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.
Andrée Gauthier-Fisher, PhD
Co-Chair
Andrée completed her Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Toronto in 2009, where she studied the molecular mechanisms that regulate how stem cells generate neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes (the three main cell types in the brain) during fetal brain development, and how perturbations in these early events can lead to neurological and cognitive dysfunction later in life. In her ensuing postdoctoral studies at the Hospital for Sick Children, she investigated molecular mechanisms that promote the maintenance of neural stem cells from embryogenesis to adulthood.
Andrée joined the CReATe Fertility Centre research team in 2010 as the Director of Stem Cell Research and established teams to investigate the potential of human umbilical cord perivascular cells for regenerative therapy, focusing largely on cardiovascular, neurovascular as well as reproductive medicine applications. She is currently the Senior Director of Research Programs at the CReATe Fertility Centre. Her research interests are focused on stem cell-based strategies for male and female fertility preservation. She has co-authored 14 original research articles, a book chapter and 3 invited reviews.
Contact: andree@createivf.com
Jay M. Baltz, PhD
Co-Chair
Jay M. Baltz is currently the Associate Scientific Director and a Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Baltz received his BA (Hon) in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania and PhD in Biophysics from The Johns Hopkins University. His postgraduate training was at Harvard Medical School with Dr. John Biggers. His laboratory studies mammalian eggs and early embryos, investigating the roles of physiological processes in eggs and embryos that are required for producing healthy eggs, embryos and offspring. This research is aimed particularly at improving Assisted Reproductive Technologies. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, as Chair of the Canadian Federal Stem Cell Oversight Committee, as Director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Training Program in Reproduction, Early Development, and the Impact on Health (REDIH), as Associate Editor of Biology of Reproduction, and as a member of the CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health Advisory Board.