Celebrating the 2023 Graduating Class of the MS-RSM Program!
Photo credit: Emily Hayes, MS.
On June 9th, the Master of Science in Reproductive Science and Medicine (MS-RSM) program celebrated the graduation of its largest class of reproductive scientists in 2023. Masterfully navigating rigorous curriculum, contributing to leading edge research projects, and forging their career paths, these 8 thesis and 10 non-thesis students showcase the excellence in our field. Congrats to the amazing graduates: Randa Abboud, Pooja Devrukhkar, Feng Fei, Isabelle Fox, Cassandra Huerta, Jenna Jacoby, Drew Klemann, Yuna Lee, Katya Macias, Ria Marathe, Saafia Masoom, Jessica Miller, Paige Naples, Olivia Printy, Gillian Rubenstein, Tahlia Smith, Priyanka Suryavanshi, Shani Zelenko.
Dr. Francesca Duncan, CRS Co-Director, began this year’s celebration by sharing the mission of our program, highlighting key faculty and staff that supported the educational growth of these graduates during their time in the MS-RSM. Each student’s mentor was then able to share their pride for each of their graduating students’ accomplishments and their well wishes for a bright future as they launch into the new stages of their career and educational journeys.
Graduation allows the MS-RSM program to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of our students with the awarding of the MS-RSM Outstanding Student Awards. Dr. T. Rajendra Kumar (The Edgar L. & Patricia M. Makowski Professor in the Division of Reproductive Sciences, and Associate Vice-Chair of Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Colorado Medical School) conferred this year’s Makowski Award for the Most Outstanding MS-RSM Student which recognizes a single exemplary student on the thesis track each year. This year’s awardee was Randa Abboud, MS (mentor, Dr. Joshua Halpern) who’s work has shed light on the path of fertility preservation in transfeminine patients. Via recorded video address, Dr. Teresa K. Woodruff , past CRS Director and current Interim President for Michigan State University, presented the Teresa K. Woodruff Award for the Most Outstanding MS-RSM Student which recognizes a single exemplary student on the non-thesis track. This year’s awardee is Jessica Miller, MS (mentor, Dr. Pamela Monahan) who’s work focused on the interaction of activin and notch signaling in ovarian granulosa cells.
This year’s celebration was an outpouring of pride and excitement for our graduating master’s students. Each of our students entered the program bright with possibility and shared love of reproductive science and medicine and as they enter into their next stages of growth their impact will be immense. Our student’s experiences are diverse and valuable and can be best communicated in their own words.
Hear what each of our amazing reproductive scientists have to say about their educational journeys in the MS-RSM.
“The MS-RSM program, faculty, and community has completely reshaped the way I approach research and medicine. The atmosphere inspires innovative, hones techniques, and trains students how to make the change they hope to see.” – Randa Abboud, MS (Mentor: Dr. Joshua Halpern)
“The MS-RSM program has given me a brilliant community of peers, mentors, and friends who have been a constant source of inspiration and have pushed me to explore avenues beyond my comfort zone. Reproductive science is THE field to be in! Through all the skills obtained and lessons learnt, I hope to bring together my background in clinical medicine and research to contribute to global health programs focused on the improvement of maternal and child health.” – Pooja Devrukhkar, MD, MS (Mentor: Dr. Francesca Duncan)
“Before joining MS-RSM, an important piece of me as a growing scientific researcher is missing, which is how to communicate my research to a variety of audience. Engaging in a community of active and amazing reproductive scientists, having classes and discussions to learn the clinical and social implications of reproductive research, as well as participating in events with diverse groups of people in the field allowed me to develop the critical soft skills for a future scientific career.” – Feng Fei, MS (Mentor: Dr. Pamela Monahan)
"A lot changes in nine months. The MS-RSM program pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but I'm proud of how much I've accomplished during my time here.” – Isabelle Fox, MS (Mentor: Dr. Pamela Monahan)
“The MS-RSM program is a self-tailored mix of reproductive science education and meaningful experiences. I've been able to explore the fascinating depths of uterine biology and gain invaluable knowledge and technical expertise. I also feel empowered to have grown and developed in ways I never imagined. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from navigating chaotic waters.” – Cassandra Huerta, MS (Mentor: Dr. Julie Kim)
