Alumni Spotlight on Sera Balkir, MS

Sera Balkir is a recent graduate of the MS-RSM program, class of 2026. She completed the non-thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Pamela Monahan and Dr. Lindsey Block. Sera also received the Teresa K. Woodruff Award for Most Outstanding MS-RSM Student (Non-Thesis). She is currently working as a medical assistant and applying to medical school.

Mentors: Pamela Monahan, PhD and Lindsey Block, PhD  

Project Title: "The Impact of Polystyrene Micronanoplastics on Extravillous Trophoblast ɑ5β1 Integrin Expression"  

What is your connection to the CRS community and what is your current position?

I am a recent graduate of the Master of Science in Reproductive Science & Medicine (MS-RSM) program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. As an MS-RSM student, I conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Pamela Monahan and Dr. Lindsey Block. Within the CRS community, I served as a writer on the CRS Editorial Committee and have moderated for Reproductive Research Updates. Currently, I am applying to medical school and working as a medical assistant. Outside of work, I volunteer at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and continue to write for the CRS Editorial Committee.  

Could you describe your current research/studies?

During my time in MS-RSM, my cohort and I investigated the relationship between micronanoplastic exposure and adverse placenta outcomes. I designed a study to test if micronanoplastic exposure would decrease ɑ5β1 integrin expression on extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), cells that invade maternal uterine tissue to accommodate for increasing blood flow demands during pregnancy. By conducting flow cytometry experiments, I found that the micronanoplastic exposures used in this study did not affect EVT ɑ5β1 integrin expression. This research prompted me to reflect on inherent micronanoplastic study limitations, such as plastic lab materials which complicate findings, and strengthened my ability to critically evaluate emerging micronanoplastic health claims. Additionally, I learned about the importance of studying how environmental stressors influence reproduction and development.  

What aspect(s) of CRS did you find most valuable?

I found the most valuable aspects of CRS to be the unique opportunities to connect with and learn from experts across so many disciplines, as well as the passion and dedication of those around me. Whether through the weekly Reproductive Research Updates, the Upper Midwest Summit for Reproductive Science, seminars, or guest speakers, the people within CRS continually inspire me to advocate for reproductive science and medicine. 

What has been the most valuable aspect to your training as a reproductive scientist in CRS?

Mentorship has been the most valuable aspect of my training within CRS. I feel incredibly fortunate to have mentors who recognize the potential in me and my peers and challenge us to reach it. Their mentorship has trained me to think more critically and to communicate my ideas more effectively. It has been a privilege to learn from mentors who not only invest in my scientific development, but also encourage me to push beyond what I thought I was capable of. 

What would you recommend to junior scientists in order for them to succeed in their scientific careers?

My advice would be to appreciate the work of others and stay curious. Studying reproductive science has shown me the importance of understanding both foundational and emerging literature, while remaining adaptable as the field continues to advance. I believe these qualities will help a junior scientist recognize the importance of the work being done by others and build meaningful relationships throughout their career.  

What do you think will be the next big contribution in the reproductive biology field?

I believe the next major contribution to reproductive biology will be the integration of artificial intelligence into the development of therapies and approaches across the reproductive life cycle. This integration is already beginning to emerge and has the potential to improve current assisted reproductive technologies, to accelerate the development of personalized medicine, and to make reproductive health assessments more accessible. 

Do you have any notable stories from your time in CRS?

Some of my favorite memories from CRS were the opportunities to connect with my peers, work through challenges together in the lab, and see embryos firsthand in the Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Lab. Another favorite memory was the MS-RSM graduation. It was so meaningful to see my peers present the research they had worked on throughout the program, hear reflections from our mentors, and celebrate their accomplishments as they prepared to take their next steps. I am grateful to have been a part of such a supportive and inspiring community.