We are beginning to understand much more about how the surrounding environment and our interaction with it can influence the reproductive capability of an individual. Equally, how numerous factors (dietary and environmental) can impact maternal and paternal contributions to an embryo, as well as the subsequent growth and health of the offspring. These are coupled with a growing reliance on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in order to reproduce. Our lab investigates the fascinating interactions between all these components. In particular, our research centres on improving outcomes of human and animal ART, identifying critical pathways in early embryo development and metabolism, and determining the effects of endocrine and environmental factors on fertility and offspring health. We undertake our research in a variety of species, including humans, ruminants, rodents and invertebrates using strategies such as in vivo animal studies, in vitro embryo culture, as well as a range of biochemical, molecular and genomic methodologies.
Collaborators and Industry Links