“The MS-RSM reinforced my desire to pursue medicine.” – Jenna Jacoby, MS (Mentor: Dr. Hoi Chang Lee)
“My time in the MS-RSM program, albeit short, has prepared me to be an embryologist by providing me both the skills and confidence to assist couples struggling with infertility. As I leave the program, I go forward with new friends and brilliant colleagues in the reproductive science field who will have a positive impact on so many people's lives.” – Drew Klemann, MS (Mentor: Mentor: Dr. Hoi Chang Lee)
“Being a part of this program really helped me grow academically while also exposing me to the huge scope of reproductive medicine as a field. I’m thankful for the experiences and opportunities this program provided me with and am excited to carry it with me as I move forward.” – Yuna Lee, MS (Dr. Pamela Monahan)
“The MS-RSM program has transformed me into an accomplished student and scientist. Right from the very first day, the meaningful bonds and friendships I formed, both on a professional and personal level, have left an incredible mark on me. Not only have I gained an extensive understanding of reproductive medicine, but I am also overwhelmed with deep appreciation towards all those who have supported me throughout this journey. I am excited to witness all the achievements that lie ahead for all of us as we head into the next phase of our careers.” – Katya Macias, MS (Mentor: Dr. Mary Ellen Pavone)
“MS-RSM was the catalyst to my career in reproductive research, and it provided me with the direction I needed to succeed.”– Ria Marathe, MS (Drs. Kara Goldman)
“From the very beginning, the MS-RSM program has been so much more than a degree for me. It was an exploration that constantly pushed the boundaries of what I believed to be scientifically possible. It was a journey that challenged me to grow personally and professionally at every turn. Above all, it is now the start of a life-long commitment to serve others through reproductive science and medicine.” – Saafia Masoom, MS (Mentor: Dr. Pamela Monahan)
“I entered the MS-RSM program because I am pursuing a career in reproductive medicine. The program has provided me with diverse perspectives and the tools needed to be a well-rounded scientist.” – Jessica Miller, MS (Mentor: Dr. Pamela Monahan)
“The MS-RSM program has helped me expand my horizons by introducing opportunities I would not have had access to without attending the program. The program helped further my career in reproductive science and allowed me to meet an amazing group of people.” – Paige Naples, MS (Mentor: Dr. Hoi Chang Lee)
“The Northwestern MS-RSM program has provided me with endless opportunities for growth as a researcher. It has continued to fuel my passion for reproductive science and provided me with a wealth of opportunities that no doubt will serve me well in the future. I’m so grateful for my experience in this program and am excited to join the ranks of MS-RSM alumni who have continued to make a difference in the field of reproductive medicine.”– Olivia Printy, MS (Mentor: Dr. Monica Laronda)
“Graduating from the MS-RSM program is the culmination of so many years spent aspiring to be part of the incredible community of scientists and clinicians at Northwestern within the Center for Reproductive Science. I am honored to spend my career in this field, building upon the foundation of knowledge, skills, and connections I gained during my time in the program. I hope someday to be able to provide trainees with the same level of mentorship and emotional support I received from the leadership here; the self-confidence I gained in this program is priceless.” – Gillian Rubenstein, MS (Mentor: Dr. Kara Goldman)
“My time in the MS-RSM program has set an amazing foundation for me to start out my career. I will forever be thankful to everyone that helped make it happen.” – Tahlia Smith, MS (Mentor: Dr. Hoi Chang Lee)
“Being a part of the MSRSM program was truly the most eye-opening and enriching experience that I will forever be grateful for. I'm leaving with so many memories, life-long friends, and an ever-growing passion for reproductive science. In the future, I hope to continue to contribute to the field of reproductive science in a capacity that best fits my goals and skillset.” – Priyanka Suryavanshi, MS (Mentor: Dr. Mary Ellen Pavone)
“My time in the MSRSM program strengthened my passion for reproductive and sexual health by providing me with advanced knowledge in the reproductive sciences and its clinical applicability. The skills I gained during the program were valuable in helping me advance toward a career in embryology and gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for genetics and genetic counseling. I look forward to starting work as an embryologist and getting more involved in reproductive educational outreach and advocacy!” – Shani Zelenko, MS (Mentor: Dr. Pamela Monahan)