Graduate Student
Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University
My research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating ovulation and ovarian function, with an emphasis on the role of paracrine signaling. My work has investigated the importance of paracrine neurotensin signaling during ovulation as well as the role of the novel plasma membrane androgen receptor SLC39A9 in the ovulatory follicle. I am particularly interested in exploring how disruptions in ovulation contribute to infertility and how novel therapeutic interventions can restore ovarian function. The focus of my current research is theca cells and their role as primary effectors of structural changes in the ovulating follicle.