Alumni Spotlight on Madison Minette

Madison Minette is an MS-RSM graduate, Class of 2021. She completed the non-thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Pamela Monahan. Madison is currently a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Cincinnati. 

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

I joined the CRS community in the fall of 2020 as a student in Northwestern’s MS-Reproductive Science and Medicine program, and I currently work as a Clinical Research Coordinator. In this position, I manage the regulatory paperwork for the two branches of the Obstetrics & Gynecology Research Department – Maternal and Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility – at the University of Cincinnati. I also partner with several other CRCs within our department and at the Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati to recruit, enroll, and monitor participants in clinical research trials. 

Could you describe your research? 

The research projects I primarily work on center around various investigator- and industry-led clinical research studies. Some of the topics of these studies have included several birth control methods (including IUDs and COCs), in utero immune development (through observational and investigational means), novel treatments for reproductive disorders (PCOC and Endometriosis), and experimental devices for conception.  

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

One of the aspects of CRS that I find most valuable is the community that has developed around a shared interest of reproductive science discovery. During my time in the MS-RSM program, I have encountered countless professionals who are excited to share their experiences and research within the field. It is inspiring to be involved with individuals who are so invested in the progression of reproductive science. 

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

The most valuable aspect of my training as a reproductive scientist through Northwestern’s MS-RSM program was discovering the variety of career opportunities and research interests within the field of reproductive science. Without my training, I would not have had the chance to explore my interests further nor would have discovered my interest in clinical research. 

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

The one piece of advice I would give to a young scientist would be to spend time reading and discussing your interests. When I was young and starting to explore science, I discovered a love for Science Fiction. This helped to, not only, propel my interests in the sciences at large, but also, helped me to explore the creative and innovative thinking which scientific discovery depends on.  

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

At the University of Cincinnati, we are currently investigating, in partnership with the Oregon Health & Science University, some interesting new research in the reproductive biology field that could have a significant contribution to medicine. In this study, we are exploring about how genetic variation in certain enzymes, proposed to take part in the metabolism of the emergency contraceptive ulipristal acetate, effect their functioning. This study could lead to some interesting new insights into the variable efficacy seen between women who identify as black and their white counterparts. 

What hobbies do you have outside of the lab? 

Outside of work, one could find me exploring other worlds through Sci-Fi novels (the latest being “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir) or exploring the real-world through hiking and long walks in the park.