Research interests

Introduction
I explore factors that regulate follicular and luteal dynamics in the ovary. Follicular dynamics includes the phenomenon of follicular waves and follicular waves occur in many species, including humans. A follicular wave is defined as the emergence/growth of a group of follicles from an antral follicle pool at regular intervals and one or more of these growing follicles grow to an ovulatory size before regressing or ovulating. We now have the ability to collect follicles at critical physiological time points during a follicular wave for the study of intra-follicular factors in many species. Intra-ovarian factors that regulate follicular and luteal dynamics can be examined under different physiological and pharmacological conditions.

Controlled breeding
Improving controlled breeding methods (follicle wave synchronization, superovulation, timed artificial insemination, embryo transfer) in ruminants is an interest of mine.

Specific patterns and concentrations of circulating hormones
I am interested in how specific patterns and concentrations of circulating hormones regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Many critical reproductive events such as sexual differentiation, sexual maturation, reproductive cyclicity and senescence, and pregnancy are impacted by these factors. Very little research has been done in this area with a focus on follicular waves. The implant model, developed during my Ph.D., and variations of this model are valuable for the study of many circulating hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and progesterone.

Nutrition
I am interested in how nutrition regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Many critical reproductive events such as sexual maturation, reproductive cyclicity, and pregnancy are impacted by nutrition. I am particularly interested in energy balance and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Very little research has been done in these areas with a focus on follicular waves.

Exogenous steroidogenic compounds
I am interested in how exogenous steroidogenic compounds regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Examples of exogenous steroidogenic compounds are contraceptive hormones and endocrine disruptors like some plant sterols, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. Many of these compounds are found in the environments of animals and humans. Many critical reproductive events such as sexual differentiation, sexual maturation, reproductive cyclicity and senescence, and pregnancy are impacted by these exogenous steroidogenic compounds. Very little research has been done in this area with a focus on follicular waves. The implant model, developed during my Ph.D., and variations of this model are valuable for the study of many exogenous steroidogenic compounds.

Ovarian antral follicular angiogenesis
I have an interest in how angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels) is regulated in developing, differentiating, and regressing antral follicles. It is a process that is normally tightly controlled during such events as proper wound healing or dramatic tissue development in the ovary. However, improper angiogenesis can occur with some pathologies where there is uncontrolled angiogenesis, such as tumour growth, or insufficient angiogenesis, like in non-healing wounds. Angiogenesis is controlled by metabolic demand. Of the few tissues of the body that undergo rapid, cyclical development and degeneration, the female reproductive organs have several tissues. Weight-wise, when these tissues are fully developed, they receive some of the highest levels of blood flow. Vascular endothelial cells have very high mitotic rates in these organs. Follicles synthesize angiogenic factors that belong to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) families. The FGF and VEGF families appear to be involved in follicle development, but their overall significance in follicle development needs clarification. If we can comprehend the angiogenic process in antral follicles then we may also have a better idea of this process in normal tissue and how abnormal angiogenesis occurs during different pathologies. The ability to manipulate angiogenic processes may allow us to control the quantity and quality of follicles that ovulate and ultimately fertility. Many follicular dysfunctions could be due to the development of an inappropriate follicular vascular network. This research will help to clarify the intra- and extra-follicular factors involved in the regulation of angiogenesis in ovarian antral follicle wave dynamics and the role of angiogenesis in follicular wave development and ovulatory follicle selection.

Funding