CRS Scientist Spotlight on Giangela Stokes

Giangela Stokes is a PhD candidate in the Urbanek Lab. Her research focuses on identifying the underlying genetic causes of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Thesis mentor: Margrit Urbanek, PhD

Thesis title: "The effect of gonadotropin pathway variants in PCOS pathogenesis"

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

I was drawn to the CRS by the prestigious research within the community! I had the pleasure of meeting CRS faculty during my grad school interviews, and I was inspired to learn more about the science and mentors within CRS. I came to the CRS community not having studied reproductive science in my previous training. This community was very open and exciting, and it made me want to be part of it. I am currently a PhD student in Dr. Margrit Urbanek’s lab. It is wonderful to be part of this impressive community!

Could you describe your research?

My research is interested in identifying the underlying genetic causes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex and multifactorial endocrine disorder. My goal is to understand how genetic variation in gonadotropin genes contributes to PCOS pathogenesis. We use a combination of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), genetic analyses, and in vitro studies to identify and functionally evaluate the pathogenicity in gonadotropin gene variants.

What aspects of CRS do you find most valuable?

I find the CRS’ dedication to student growth incredibly valuable. The CRS prioritizes student growth and advancement through their numerous opportunities to present data, network, and learn about job opportunities in the field. The CRS connects students and faculty with one another, in addition to the greater reproductive science community through weekly seminars, invited speaker talks, and networking events. This welcoming community has made me a better scientist.

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

The most valuable aspect of my training has been the connection to the greater CRS community. I learned to leverage the expertise around me to improve my experimental design and expand my knowledge of reproductive science. Before coming to grad school, I had never taken a foundational class in reproductive science. The CRS offers fantastic foundation courses to teach students with diverse science backgrounds about reproductive science. This training has benefited me greatly throughout my time as a grad student.

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

I would tell a young scientist to find mentors that suit their scientific and personal goals. Good mentors are vital to growth as a young scientist. These mentors can help you throughout your entire scientific career and help in expanding your professional network. By having a diverse network of mentors, students are introduced and challenged in ways that improve their ability to think critically, learn new biology, and think about their career goals.

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

I think the next big contribution to the reproductive biology field will be identifying genetic causes of reproductive disorders due to the advancements and availability of sequencing technologies.

What hobbies do you have outside of the lab?

My hobbies outside the lab include mixed martial arts (MMA), cooking, reading fantasy books, board games, and spending time with friends and family!