CRS Scientist Spotlight on Emily Zaniker

Emily Zaniker is an MSTP student in Dr. Francesca Duncan's lab. Her research focuses on the process of ovulation, specifically the spatial determinants of follicle rupture. Emily is also a CRS T-32 trainee. 

Thesis mentor: Francesca Duncan, PhD

Thesis title: Spatial Asymmetry in the Functional and Molecular Determinants of Ovarian Follicle Rupture 

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

I am currently an MD/PhD student in Francesca Duncan’s Lab. I have just completed my first year of the PhD phase of my training. Before joining the Duncan lab, I have been a member of the CRS community since my sophomore year of college when I began working in Dr. Teresa Woodruff’s lab.  

Could you describe your current research/studies? 

I study the process of ovulation, specifically the spatial determinants of follicle rupture. My project looks at the molecular cues that predispose one specific site of the ovarian follicle to rupture while the rest of the follicle remains intact and forms the corpus luteum. I am also interested in the biomechanical forces exerted by the antral cavity and how they contribute to follicle rupture.  

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

CRS has allowed me to meet incredible scientists, both by inviting fantastic speakers to Northwestern and by fostering connections between me and my peers in CRS. I have particularly valued my time so far as a CRS T32 recipient. The support that this training grant provides me has contributed substantially to my professional development by allowing me to network with visiting speakers, attend conferences in the field, and get feedback on my ideas and presentations.  

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

CRS has helped me grow in my confidence as a scientist. Through CRS I have grown more confident in my public speaking ability. I recently gave my first talk at an international conference, and I felt at ease in large part thanks to the support from my lab and the CRS community. I also have gained confidence in my ability to form new collaborations and come up with my own ideas for experiments. Thanks to the support of the T32 training grant, I was able to develop a collaboration with a professor at Johns Hopkins University and travel to his lab to learn from him and acquire a device to measure micropressure changes within the antral cavity of isolated follicles.  

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

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and form new connections. Growing up, my mom always told me “if you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” When you have an idea that you’ve put time and energy into researching, don’t be afraid to try and move it forward.  

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

I am a bit biased given my current work, but I think development of novel contraceptives is going to be the next big contribution in our field. So many groups are taking super exciting approaches to both male contraceptive development and female non-hormonal contraceptive development. This technology has a huge potential clinical impact and is even more urgent now in light of the supreme court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.  

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

I attended my first SSR meeting in December of 2021 and fortunately was joined by dozens of members of the CRS community. It was amazing to get to spend time with the CRS trainees and faculty in attendance and hear about new and exciting developments in the field alongside them.