CRS Alumni Spotlight on Dr. Yogeshwar Makanji

Dr. Yogeshwar Makanji, PhD, was a visiting scholar at Northwestern from 2011-2013. Yogesh was awarded the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) C.J. Martin Early Career Fellowship and decided to further his studies with Dr. Teresa Woodruff studying the role of oxygen tension in early ovarian follicles, in vitro. He currently works for Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

What is your connection to the CRS community (mentor and position) and what is your current position? 

I was at Northwestern as a visiting scholar between 2011 and 2013. I was awarded the prestigious Australian NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship that allowed me to work at the world leading Oncofertility Consortium at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. Teresa Woodruff was my mentor and continues to be a mentor and friend. My research at Northwestern was to understand the role of oxygen tension in early ovarian follicles, in vitro. After my fellowship at Northwestern, I returned to Melbourne to continue my research. In 2016, I decided to leave academia and build a career in the biotechnology industry. After a short stint with a diagnostic manufacturer, as business development manager, Ansh Labs, I joined Janssen Pharmaceuticals as regional real-world evidence manager Asia-Pacific.

Could you describe your current research? 

My research today to investigate real-world data sources to generate real world evidence in Asia-Pacific for pulmonary hypertension therapeutic area.  

What aspect(s) of CRS did you find most valuable?  

It was a great meeting point for world-leading reproductive scientists. I found the opportunity to network and collaborate with leading scientists the most valuable experience.  

What has been the most valuable aspect to your training as a reproductive scientist in CRS? 

Being at the cutting edge! I was working with a team that was working toward developing robust 3D ovarian culture systems for fertility preservation. The ideation process and project development sessions were exciting and engaging – there was a lot of lateral thinking in this multi-disciplinary scientific adventure.  

What would you recommend to junior scientists in order for them succeed in their scientific careers?​  

Network! Network! Network! Never miss an opportunity to talk about your science or show your passion to fellow scientists, mentors or CEOs of biotech companies. 

What do you think will be the next big contribution in the reproductive biology field?  

Artificial ovary to grow and activate early ovarian follicles. 

Do you have any notable stories from your time in CRS? 

I have many memorable times with so many colleagues at Northwestern. I always enjoyed our coffee breaks with Francesca Duncan, Jessica Hornick and Huge Galdones and Teresa Woodruff when we could drag her away from her busy schedule.