Alumni Spotlight on Stephanie Head

Stephanie Head is an MS-RSM graduate, Class of 2022. She completed the non-thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Pamela Monahan, Dr. Francesca Duncan, and Dr. Hoi Chang Lee. Stephanie is currently interning in the Technology Licensing Office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

Mentors: Pamela Monahan, PhD, Hoi Chang Lee, PhD, and Francesca Duncan, PhD.

Project Title: Analysis of mouse oocytes using the EmbryoScope+ shows morphologic and morphokinetic differences between reproductively young and old mice 

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

I am a recent graduate of the Master of Science in Reproductive Science and Medicine (MS-RSM) non-thesis degree program. During my time at Northwestern, I completed research with Dr. Pamela Monahan, Dr. Hoi Chang Lee, and Dr. Francesca Duncan.  

Could you describe your current research/studies? 

I am currently pursuing an internship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in their Technology Licensing Office. This position allows me to connect with researchers, inventors, and experts in my field of interest as I am learning what it takes to bring novel technologies to the world. I am also applying to get into law school for next fall. During the master’s program, I became interested in how research works and what scientists do on a daily basis as they strive to bring new knowledge to their field. In a lot of ways, I think researchers and inventors are underappreciated as their true day-to-day efforts are often unrecognized. This interest drives my want to pursue IP and patent law.  

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

Before coming to Northwestern and the Center for Reproductive Sciences, I had never experienced research in a large laboratory setting. With the guidance of my mentors, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and pursue research at a high level. My mentors played a pivotal role in guiding me through my education and helping me pursue my path. Their guidance to me has been absolutely invaluable to me and fundamental in my career as a scientist.  

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

This program taught me how to be a well-rounded scientist. Before attending Northwestern, I had little to no experience with even reading scientific journals or publications. I had never attended a poster session, or much less made a poster and presented it myself. My fellow students and mentors showed me a new side to science, one that fuels my interest and passion to bring new science to light. Without my mentors pushing me, I would not have discovered my abilities within science and all the amazing things we can do.   

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

This program has truly broadened my perspective on what it means to be a scientist. I always had the notion that scientists pursue M.D. or Ph.D. degrees, but I’ve learned this is not necessarily true. I heavily utilize my science degree every day, and plan to do so in law school as well! For junior scientists to be successful, I recommend not limiting yourself early on and instead using your years of education to learn about all the amazing things you could potentially do that you have never even heard of!  

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

I am always amazed by the incredible work researchers at Northwestern are doing. From prosthetic ovaries to microfluidic platforms for modeling the reproductive system, I am unsure of what the next big contribution to the field will be. However, I think whatever it is will come from researchers in a Northwestern lab.   

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

Having never participated in a poster session before, I was very nervous for my first one with the CRS. My colleagues perform incredible science, and I was somewhat intimidated to be part of their community. Within the first 10 minutes of the poster session, experts in the field were probing incredible questions about my research. I knew in the moment that my status as a “student” or “novice” did not matter. The community created an inclusive learning culture where everyone was both a student and teacher and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.