Alumni Spotlight on Jessica Miller

Jessica Miller is a graduate of the MS-RSM program, class of 2023. She completed the non-thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Pamela Monahan.

Mentor: Pamela Monahan, PhD

Project Title: "Investigating the Interaction between Activin and Notch Signaling in Granulosa Cells"

What is your connection to the CRS community?

I am a graduate of the MS-RSM program.

Could you describe your current research/studies? 

I currently work for a community-based healthcare organization as a Reproductive Health Educator and Consultant. My position involves the development of a comprehensive reproductive health curriculum for several Chicago-area schools to address the gap in sexual health education. 

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

I found the exposure to reproductive scientists and their research most valuable. The insight I’ve gained from CRS faculty, guest lecturers, and fellow students has reinforced my passion for reproductive science and introduced me to multiple career path possibilities.  

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

The most valuable aspect of my training as a reproductive scientist has been strengthening my science communication skills. In my current role, I am able to effectively educate students and administrators on a wide range of reproductive health topics. I aspire to be an Ob/Gyn, so this skillset will allow me to educate patients and deliver informed and compassionate care as a physician. 

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

Pay attention to detail and focus on the experiment at hand. Running concurrent experiments and processing all the data from those experiments can be overwhelming, however setting your attention on your current task will help you navigate through your research and avoid making errors. Keep the “Big Picture” in mind but focus-in when you need to. 

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

I think there will be large strides made in cancer and fertility preservation research. Some existing cancer treatments, such as chemo and radiation, can cause infertility. Current research in the field involves the development of personalized cancer therapies and vaccines as well as advancements in fertility preservation. I think these areas of research are promising and I’m excited to see the impact on reproductive health outcomes. These developments may also help address the disparities in reproductive cancer mortality rates and infertility treatment access. 

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

My most notable stories are from hanging out with my cohort. My research project was based on the Evanston campus. After a long day of classes and running experiments, it was always fun driving home and sharing laughs with my classmates. The inside jokes are endless!