Alumni Spotlight on Paige Naples
The program fosters an amazing sense of togetherness that makes developing relationships easy with not only those in your cohort, but with your mentors and professors as well.
Paige Naples, MS
Paige Naples, MS is a graduate of the MS-RSM program, class of 2023. She completed the non-thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Hoi Chang Lee, PhD. She currently an Andrologist at Virginia Fertility & IVF.
Mentor: Dr. Hoi Chang Le, PhD
Project title: Assessment of Zinc Spark Intensity in an In-Vitro Model for Post-Ovulatory Aged Oocytes
What is your connection to the CRS community (mentor and position) and what is your current position?I was a master’s student in the 23’ grad year in the non-thesis track working with Dr. Lee. I am currently an andrologist at VA Fertility & IVF
Could you describe your current research/studies?
I am our main andrologist on staff at VA Fertility & IVF. I do diagnostic testing of semen samples, prepare patient samples for intrauterine insemination and in-vitro fertilization procedures, cryopreserve semen samples, and assess micro testicular extraction samples during surgery to help provide information to the surgeon in real time.
What aspect(s) of CRS did you find most valuable?
The most valuable aspect to me would be the community and connections that I have made and continue to make within the CRS.
What has been the most valuable aspect to your training as a reproductive scientist in CRS?
The depth of knowledge we learn both in and out of the classroom has been extremely beneficial in a professional setting. It made integrating it into my position 100X easier because I understand the reasoning and background behind our laboratory procedures and I am able to participate in dialogue about new and old research.
What would you recommend to junior scientists in order for them succeed in their scientific careers?
Have an open mind! Sometimes what you expect you’ll do after graduation is not the right place for you and that is okay. Everybody’s journey is different, that is what makes life so interesting.
What do you think will be the next big contribution in the reproductive biology field?
Male birth control! So many companies are so close to getting to market, I think we will be there very soon.
Do you have any notable stories from your time in CRS?
So many stories from long study nights in the suite, holiday events, and going out with my friends from the cohort. I made so many lifelong friends from my cohort and I could not have asked for a better experience! The program fosters an amazing sense of togetherness that makes developing relationships easy with not only those in your cohort, but with your mentors and professors as well.