CRS Hosts 1st Annual Upper Midwest Summit on Reproductive Science
Gather one, gather all. The end of October saw reproductive scientists from all over the Midwest gather at Northwestern University’s Chicago campus for The Upper Midwest Symposium for Reproductive Science. Experts, early career researchers, and students were ecstatic to delve into the latest developments in reproductive health. This two-day meeting of the minds aimed at facilitating the exchange of ideas and promoting interdisciplinary collaborations to address the challenges and opportunities in reproductive science.
The keynote speaker, Barbara VanderHyden, PhD, Professor, University of Ottawa, shared insights into the history of reproductive ovarian aging research in her presentation “The Aging Ovary and Ovarian Cancer Risk”. Distinguished investigators delivered research presentations that set the tone for the symposium and each following session. Shaw Family Pioneer Awardees, Drs. Jennie Lin, MD and Heather Mahoney, PhD delivered talks on their research focusing on sex inclusive research, while Dr. Deena Emera, previewed her new book with a discussion on “Evolutionary Insights Into the Mysteries of Female Reproductive Biology”. Dr. Binyam Mogessie, PhD (Yale University) discussed his work on “Deciphering chromosome segregation mechanisms in female meiosis”, while Dr. Ripla Arora, PhD (Michigan State University) shared "Insights from imaging the implanting embryo and the uterine environment in three dimensions". Additionally, Dr. Shuo Xiao, PhD (Rutgers) regaled the audience with “A small follicle tells a big story” and Dr. Lonnie Levin, PhD (Weill Cornell Medical College) concluded the research talks with his discoveries in “On Demand Male Contraception Via Acute Inhibition of Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase”Early career scientists were honored with 15-minute talks, an excellent opportunity to interact and grow with the community at large. Congratulations to the winners of our Constance Campbell Memorial Research Trainee Oral Presentation Awards: Emily T. Hayes, University of Illinois Chicago; Bruna K. Tatematsu, Loyola University Chicago; and Emmanuel Paul, PhD, Michigan State University. 
The symposium featured a diverse array of research poster presentations, showcasing studies that spanned basic science to clinical applications. Researchers presented findings related to gamete biology, embryonic development, and illuminating perspectives into reproductive pathologies. Attendees gained valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to understand and overcome challenges in reproductive science. Congratulations to the winners of our Constance Campbell Memorial Research Trainee Outstanding Poster Awards: Harun Cignoz, Northwestern University; Maria Victoria Bariani, PhD, University of Chicago; and McKenna Crossen, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Upper Midwest Symposium for Reproductive Science at Northwestern University proved to be a vibrant and intellectually stimulating gathering. By bringing together experts, researchers, and students, the symposium contributed to the ongoing dialogue surrounding reproductive health. The diverse range of topics covered, from basic science to clinical considerations, was reflective of the multifaceted nature of this evolving field. As the symposium concluded, participants were left with a refreshed perspective on the current and emerging research in reproductive science.