensively. The time-lapse capacity allows expert embryologists to monitor quality control and normality of embryogenesis in collaborating infertility programs in real time from distant locations with contemporaneous verbal communication using Skype.
keywords
basic and clinical embryology, infertility, early mammalian development
MCDB 3350 - Fertility, Sterility, and Early Mammalian Development
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020
Describes the production of germ cells, ovulation, fertilization, reproductive cycles, controls of reproduction, early development of the embryo, methods of contraception, and causes and treatments of sterility. Recommended for students planning careers in the health sciences. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 (minimum grade C-).
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
