Alumni Spotlight on Alexandra Fontaine

Alexandra Fontaine is an MS-RSM graduate, Class of 2019. She completed the thesis track under the mentorship of Margrit Urbankek, PhD. Alexandra is currently in her second year of medical school at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Thesis mentor: Margrit Urbanek, PhD 

Thesis title: The role of anti-Müllerian hormone in ovarian steroidogenesis. 

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

I completed the Master of Science in Reproductive Science and Medicine program in 2019. In my time at Northwestern, I studied the role of AMH in ovarian steroidogenesis and its implications in polycystic ovary syndrome under Margrit Urbanek, PhD. After graduation, I moved home to Connecticut where I worked as a clinical research coordinator for a private fertility practice. Currently, I am a second-year medical student at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey.  

Could you describe your current research/studies? 

In school, I just began an Endocrinology and Reproduction block which I am (obviously!) excited about. Reviewing steroidogenesis and feedback loops brings me back to my time at Northwestern, learning and studying with friends and mentors who eventually became family. I will slowly start preparing for my first board examination this April. I am not actively involved in research at the moment, however I was involved in a COVID-19 study investigating patients’ perspectives on health guidelines and protocols that was presented at ASRM in 2021. Recently, I have been involved in advocating for egg freezing through my own journey this past summer. I wrote a blog and was hosted on a podcast to talk about its importance, along with my own experience with the process.  

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

CRS does an amazing job at encouraging collaboration and networking. I think the sense of community that CRS creates was so valuable to my learning and made me a more well-rounded scientist. I still keep in touch with my PI, members of my thesis committee, and of course my fellow-classmates on their work and lives in general.  

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

For me, the independence and confidence I gained as a thesis-track student was unmatched. While there is always guidance from a PI or a committee, students are responsible for the quality of their science. Being the lead researcher on a project that had the potential to contribute to a growing field was a responsibility that helped me grow not only as a reproductive scientist, but also as a person. These qualities will continue to serve me as a physician in the future. 

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

Take time for yourself. There will always be setbacks in science that may be discouraging or may make it difficult to stay motivated. Do not feel guilty or defeated if you need a break or want to take a step back. Putting yourself first and practicing self-care will keep you in a better headspace to help you continue moving forward. 

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

I do not know what the next big contribution will be, but I am looking forward to hearing about the developments that continue to be made in fertility preservation.  

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

I have fond memories of presenting my research at SSR in New Orleans. So many members of the CRS community were there and it was so much fun to be able to support each other in science while also experiencing a new city together.