CRS Scientist Spotlight on Pooja Devrukhkar

Pooja Devrukhkar, MS, is a Senior Research Technologist in the Duncan Lab and MS-RSM Alumna, Class of 2023. Her research focuses on understanding mechanisms that drive ovarian aging and identifying aging biomarkers, developing a microphysiologic ex vivo tissue-on-a-chip to model to study ovarian senescence.

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

I graduated from the MS in Reproductive Science and Medicine program at Northwestern in 2023 under the mentorship of Dr. Francesca Duncan, following which I joined her lab as Lab Operations Lead. Currently, I am a Senior Research Technologist in the Duncan Lab.

Could you describe what your work entails?

My work falls under two portfolios: First, I manage daily lab operations and lab management in the Duncan Lab. Additionally, I am the project manager for the SenNet team that works to understand the role of cellular senescence in human ovarian aging, determine novel biomarkers to identify cellular senescence, and  develop a microphysiologic ex vivo tissue-on-a-chip to model ovarian senescence and human tissue-tissue interactions via the SASP. This work falls under the NIH Common Fund’s SenNet Consortium.

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

I appreciate the collaborative environment that CRS provides and the opportunities for trainees to learn from leaders in the field of reproductive science. Trainees are given several leadership roles that helps them grow wholistically. Plus, our tight-knit community has excellent mentors in various stages of their careers who genuinely care about trainees and their career development.

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

It definitely has been learning from leaders in the field. I have had several opportunities to attend conferences and talks from researchers across disciplines – basic, translational, and clinical, and with the past and current state of reproductive health in the world, it is extremely inspiring to see our community contributing to drive the field forward.

What would you recommend to students for them to succeed in their careers? ​

Networking is one of the biggest assets for a student – never take it for granted. Do not be afraid to explore and do not be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes and failure are opportunities to try again, but more intelligently.

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

If I had to pick one, it would be the development of interventions for the early detection and treatment of reproductive cancers and to extend reproductive longevity.

What hobbies do you have outside of the lab?

I am an avid reader, love cooking, arts and crafts, and Bollywood dancing.