Welcome to our 9th MS-RSM Cohort!
As we welcome a new cohort to the Reproductive Science and Medicine program, we are thrilled to introduce some of the inspiring individuals who will be contributing their diverse perspectives and experiences to the field. Each of our fourteen new trainees brings a unique background and an incredible passion for advancing reproductive science and medicine.
Our trainees hail from communities across the globe from Asia to South America to North America! The state of Illinois brought new trainees, Andi Beaudouin who studied at Loyola University Chicago and brought a passion for reproductive science born from their sibling’s experiences and a strong commitment to reproductive justice for underrepresented communities with plans to enter medicine. Another Illinoisian, Ibtihaj Khan studied at Rutgers and Lake Forest College focusing on public health and Chemistry and harbors a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion and health advocacy and a goal of entering the medical field. Another Midwesterner, Desiree Franklin, from Minnesota earned dual bachelor’s degrees in biology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Minnesota-Duluth who also supports reproductive health advocacy and hopes to bring her experiences from the MS-RSM program back to clinical work in advocacy organizations. Rounding out our midwestern associated council of trainees, Sakshi Rao, traveled from India to study at Michigan State University where they received their degree in Human Biology. Sakshi, also a strong social justice and health advocate spent time as sexual and reproductive health educator and will continue to bring their advocacy and passion for reproductive science to their future career.
Hailing from Missouri, Caitlin Buchholz graduated from Graceland University in Biology and Chemistry. Her parents’ IVF journey fueled her interest in reproductive science and after the MS-RSM program Caitlin aspires to become an OB/GYN, with a focus on expanding access to reproductive health services. Joining us from Texas, Brianna Ramirez studied at Southern Methodist University Biology focusing on biological sciences and joined our program with career aspirations in embryology/andrology and is a passionate advocate for cultural awareness and representation in reproductive science and medicine. Representing Tennessee, Helen Montague received a bachelor’s in biology from Birmingham-Southern College and a Master’s in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences from Auburn University, where she studied catfish reproduction and gamete cryopreservation. After the MS-RSM she hopes to become an embryologist and later a PhD student and train her service dog, and the MS-RSM’s unofficial 15th trainee, Lincoln. Our northeastern representative, Jenna Epstein holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology, with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the University of Connecticut and is passionate about the intersection of reproductive physiology and mental health and in her future career hopes to support individuals navigating infertility and raise awareness on reproductive issues.
Canadian universities where highly represented this year with new trainees Wyvern Wang who studied at the University of Toronto focusing on health and disease and is looking towards research in the reproductive sciences with intent to pursue MD or PhD studies. Two new MS-RSM trainees join us after studying at McMaster’s University. Rhianna Anglin completed her undergraduate degree in Life Sciences and has a strong interest in researching and combatting health disparities, particularly among Black women and envisions a future as an Embryologist or OB/GYN for underserved communities. And hailing from New Delhi, India, Reva Marwah began her academic journey at Modern School, Vasant Vihar, and continued her studies abroad at McMaster University in Canada. She looks forward to expanding her reproductive research experience and in the future hopes to pursue a PhD.
Our cohort is rounded out by a set of trainees who have prior clinical experiences. Annapurna Sai Josyula studied at Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences and worked as a clinician in medicine in India. She joins our program hoping to gain more research experience and to learn more about reproductive diseases and disorders. Joining us from Peru, Tania Castro Modesto holds degrees in Midwifery and Biology, with a specialization in Genetics and Biotechnology. Currently working as an Embryologist, Tania is excited to gain expertise through the program, with the goal of becoming a prominent reproductive science researcher in Latin America and improving reproductive health outcomes across the region. And finally, Veronica Morales, joining us from Bolivia. She studied medicine at the Aurelio Melean Faculty of Medicine, at the Universidad Mayor de San Simon for her MD. After working as a researcher in Geneva, Switzerland, Veronica is excited to expand her professional horizons and has fully dedicate herself to the field of assisted human reproduction.
This new cohort of students is poised to make significant contributions to reproductive science and medicine. With their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and passions, they are ready to tackle the challenges of the field and bring about meaningful change. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey!