Hey there! I wanted to share my journey in becoming an embryologist, which has been quite the adventure. While I was studying genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I stumbled upon a summer course in the animal science department called Lab Techniques in Mammalian Gamete and Embryo Biology. Even though it wasn’t required for my major, the course sounded super interesting and a great break from the tedious work I was doing in a fruit fly genetics lab.
This course opened up an amazing opportunity for me to work in a reproductive physiology research lab, using bovine eggs as our model. We would receive fresh cow ovaries twice a week, delivered in retro coffee thermoses to keep them warm. It was quite the task to handle those slippery ovaries while aspirating fluid from the follicles with a needle—definitely a test of skill and focus!
During my time there, a graduate student mentioned an internship with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia, focusing on reproductive research for endangered species. After graduation, I jumped at the chance, packed my things, and moved to Virginia to join a team dedicated to enhancing the breeding program for the clouded leopard, a vulnerable species from Southeast Asia.
These experiences fueled my passion for human reproductive biology, and I took my first job at a small IVF clinic in the Bay Area. Eventually, I was thrilled to join a team where I received my training as an embryologist. During my time here, I’ve seen tremendous advancements in the field, especially with our vitrification program. I’ve had the privilege to share our successes at workshops and educational meetings with other IVF labs both nationally and globally.
The dedication and ethical standards of my team are truly remarkable, and I take pride in working collaboratively towards our ultimate goal of helping patients build their families. It’s a unique environment where we all share the same altruistic vision.
If you’re curious about home insemination techniques, I recommend checking out this excellent resource on pregnancy. You might also be interested in learning about how to manage baby biting, which can be found in our related blog post. And if you’re looking for tools for your journey, I found a great kit that might be helpful.
In summary, my journey to becoming an embryologist has been filled with unique experiences and learning opportunities that have shaped my career and passion for reproductive health.