All aspects of women's health are dependent upon proper functioning of the ovary, which produces essential steroid hormones as well as oocytes- precious cells which are the foundation for transmission of life. The ovarian follicle consists of multiple cell types with highly specialized functions co-ordinated to establish a growth-promoting microenvironment that determines the ability of an oocyte to form an embryo- its developmental competence. Understanding the follicular microenvironment, how it is established and how it maintains oocytes and regulates their differentiation and successful release (ovulation) for fertilization is essential for modulating fertility and optimizing healthy development.
My research aims to improve reproductive health in women by identifying cellular pathways in the ovary that regulate oocyte quality and ovulation, particularly those incorporating maternal hormone, immunological and metabolic inputs.