Alumni Spotlight on Dr. Yu-Ying Chen

Dr. Yu-Ying Chen, PhD, is a CRS alumna and a former PhD student in Dr. Teresa Woodruff's lab. Dr. Chen is now a postdoctoral fellow the Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, where she is studying the establishment of ovarian interstitium using the mouse model.

Thesis mentor: Teresa Woodruff, PhD 

Thesis title: Zinc dynamics regulate early ovarian follicle development 

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

I was a PhD student of Dr. Teresa Woodruff in the DGP program at Northwestern University. I had been an active member of the CRS during my entire graduate training. I am currently a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Humphrey Yao at the Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH/ NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. 

Could you describe your current research/studies? 

I study the establishment of ovarian interstitium using the mouse model. Identifying cellular composition and the sources of each cell type are critical for our understanding not only in basic ovarian biology, but also in aging and disease conditions. 

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

I enjoyed that CRS serves as a hub to bring together a group of most talented and enthusiastic reproductive scientists from all different stages of career, from students in the classroom, to researchers at the bench, and to clinicians at the bedside. I cherished my time within the CRS when I was able to engage actively in scientific meetings, to meet and make connections with reproductive biologists across the globe, to have the opportunities to explore different career paths, and to mentor young students in reproductive biology.     

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

The most valuable skills that I acquired during my training are identifying valid scientific questions and implementing research goals through creative thinking. Whereas the most valuable assets I earned are mentors and friends that I established a relationship with during my time at the CRS.   

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

To me exploring where your passion lies is the most important thing. Constantly contemplating on the motivation of ‘Why’ and ‘What” we choose to do, and how we find joy in our activities! Be proactive and take advantage of the resources and connections within the community.    

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

Being an ovarian biologist, I believe decoding the establishment of germ cell quality, understanding the process of germ cell selection, achieving personalized in vitro gametogenesis, and attenuating ovarian aging will be the next advancements in the field. 

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

There are so many wonderful memories during my time at the CRS. One of the best ones is probably to witness how sensational it was when the Evatar and the Human Zinc Spark papers came out. We were on so many cover stories and interviews sharing with the world how cool reproductive science can be. I also enjoyed mentoring middle school and high school students during our outreach events. Working with young students always reminds me how fun and empowering Science can be, and that the simplest question is oftentimes the best question to address.