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.
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.
Chidambra D Halari, MBBS, MSc, PhD
Executive Member
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.
Anja Stojsin Carter, BSc, MSc, PhD
Executive Member
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.