Alumni Spotlight on Pari Johnson

Pari Johnson is an MS-RSM graduate, Class of 2022. She completed the non-thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Pamela Monahan. Pari is currently a clinical research coordinator in the endocrinology division at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Mentor: Pamela Monahan, PhD

Project title: Characterization of vascular defects in a rat model of preeclampsia  

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

I am a recent graduate from the MS-RSM program at Northwestern University. Under the guidance of Dr. Pamela Monahan, I completed a non-thesis project that aimed to characterize vascular defects in a rat model of preeclampsia. Currently, I am a clinical research coordinator in the endocrinology division at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. 

Could you describe your current research/studies? 

I am coordinating various clinical trials at Lurie Children’s Hospital. I work alongside the endocrine research team to write study documents, recruit participants, and conduct research visits.  

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

The small, tight-knit community. Because my class was roughly a dozen students, I felt confident asking questions and getting additional help from faculty when needed. The CRS community is here to help YOU learn and develop career goals. I am grateful to have this network of incredibly compassionate and hardworking scientists as I pursue higher education in the future.  

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

This program allowed to hone my scientific writing, reading, and presenting skills. I completed research papers, literature reviews, scientific posters, and even a 3-minute elevator pitch! Through this program, I learned to communicate efficiently and effectively with fellow scientists.  

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

Never be afraid to ask for help or advice. Two minds are always better than one. ​  

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

The prosthetic ovary? Multi-organ microfluidics? I am unsure, as there are so many interesting and revolutionary projects that have come from Northwestern’s faculty and students.  

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

I had the opportunity of attending the Illinois Symposium for Reproductive Science in fall 2021, a couple weeks after the program began. I not only learned about current research, but made lasting relationships with fellow students and faculty.