Alumni Spotlight on Allison Grover, MD

Allison Grover is an MS-RSM alum class of 2018. She completed the thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Francesca Duncan. She currently a pediatrics resident at Maine Medical Center. 

Mentor: Francesca Duncan, PhD

Thesis Title: "Use of a Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) facilitates analysis of systemic versus targeted radiation effects in the mouse ovary"

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

Could you describe your current research/studies?  

My main interest is in pediatric oncology/survivorship and narrative medicine.  

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

I appreciated all the work Beth Sefton did to ensure that we were not just scientists, but also had grant-writing, C.V., networking, and conference planning experience. Many masters programs will focus only on the research aspect of a degree. But, Beth went above and beyond in giving us practical training, so that we could translate our skills to our next jobs and accomplish our future goals.  Mary Ellen Pavone was also incredibly supportive in helping me achieve my goals in becoming a physician. She gave me an opportunity and helped me gain more publishing experience before I entered medical school. As a researcher, she is meticulous and thoughtful in her work. Her kindness and mentorship came at a time I really needed it; those are qualities I will emulate when a student comes to me for help achieving his/her/their goal.  

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

Having the opportunity to peer review new and interesting articles within reproductive science, has been very rewarding. I enjoy learning and having the ability to remain connected to the field through that work.  

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

I would say that you can learn something from any experience. Everyone can teach you something or inspire your next big idea, so be open to finding help and resources in places you least expect. Someone who may not be your PI may become your mentor, and that is wonderful. Additionally, when you feel overwhelmed in data or by deadlines, you might just be on the precipice of your next big breakthrough. So, be patient and gracious with yourself. You will get there, even if it takes a bit longer than you thought. Persist. Just keep swimming.  

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

Male hormonal contraceptives.