CRS Scientist Spotlight on Elizabeth Tsui

Elizabeth Tsui is an MSTP student in Dr. Monica Laronda's lab. Her research focuses on understanding structural, cellular, and molecular microenvironment of the pediatric ovary across the pubertal transition. 

Thesis mentor: Monica Laronda, PhD 

Thesis title: Characterizing the microenvironment of the human ovary across the pubertal transition: implications for fertility.  

What brought you to join the CRS community and what is your current position? 

I’m currently a MD/PhD student in the graduate phase of her PhD. While my previous research has always focused on cancer, I have long been fascinated with the complexities of the microenvironment and jumped at this chance to study it! 

Could you describe your research? 

Broadly speaking, my research utilizes human ovarian tissue from ovarian tissue cryopreservation to understand structural, cellular, and molecular microenvironment of the pediatric ovary across the pubertal transition. This is important because while hormonal contributions in puberty have been well defined, microenvironmental changes during this important reproductive transition have been largely unexplored. These changes may be particularly relevant to pediatric cancer patients undergoing fertility preservation methods such as ovarian tissue cryopreservation.  

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

I have found the community of CRS to be enormously valuable. It’s pretty rare to find a field with so many dynamic female scientists, and I’m very excited to be a part of this community.  

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

I’ve really appreciated the advice and mentorship I have received from fellow trainees at all stages of their training, from my current lab mates to post-docs in other labs.  

What is one piece of advice you would give to young scientists starting in their journey in science?  

You’ve got this (and we’ve got you!)! It can sometimes be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel but know that even your (s)heroes have felt discouraged, and that you should never feel bad about asking questions and/or reaching out for support.  

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

I’m definitely biased, but I am super excited to see how our growing knowledge of cell extrinsic factors (like the microenvironment) will affect our overall understanding of reproductive biology and/or the treatments we can offer patients.  

What hobbies do you have outside of the lab?   

Life outside of lab really revolves around 1) food and 2) my dog. I am very much a fan of exploring new restaurants around the city, and if there’s a patio I can bring my dog to, you have a very happy Elizabeth.