ART Lab SIG
The ART Scientists Group was formed on September 28, 2002 at the CFAS meeting in Quebec, and an interim committee (Sharon Mortimer, Rod Bycroft and Marie-Claude Léveillé) was appointed to investigate whether the Group would become a CFAS Special Interest Group. At its next meeting on November 8, 2003, the Group voted unanimously to form a SIG. The aim of the ART Lab SIG is to foster consistent improvement in assisted conception outcomes in Canada by promoting the ongoing education of all ART laboratory scientists, and by encouraging practical cooperation between ART Laboratories. Membership Benefits Joining the ART Lab SIG gives you the opportunity to:
- influence the direction of your profession in Canada
- network with other ART lab scientists from across Canada
- stay up to date with issues and events that affect ART lab scientists across Canada and the world
Jenny Wu, BMLSc, MSc
Chair
Jenny Wu is a senior embryologist at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine in Burnaby, BC. She graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Embryology at the University of Leeds with distinction classification. She has gained special interests in metabolomics, genetics, and epigenetics during embryogenesis that influences implantation potential. As a senior embryologist, she is involved in training junior IVF laboratory staff, liaising between donor egg banks and the clinic, and promoting safe laboratory practices. Outside of work, she likes to lift weights at the gym and try new restaurants.
Dr. Fernanda Dias, MSc, PhD, DMV
Vice-Chair
I am a Brazilian-born veterinarian with extensive training in animal reproduction physiology, genomics, endocrinology, and molecular biology. I grew up on a farm, leading me to pursue Veterinary Medicine at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, where I was awarded a four-year research scholarship. In 2005, I moved to Canada to further my academic and research career, completing my MSc and PhD studies at the University of Saskatchewan.
Throughout my career, I have developed broad expertise in lab techniques such as RT-PCR, Western Blot, bioinformatics, and complex biostatistics, particularly in animal reproduction as a model for human health. Currently, I hold two roles: as a Lab Director in a human IVF center, where I manage various operational, regulatory, and employee responsibilities, and as an Adjunct Professor, where I focus on grant writing, supervising students, and conducting innovative research.
Known for my organizational skills, self-motivation, and determination, I am adept at synthesizing information and integrating new knowledge to drive productive research and practical outcomes in both veterinary and human health contexts.
Dr. Zheng Yan, PhD
Secretary/Treasurer
Zheng Yan is the Laboratory Director at Pollin Fertility in Toronto, Canada. With more than 13 years of specialized experience in assisted reproductive technology and reproductive genetics, both internationally and in Canada, Dr. Yan has demonstrated strong proficiency in IVF laboratory operations, quality management, and team development.
Dr. Yan earned his PhD in Genetics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and began his professional career in human assisted reproduction in 2012. Before relocating to Canada, he held pivotal roles as a clinical embryologist and scientific supervisor at a pioneering IVF centre in China, supporting thousands of IVF patients and training staP and students for ten years. Since 2022, he has served as an IVF laboratory leader at three reputable fertility clinics in Canada.
In addition to laboratory leadership, Dr. Yan has extensive research experience in reproductive genetics. He completed a one-year visiting scholarship at Harvard University in 2017 and was an Associate Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University from 2020 to 2022. He has led and participated in multiple research grants and contributed to the discovery of key pathogenic genes associated with infertility, authoring more than 40 peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Yan is a CFAS-certified IVF laboratory director and embryologist. He brings substantial experience in establishing standard operating procedures in IVF laboratories, managing day- to-day operations, and conducting staP training programs. He is committed to patient- centred care and supporting families throughout their fertility journey.
Anisha Uberoi, BSc, MSc
Executive Member
Anisha Uberoi is a CFAS-certified Senior Embryologist at Generation Fertility, Toronto West. With over 11 years of experience in assisted reproductive technology, she has worked across leading fertility centers in India and Canada, bringing a global perspective to embryology and lab leadership.
Before moving to Canada, Anisha served as Regional Head of Embryology at Nova IVF Fertility, one of India’s largest fertility networks, which was established in collaboration with IVI Spain, a global leader in reproductive medicine. In this role, she led multiple laboratories, standardized protocols, and implemented quality and performance benchmarks across centers.
