Alumni Spotlight on Lauren Butler
Lauren Butler is an MS-RSM graduate, Class of 2021. She completed the thesis track under the mentorship of Dr. Kara Goldman. She is currently an Account Executive in the Women’s Health division of Myriad Genetics.
Thesis mentor: Kara Goldman, MD
Thesis title: Investigating the Impact of mTOR Inhibitor Treatment on Transgenerational Offspring Health and Fertility
What is your connection to the CRS community (mentor and position) and what is your current position?
Currently, I am an Account Executive in the Women’s Health division of Myriad Genetics. In connection to the CRS community, I served as a member of the alumni mentorship program for MS-RSM students.
Could you describe your current research/studies?
I currently work with OB-GYNs and Reproductive Endocrinologists in the Chicagoland area on their prenatal and hereditary cancer (BRCA mutations, etc) genetic testing. I work with genetic counselors to provide education, support, and direction on genetic testing for healthcare providers.
What aspect(s) of CRS did you find most valuable?
The outside monthly lectures were always valuable, as topics and speakers ranged from all areas of reproductive study. This allowed me to hear about various discoveries and positions in the world of reproduction. More importantly, the Master of Science in Reproductive Science/Medicine program that the CRS offers was the most important step in my education thus far.
What has been the most valuable aspect to your training as a reproductive scientist in CRS?
The most valuable aspect of my training had to be the wide array of techniques and training that the CRS equipped me with on the research front. In the short span of 2 years, I worked with murine breeding trials, cell cultures, immunohistochemistry, oral gavage, vaginal lavage, and many other tasks. Likewise, the CRS equipped me with knowledge on writing abstracts, grants, and other important steps outside of the lab needed in research.
What would you recommend to junior scientists in order for them succeed in their scientific careers?
Find a niche area of research that you find yourself being completely passionate about, and then make it your mission to pursue that area of study with constant effort, drive, and excitement!
What do you think will be the next big contribution in the reproductive biology field?
I think hormonal contraceptive has been a large topic of conversation amongst all, as I believe more interest and funding is being put towards male hormonal contraceptive and the ideology that contraceptive research must incorporate both sexes.
Do you have any notable stories from your time in CRS?
Without a doubt, my most notable memory was traveling to the ASRM conference in Baltimore with my mentor, Dr. Goldman, and being able to present our work to a large audience of reproductive clinicians/scientists. My thesis work ended up taking home the Prize Paper Award, as I will forever be grateful and indebted to those who helped get us there.