Research in Reproductive Science SIG
The Research in Reproductive Science Special Interest Group represents the large number of bench scientists working in fertility, infertility and other areas of reproductive biology. The overall goal of the SIG is to provide a forum for Canadian reproductive biologists to present the results of their work, to learn from basic science presentations at the Annual Meeting and at other CFAS sponsored events.
The SIG has participated in development of the program for the Annual Meeting, to feature cutting edge research with basic and clinical significance. In addition, the SIG fosters networking and collaboration among its members, and furnishes a venue for trainees and young investigators to interact. Further, the Basic Science Special Interest Group fosters cooperation between basic scientists clinical and industrial researchers to increase opportunities for joint funding initiatives and knowledge translation.
Dr. Chidambra D Halari, MBBS, MSc, PhD
Co-Chair
Chidambra is an accomplished researcher and clinician with a diverse background in reproductive science, blending extensive experience in both basic science research and clinical practice. With a PhD in Anatomy and Cell Biology from Western University and postdoctoral training at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, she has developed a strong foundation in reproductive biology. Her clinical training in infertility treatment further enhances her research approach, allowing her to address real-world challenges in reproductive science. Currently, as an Embryologist at Mount Sinai Fertility, she leads research initiatives that bridge clinical, basic science, and quality improvement domains. Chidambra’s leadership experience includes serving as Chair of Research at All Saints University School of Medicine, where she supported researchers in grant proposals and compliance while also providing mentorship in research ethics.
Chidambra is deeply passionate about fostering collaboration and mentorship within the reproductive science community, particularly for young investigators and trainees. Her previous roles as Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs and Chair of Research have honed her skills in curriculum development, faculty collaboration, and creating productive educational environments. She is committed to creating platforms for networking and professional development, having organized academic events such as workshops and seminars. As an executive member of the Research in Reproductive Science Special Interest Group (SIG) at the Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society (CFAS), she envisions organizing monthly research presentations, hosting guest speakers, and providing mentorship opportunities. Her ultimate goal is to facilitate collaborative research, elevate emerging scientists, and support the advancement of reproductive science in Canada.
Dr. Anja Stojsin Carter, BSc, MSc, PhD
Co-Chair
I have worked in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technologies for the past fifteen years in Canada, Europe, and South America, both academically when completing my PhD, and clinically as a Lab Director and Senior Clinical Embryologist. I was born in Serbia and moved to Canada to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Guelph. I then obtained a Master's degree in BioMedicine at Lund University in Sweden. I returned to Canada and completed a Doctorate degree at the Department of Reproductive Biology and Development at the University of Guelph (thesis topic: Anti-Mullerian Hormone as a Marker of Oocyte Quantity and Developmental Potential). I have furthered my clinical embryology training by taking courses at the Ovumia Clinic in Tampere, Finland, IVI Clinic in Valencia, Spain, Origio Headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Extend Fertility New York USA. My academic background has provided me with a strong scientific foundation, while my Canadian clinical experiences from Generation Fertility Waterloo, Anova, Reproductive Care Center, and Procrea have given me an extensive understanding of patient concerns and treatment, as well as lab management. My latest achievement includes becoming a Special Graduate Faculty and an Advisory Committee Member at the University of Guelph. My guiding philosophy is to foster a collaborative, inclusive, patient-centred team environment, incorporating state-of-the-art reproductive research and technologies. I strive to build strong professional relationships among team members, patients, and the wider scientific community.
Dr. Cyntia Duval, BSc, PhD
Secretary/Treasurer
Cyntia completed her undergrad at the Université de Sherbrooke in the COOP program allowing her to do four internships of four months each. During those internships, she discovered the field of reproduction and decided to pursue her graduated studies at the CHU Sainte-Justine associated with the Université de Montréal. Her thesis was on the role of inflammation during pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. She always been very implicated in her institution and in her field by being president of the student association and student representative in different organizations (Réseau Québécois en Reproduction, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité and Academic Affairs Committee of the CHUSJ). After extensively studying the third trimester during her PhD, she wanted to develop an expertise about the beginning of pregnancy and decided to go work in a fertility clinic, where she conducted translational research while being trained as an embryologist. This experience motivated her to pursue her research career in reproductive biology and to enrolled in a postdoctoral research fellowship at CReATe Fertility Centre associated with the University of Toronto. Her current project investigates the impact of cannabis on the follicular niche and oocyte maturation using advanced biomolecular, sequencing and microscopy techniques.
Dr. Oluwakemi Amodu, BSc, PhD, MN
Executive Member
Dr. Oluwakemi (Kemi) Amodu is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. Her research examines the social and structural determinants of maternal and reproductive health, with a focus on improving access and outcomes for equity-deserving women in both Canada and West Africa. Drawing on critical feminist and intersectional frameworks, Dr. Amodu’s work explores how migration, cultural beliefs, and systemic inequities shape women’s healthcare experiences across diverse settings.
Her current projects include studies on perinatal health access for ethnically diverse and refugee women in Alberta, community-based approaches to gender-based violence prevention, and the health and psychosocial well-being of transnational and displaced families. She leads and collaborates on several funded initiatives supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
A registered nurse with clinical and academic experience in both Nigeria and Canada, Dr. Amodu completed her PhD and Master of Nursing degrees at the University of Alberta, where her doctoral research examined reproductive health access for internally displaced women in Nigeria. She is a former AMTD Global Talent Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health Sciences and a recipient of numerous awards recognizing excellence in global health and gender equity research.
Dr. ShuQin Wei, MSc, PhD, MD
Executive Member
Dr. Shu Qin Wei is a Research Scientist specializing in reproductive epidemiology. She holds an MD and PhD in obstetrics and gynecology, with postdoctoral training from Université de Montréal.
Her research focuses on fertility, assisted reproductive technology, reproductive medicine, and long-term health outcomes. She has co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Fertility and Sterility, Human Reproduction, and JAMA Pediatrics, and has contributed to multiple CIHR-funded projects.
Dr. Wei is a recipient of prestigious awards such as the FRQS Junior Scholar Award, CIHR RCT Fellowship, and NIH Young Investigator Award. She actively engages in reproductive medicine and is dedicated to advancing evidence-based reproductive care.