Welcome to our 7th MS-RSM cohort!
Last month, our CRS community expanded as we welcomed our 7th cohort in the Master’s in Reproductive Science and Medicine Graduate Program. The MS-RSM program welcomed these exceptional students to our unique program rooted in specialized education and innovative translational research in reproductive science and medicine. Thirteen diverse minds found their way to the MS-RSM program from various educational and professional backgrounds.
Research experience of the cohort was not limited to reproductive biology with Paige Naples researching temperature and carbon dioxide levels on plant growth, and Tito Chai’s work on matrix metalloproteinases involved in disease. The etiology of disease was additionally researched by Yuna Lee who focused on reproductive toxicology, specifically postnatal phthalate exposure in pig models. Some of our new members have already taken a deeper dive into reproductive research with Isabelle Fox having researched the genesis of ovarian dysfunction, Drew Klemann having researched parturition and inflammation, and Jenna Jacoby focused on vitamin D deficiency in premature babies.
Two of our new students, Meredith Lohman and Jessica Miller, continue on as Wildcats after graduating from Northwestern University. Jessica Miller began diving into the CRS community by working with Dr. Monica Laronda on pediatric fertility preservation amongst several other research opportunities across disciplines, including a focus on disease management in underserved communities. A theme of socially conscious medicine is seen throughout the passions of our new cohort with Meredith Lohman interests following reproductive health and justice. Mariam Charles, a graduate of Michigan State University, follows a similar theme with dedicating her undergraduate thesis to research maternal mortality. Improving patient outcomes is, also, a strong focus of Thalia Smith, as she is committed to improving the health of women and families globally. Sierra Orr, graduate of Wellesley College, plans to continue a focus on social determinants of health with her dedication to studying health disparities in reproductive medicine and being an agent of change. Fellow Wellesley College alumni, Saafia Masoom, continues the activism with committing her time to furthering her education on health equity in reproductive care and being an advocate for patients. Shani Zelenko takes an academic approach with a focus on reproductive care and education.
Our new MS-RSM students' interests span from socially and environmentally conscious care to women and infant health and disease. We look forward to the impact this bright cohort has on our community as each brings a unique perspective. We look forward to supporting their progression in their education, research, community engagement, and network as they grow into the pioneers in our field.