Lab Members
Lab Members
Rebecca Krisher, Ph.D.
Rebecca Krisher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Hanover College in 1987, followed by a Master’s degree in Animal Sciences at North Carolina State University in 1989. She then worked for Granada Biosciences for several years before completing her PhD at Virginia Tech in Animal Science/Dairy in 1994. After graduate school, she worked for several years as an embryologist in human clinical reproduction, after which she returned to academia to complete a post doctoral fellowship with Dr. Barry Bavister at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1998, Rebecca joined the faculty of Purdue University, in the Department of Animal Sciences, where she was tenured in 2003. After almost 9 years at Purdue, she accepted a position at the University of Illinois in late 2007.
Rebecca’s research program focuses on defining processes within mammalian oocytes that are critical for embryonic and fetal development. Her laboratory is elucidating molecular changes in the oocyte during growth and maturation, as well as maternal aging, which are critical components of developmental competence after fertilization. She has used microarray analysis and real time PCR to target genes with differential expression in good and poor quality oocytes. In addition, Dr. Krisher works with the Ossabaw mini-pig as a model for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. She is also involved in research in South Africa to develop assisted reproductive technologies in non-domestic ungulates to assist in species conservation. Her research has been funded by the Purdue Research Foundation, the Indiana University-Purdue University collaborative biomedical research fund, and industry support, as well as USDA and NIH. In addition to research, she teaches reproductive physiology and zoo animal conservation biology at both the graduate and undergraduate level.
Ye Yuan, Ph.D student
From Shaoyang, a small city in the Hunan province of southern China, I attended China Agricultural University in Beijing and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences in 2003. After that, I spent another 3 years there for my master’s degree. I chose reproductive physiology as my research direction. During graduate school, my studies were mainly focused on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation, the oocyte’s relationship with cumulus cells and the in vitro environment.
It’s very meaningful to understand the mechanism of oocyte maturation and the factors that affect oocyte quality, which directly impacts embryonic and fetal development. I wanted to continue my studies. So with great pleasure, I joined in Dr.Krisher’s lab in 2006, working with her for my Ph.D. degree in this area. The long-term goal of my studies is to elucidate the mechanisms of cytoplasmic maturation of mammalian oocytes in relation to developmental potential. My current study is investigating different pattern of mRNA expression in gilt (as a model of poor oocyte competence) and sow (as a model of good oocyte competence) oocytes to elucidate important pathways in porcine oocytes that are correlated with developmental competency. We have completed microarray analysis of mature oocytes from gilts and sows. The next step is using real time PCR to validate microarray expression data. Now I am working hard for this part. Hopefully, our efforts could result in better understanding of the mechanism of oocytes maturation, and increase efficiency of assisted reproductive technology.
Elena Silva, Ph.D. student
I am from Mato Grosso State, western part of Brazil, and this is the place where my interest in animal reproduction started. I hold a degree in Veterinary Medicine from University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP) where I worked in several projects related with reproductive efficiency of dairy and beef cows. After completion of my degree in Veterinary Medicine I decided to move to U.S. in 2004 to pursue graduate studies.
I received my M.S. degree in Dairy Science from University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2006. My research interests included ovarian physiology during resynchronization protocols and analysis of new techniques to improve reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. For a doctoral study I decided to explore an area related with the molecular pathways underlying reproductive biology. I joined Dr Krisher’s lab in 2008 to work in studies focused on the mechanisms that affect porcine oocytes development. Dr Krisher’s lab has been a great place to start this new chapter of my research career.
Annie Newell-Fugate, D.V.M., M.Sc., Ph.D. candidate
Annie Newell-Fugate is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She obtained a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2000. In fulfillment of her undergraduate degree she defended a thesis on the behavior and dispersion of free-ranging Northern Cardinals at Mason Farm, Chapel Hill. While at UNC-Chapel Hill, she also researched aggression levels of free-ranging Zanzibar Red Colobus monkeys on Zanzibar, Tanzania. Annie graduated with highest honors from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. From 2000-2004, Annie conducted two research studies in collaboration with the Conservation and Research Center of the Smithsonian Institute at Front Royal, Virgina. These studies assessed fecal endocrine profiles and reproductive seasonality of captive, indoor-housed male Pallas' cats, and semen quality and fecal testosterone concentrations of wild-caught, captive ocelot, margay and tigrina in Costa Rica. In 2003, Annie traveled to Thailand to assist with a study of endoparasite burdens in captive wild felid species. In 2008 Annie received her Masters of Science in Production Animal Studies from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Her study assessed the effects of two formulations of the gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist, deslorelin, on the reproductive parameters of captive, male African wild dogs. Annie has practiced small animal clinical medicine at Banfield-The Pet Hospital since 2007.
Annie began her Ph.D. program with Dr. Krisher in fall of 2008. Annie's Ph.D. research will focus primarily on the validation of the Ossabaw pig as a model for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in women. Control and "treated" pigs will be assessed for: systemic and thecal cell endocrine profiles, estrus cyclicity, ovarian follicle size via ultrasonography and immunohistochemistry, in vivo effects of insulin on androgen levels, baseline lipid, glucose and insulin profiles, and insulin receptor autophosphorylation capacity. Once the Ossabaw model has been validated, research will focus on elucidation of the genetic and enzymatic pathways which trigger PCOS. In addition to this research project, Annie and Dr. Krisher would like to apply techniques in oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo culture developed for domestic hoofstock to field work with wild ungulate species indigenous to South Africa.
Jessica Taibl, Ph.D. candidate
I am from the Chicago suburbs, but have lived in Champaign-Urbana since August 2000. I received my B.S. in Biology in 2004 at the University of Illinois. I spent a year and a half working at the Vet school in necropsy and in the toxicology lab before going to grad school. I will get my M.S. in Animal Science in 2008. I worked on controlling and synchronizing ovulation in pigs. Now I have moved just around the corner to start my PhD. I will be characterizing the Ossabaw pig as a model to study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in women. I couldn't be more excited about this project because it allows me to still work with pigs, which I love, but focus a little more on human disease. I will also get to learn more molecular procedures. I am in my fourth year as a TA for MCB 334 which is human anatomy, and my third year as a TA for MCB 290 which is a small dissection class. When I am not doing anything work related, I love to spend time with my Appaloosa gelding, Chief, swim with the Masters Swim team, and do all kinds of other fun outdoor things like ski (water and snow), bike, hike, and canoe.
Kristen Hacker, undergraduate student
My name is Kristen Hacker and I was raised on a farm in Lexington Illinois. I enjoy working with and showing beef cattle. I also enjoy cake decorating and baking. I am currently a junior in animal sciences concentrating in livestock reproduction. I plan on working with all aspects of embryo transfer in the beef cattle industry after I graduate.
Sagan Leasure, undergraduate student
Sagan is currently a sophomore in the college of ACES. She is majoring in Animal Sciences with the aspirations of attending vet school to become a veterinarian of small animals. She plans to open her own practice someday along with an animal shelter. She works at a vet back home and as a petsitter. When she's not enjoying work, she loves spending time with her dog Frankie.
Erika Wiemer, undergraduate student
Erika is from the small town of Easton, IL, and is currently a senior majoring in Animal Science. After graduating from U of I she plans to attend veterinary school and become a large animal veterinarian. Erika has a very strong interest in reproductive medicine and is excited to be working in Dr. Krisher's lab. When not at school, Erika enjoys working for a veterinarian back home and taking any opportunity she can to work with animals.
