CRS Scientist Spotlight on Dr. Seth Garwin
There is no such thing as failure. Every time something does not go the way you want or expect is an opportunity to learn how to change the next time.
Dr. Seth Garwin, PhD
Dr. Seth Garwin, PhD is a former Chemistry grad student, class of 2019, and now postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Tom O'Halloran's laboratory where his research focus is on zinc dynamics in the mammalian meiosis and fertilization. Learn more about Dr. Garwin's exciting research, his time at CRS as both a graduate trainee and as a postdoc, and his valuable advice to young scientists.
What brought you to join the CRS community and what is your current position?
I am currently a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas O’Halloran. I first joined the CRS community when I started in Dr. O’Halloran’s lab as a chemistry graduate student. Since I was a chemistry graduate student, I had never taken a class on reproductive biology and the only knowledge I possessed was the basic concepts taught in an introductory biology course. Dr. O’Halloran suggested I start to attend the CRS R3 data club (now RRU), to learn more about reproductive biology. Since attending my first seminar I have remained active in the community.
Could you describe what your work entails?
I am working to understand how a zinc ion can behave a regulatory signal like calcium. To do so, I use the mouse egg as a model system, as the O’Halloran and Woodruff groups have previously demonstrated the importance of changes in zinc to meiosis and fertilization. To study zinc dynamics, I synthesize and characterize fluorescent probes for zinc, which I then use in my microscopy experiments. Ultimately, the techniques and probes I develop will be of use those that study inorganic physiology and reveal new mechanisms that govern the processes related to fertilization and development.
What aspect(s) of CRS do you find most valuable?
I have always found the different points of view and advice I get from those in CRS to be the most valuable. I have been trained as a chemist and it is nice to gain a different perspective by people who view problems differently from me.
What has been the most valuable aspect to your work in reproductive science?
The different scientist and people I collaborate with. Since my work crosses so many fields, I rely on my collaborators to fill in my gaps in knowledge and assist with my experiments. Without them I would never have been able to take my projects to they level they are at.
What would you recommend to students and young professionals in order for them succeed in their careers?
There is no such thing as failure. Every time something does not go the way you want or expect is an opportunity to learn how to change the next time. While it is always nice to have the big experiment work right away, sometimes it is the small, incremental steps that can yield that significant results.
What do you think will be the next big contribution in the reproductive biology field?
The development of a non-hormonal contraceptive.
What hobbies do you have outside of the lab?
I love to explore and try new cuisine. I am always watching different videos on youtube and trying out new recipes in the kitchen, even if it is a type of cuisine I have never eaten before. The love of food is something that is common across all cultures and it is a great way to connect to people.