She earned her Master’s in Medical Science in Assisted Reproductive Technology from the University of Nottingham, U.K.
Anisha has presented at various international forums and contributed to publications and educational handbooks in ART. Her current focus lies in integrating artificial intelligence and morphokinetic analytics into embryology to enhance decision-making and IVF outcomes, bridging clinical embryology with emerging technologies to make fertility care more personalized and effective.
Dr. Samantha Torrance, PhD
Executive Member
I have been the Laboratory Director at the Ottawa Fertility Centre since 2022 where I oversee all aspects of operations and quality in the ART Lab. Prior to starting my role as Lab Director, I completed my PhD in. Cellular and Molecular Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Jay Baltz with a focus on studying the mechanisms of cell volume regulation of oocytes and preimplantation embryos. As I moved from research to clinical embryology under the direction of Dr. Marie-Claude Leveille, I became even more passionate about the field of Reproductive Biology with a continued commitment to support basic science research and its translation to clinical use.
I endeavour to bring more awareness of our field to learners through education in my position as a lecturer in Reproductive Biology courses at the University of Ottawa and as a faculty member of the GREI fellowship program at The Ottawa Hospital.
Drawing on my experience from both basic science research and clinical embryology, it is my goal to contribute to the advancement of patient-centre care and improvement in ART outcomes throughout the duration of my career.
Supreet Kamar, BSc, MSc
Executive Member
Supreet Kumar is a Senior Embryologist at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) in Edmonton, Alberta, and a dedicated advocate for operational excellence and patient-centered care within Canadian Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). He earned his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Clinical Embryology in India (2016), complementing his foundation in biological sciences. Supreet’s early career featured significant thesis work on the Effect of Repeated Superovulation, an international elective at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, with a focus on EU ART protocols and oncofertility research, and an academic chapter contribution on Assisted Hatching. Prior to establishing his career in Canada, he provided high-volume embryology services across multiple IVI Global clinics and served as Supporting Faculty for a clinical embryology certificate program.
Upon relocating to Canada, Supreet has applied his expertise to both novel IVF facility startups and established high-volume centres. A CFAS Abstract Reviewer for the 71st Annual Meeting, he holds a special interest in advanced data analytics, particularly non-invasive morphokinetic and AI-driven selection models for optimizing PGT-A outcomes and upholding ethical clinical decision-making. His technical skills encompass the full spectrum of advanced ART techniques, including ICSI, IVF, oocyte/embryo vitrification, and embryo biopsy, with further strengths in Quality & Compliance (SOP harmonization, Canadian standards) and Operational Management. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Supreet champions transparent healthcare, continuous improvement, and stakeholder engagement.
Supreet is also a vocal champion for Patient Experience, ensuring patients are “as confident as I am” in their care. His mission is to help all patients attain the joy of parenthood he personally cherishes. A certified Embryology Laboratory Scientist (ELS), Supreet enjoys time with his wife and two young children and experimenting with new cooking recipes at home.
Siamak Bashar, MLT, MSc, PhD
Past-Chair
Siamak Bashar currently works as a Senior Embryologist, Researcher, and PGS specialist at the CReATe Fertility Centre in Toronto, Canada since 2006. He graduated with a Master of Science (M.Sc), majoring in Reproductive Immunology and Endocrinology from the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph (2004). Prior to this, he completed the Assisted Reproductive Technology Post Graduate program from The Michener Institute in 2001. Since 2005, he has been a member of the CFAS ART Lab SIG and he was also an Executive member of ART Lab SIG for two years (2014-2016).
Dr. Bashar has tremendous experience performing the following assisted reproductive techniques: retrieval, embryo culture, embryo assessment, embryo transfer, media preparation, embryo and sperm cryopreservation, oocyte, Day 3 and blastocyst vitrification, assisted hatching, ICSI, conventional IVF, TESA, PESA, quality assurance, and quality control. In addition, he is participating in various research projects which focus on Andrology, Embryology and Molecular Biology of reproduction. On top of this, he also trains IVF laboratory staff and medical students. As a Senior Embryologist, he is involved in preparing the laboratory for CFAS certification, Health Canada regulations, quality control and quality assurance implementation.