Alumni Spotlight on Drew Klemann

Drew Klemann is an MS-RSM alum, class of 2023. He completed the non-thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Hoi Chang Lee. He is currently a Junior Embryologist at CCRM Fertility of Minneapolis. 

Mentor: Hoi Chang Lee, PhD

Project title: "Sperm Safes: Maximizing the preservation and recovery of limited numbers of male germ cells"

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

I am a recent graduate of the MS-RSM program. I am currently a Junior Embryologist at CCRM Fertility of Minneapolis.  

Could you describe your current research/studies? 

As I am on the clinical side of healthcare at the moment, I am not partaking in research at the moment.  

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

To me, the connections and the ability to network with scientists in this field was the most valuable. The Wednesday Reproductive Research Updates were also advantageous as they provided great insight into active areas of research that are cutting edge in this field.  

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

The sperm safe research project that I was a part of was the most valuable aspect to my training as a reproductive scientist within the CRS due to both the project providing me skills that I use in the embryology lab and having Dr. Lee as a mentor where he helped me to understand how an embryology lab works compared to a research lab. Without his guidance, I can confidently say I would not be in the position that I am today. 

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

The best advice I can give to junior scientists is to explore any and all areas of research because you may find your passion in something unexpected, and to not be afraid of making mistakes as they provide the best lessons.

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

This is a tough question but I am hoping to see more research in preventing ovarian aging and diminished ovarian reserve to provide females longevity in their reproductive journeys. Additionally, I’d like to see social impacts where infertility isn’t thought of solely as female based and destigmatization around early pregnancy loss. 

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

There are too many stories to count, but my top three would be the boat cruise on orientation day when our cohort met each other, group studying for Dr. Monahan’s tests in the CRS suite study room, and the lunch we had at the Evanston campus after giving our final research presentations.