Spotlighting our MS-RSM Graduating Thesis Students

After several months of diligent work and all of the trials and tribulations that come with conducting research, the eight second-year MS-RSM students successfully defended their theses at the end of winter quarter. Six faculty served as the students’ individual mentors on their thesis projects, which covered a range of reproductive science topics currently at the forefront of the field, from testicular organoids to transfeminine fertility preservation. The rest of the CRS community was able to appreciate these efforts as the students presented their research at the weekly Reproductive Research Updates over the course of the last month.  

Reflecting upon their time in the MS-RSM program, the soon-to-be graduates shared some of their thoughts on what they are taking away from the experience and their plans for the future. 

Randa Abboud (Halpern Lab) - Thesis: Fertility Preservation in Transfeminine Patients.

"The MS-RSM program, faculty, and community has completely reshaped the way I approach research and medicine. The atmosphere inspires innovative, hones techniques, and trains students how to make the change they hope to see. "

Pooja Devrukhkar (Duncan Lab) -Thesis: Establishing Doxorubicin-induced senescence in the human ovary.

"The MS-RSM program has given me a brilliant community of peers, mentors, and friends who have been a constant source of inspiration and have pushed me to explore avenues beyond my comfort zone. Reproductive science is THE field to be in! And no better place than the CRS to keep your passion going! Through all the skills obtained and lessons learnt, I hope to bring together my background in clinical medicine and research to contribute to global health programs focused on the improvement of maternal and child health. "

Cassandra Huerta (Kim Lab) -Thesis: Directed differentiatin of human induced pluripotent stem cells provides a novel model for endometriosis.

"Through my thesis work and exposure to the CRS community, the MS-RSM program has enabled me to regain momentum in my scientific development and further pursue my passion for understanding reproductive disease. After graduation, I’ll be pursuing a PhD in Reproductive science at MSU in Grand Rapids. "

Katya Macias (Pavone Lab) - Thesis: Paternal body mass index may be associated with alterations in embryo morphokinetics during in vitro fertilization.

"My time in the MS-RSM program has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding times in my academic career, and nothing would have been possible without the support of my parents and classmates! After graduating I hope to work for a clinical lab!"

Ria Marathe (Goldman Lab) - Thesis: Global kinase patters in the human ovarian cumulus cells in the aging ovary.

"My time in the MS-RSM program helped me solidify my career path, and I am so grateful to be in the reproductive science community. After graduation, I will be attending a Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program in the fall!"

Olivia Printy (Laronda Lab) - Thesis: Totally Tubular: defined cell density produces organotypic testicular organoids that aggregate to form extended structures capable of supporting a germ cell population and hormone production.

"The Northwestern MS-RSM program has provided me with endless opportunities for growth as a researcher. It has continued to fuel my passion for reproductive science. Following graduation, I will be matriculating into medical school."

Gillian Rubenstein (Goldman Lab) - Thesis: mTOR signaling in endometriosis: A cumulus cell case-control study utilizing a novel kinome array.

"In the MS-RSM I gained foundational knowledge in reproductive science that will carry me through the rest of my career in academic medicine, thanks largely to the incredible faculty in CRS and Northwestern Medicine who shared their individual perspectives on reproductive science and medicine. After graduation I will matriculate into medical school, hopefully beginning a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology where I can continue practicing my skills in clinical-translational research that I developed at Northwestern."

Priyanka Suryavanshi (Pavone Lab) - Thesis: Analysis of inflammatory cytokine profile of follicular fluid from patients with endometriosis and impact on sperm motility.

"Being a part of the MSRSM program was truly the most eye-opening and enriching experience that I will forever be grateful for. In the future, I hope to continue to contribute to the field of reproductive science in any capacity- whether that may be through industry or in the field of research. "

Gillian, Pooja, Ria, Katya, Priyanka, Randa, Cassandra, and Olivia are part of the sixth cohort to complete the unique journey that is the MS-RSM program. And, as they wrap up their final experiments and say goodbye to the CRS this spring, their mentors, loved ones, and supporters could not be prouder of what they have accomplished in such a brief amount of time. With this dynamic group of young reproductive scientists heading off into the world to conquer new territory in the discipline, the CRS community can rest assured that the future is indeed incredibly bright.