CRS Scientist Spotlight on Meredith Lohman

Meredith Lohman is a second year MS-RSM student in Dr. Elnur Babayev’s lab. Her thesis research focuses on using granulosa cells isolated and cultured from follicular fluid to test the feasibility of gene therapy in human reproductive tissues.

Thesis Mentor: Elnur Babayev, MD

Thesis Title: “Gene Therapy as a Potential Therapeutic Option for Women with Single-gene Mutations Disruptive to Their Reproductive Function”

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

I am currently a second year MS-RSM student, conducting my thesis research in the Babayev lab!

Could you describe what your research?

Using granulosa cells isolated and cultured from follicular fluid to test the feasibility of gene therapy in human reproductive tissues. I'll be testing the transduction of human primary granulosa cells in culture via Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). We will also use granulosa cells from participants affected with single-gene mutations that cause reproductive dysfunction to test whether the addition of the normal copy of the gene (via AAVs) to their cells restores their disrupted molecular pathways.

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

Of course, I love all of the opportunities to learn outside of classes, like the special seminars, but I think my favorite part of the CRS is the ability to connect with our colleagues and speakers through the coffee chats and lunch and learns. I’m especially excited for the book club to start!

What has been the most valuable aspect to your work in reproductive science?

One of the most valuable aspects of my training as a reproductive scientist has been the support from the people in my cohort and my other peers from my classes and lab. I love how excited everyone is for one another, it really keeps me feeling motivated and supported.

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

One piece of advice that I would give to young scientists starting their journey in science would be to use every experience as a chance to learn, grow, and be grateful for it! It can be frustrating to feel like you aren’t making any progress or like you’re failing, but it is so rewarding to have the chance to learn new skills and knowledge. There are always going to be things we don’t know, but it is so exciting to know that there is still so much out there for us to experience.

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

More accessible education for non-reproductive scientists about reproductive science and medicine will hopefully make the field less politicized, more approachable, and create ample opportunity for growth!

What hobbies do you have outside of the lab? 

I love to read, and I also play and coach water polo!