Reproductive Biology

The goal of the Ph.D. graduate program in the Reproductive Biology specialty is to train students to become leaders in the field of reproductive biology in preparation for careers in research and academic medicine. The program focuses on the role of reproductive biology in the fields of veterinary and human medicine. Specific training areas emphasize reproduction and early development, pregnancy and lactation, biotechnology and reproduction, reproductive neuroscience, and the reproduction of domestic and endangered animals. This program offers both breadth and focus to students with interests in the field of reproductive biology as they pertain to understanding basic biological mechanisms and their potential application to abnormal and disease processes.

Research Areas (Drs. Ayres, Bridges, Byrnes, Mann, & Alcivar-Warren): This program combines developmental and molecular biological technology in basic and applied areas to investigate the physiological control of mammalian reproduction. Specific studies in this program include:

• the production of transgenic laboratory and domesticated (e.g. caprine and porcine) species, to generate desired physical attributes, cell surface epitopes, secretory (milk) peptide production, and increased gonadotrophin production
• the role of hormones in maternal behavior
• the effects of reproductive experience on neuroendocrine functions in female mammals