Expertise

My research focuses on several key areas:

  • Studying the ability of fetal porcine and postnatal mouse skin isolated stem cells to form germ cells under various in vitro culture conditions. The ability of stem cells to form germ cells in vitro opens up many possibilities to study germ cell formation under controlled in vitro conditions.
  •  I am also interested in the exploration of intra-ovarian signaling pathways required for normal oocyte/embryo development within livestock species. This has the potential to improve in vitro oocyte techniques such as growth, maturation, and cryopreservation within agriculturally relevant species.
  • Develop molecular methods to improve heifer and gilt selection for reproductive potential in order to improve the productivity and efficiency of these valuable agriculture sectors.

Keywords: Stem Cells; Reproduction

Past Affiliations
Communities
Animal Science
Degrees
PhD, University of Guelph, Animal and Poultry Science, 2009
MSc, University of Guelph, Animal and Poultry Science, 2004
BS, University of Guelph, Molecular Biology and Genetics, 2002
Keywords
stem cells cell & developmental biology embryology reproduction