The Future Conceived

SSR Podcast
  • 5.0 (3)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

The Future Conceived podcast is the official podcast for the Society for the Study of Reproduction. In this podcast, you'll hear about emerging scientists, new techniques, investigators from around the world, untold stories about our annual conference, and so much more! For more information about the Society for the Study of Reproduction and all things reproductive biology related please visit: https://www.ssr.org. Enjoy!

  1. 5D AGO

    E59: Janice Bahr Junior Scientist Travel Award with Dr. Camilla Hughes

    What does it take to transition from a curious undergraduate to an award-winning Assistant Professor? In this episode, host Dr. Pam Monahan (Northwestern University) sits down with Dr. Camilla Hughes, Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology at Penn State and the 2025 recipient of the Janice Bahr Junior Scientist Travel Award. Dr. Hughes dives into the "through-line" of her research: the fascinating and often under-explored relationship between immune cells and the ovary. From the prenatal establishment of the ovarian reserve in cattle to the complex signaling that regulates the corpus luteum, Dr. Hughes explains why understanding the immune system is key to unlocking new insights in reproductive physiology. Beyond the bench, we discuss the power of the SSR community. Dr. Hughes shares the profound impact of the late Dr. Janice Bahr’s legacy, her experiences in the world-renowned Frontiers in Reproduction (FIR) course, and practical advice for junior scientists on how to "be a sponge" at scientific meetings. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The Janice Bahr Legacy: The importance of supporting junior faculty and the impact of long-term mentorship within the SSR.Ovarian Physiology: A deep dive into bovine and ovine models, prenatal development, and the role of immune resident cells.The "Frustration" of Learning: Why the most difficult moments in the lab often lead to the most significant scientific breakthroughs.Conference Networking 101: Concrete tips for trainees on how to navigate large meetings, find collaborators, and move past "imposter syndrome."About the Guest: Dr. Camilla Hughes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Penn State University. Her lab focuses on ovarian physiology, specifically the role of immune signaling in the establishment of the ovarian reserve and the function of the corpus luteum. She is a proud alumna of the FIR course and a dedicated member of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. This podcast is sponsored by the Virtual Education Committee of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR). Our mission is to highlight member careers, share technology updates, and bring you the latest scientific advancements in reproductive biology. Learn more about the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) at www.ssr.org. Note: AI tools were utilized in the generation of the transcript and summary for this episode. All content has been rigorously reviewed by the Future Conceived team for accuracy.

    25 min

  2. APR 28

    EP 58: Early Embryo Development: The Material Physics of Cell Division with Dr. Colm Kelleher

    In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Colm Kelleher, a physicist in the Bioinspired Institute at Syracuse University.  During cell division, the chromosomes that contain the genetic material must be copied and segregated. Failure to segregate correctly has dire consequences for cell viability and is a common problem during IVF and pre-implantation embryo culture.  The spindle apparatus that segregates the chromosomes is comprised of ~1000 distinct types of proteins with many thousands of copies of each type. With that in mind, we can imagine the spindle as an extremely complicated molecular machine with millions of parts that each need to be in the right place at the right time for the spindle to carry out its essential functions. This kind of description raises some serious questions.  For example, how can we know which parts are the most consequential when there are so many, and the relative importance of different parts changes over time or depends on the molecular details of the cellular environment?  Dr. Kelleher argues that there is another way to think about it. He is working to apply intermediate scale models from materials physics to describe spindle formation in a way that minimizes that number of things that need to be measured in the lab. In other words, how should we describe spindle formation, if we can’t rely on knowing everything about the molecules that make it up? As it turns out, the spindle apparatus has more in common with a handful of dried spaghetti than you might think.  Check out our website: https://ssr.org/ Link to Dr. Kelleher's faculty page: https://artsandsciences.syracuse.edu/people/faculty/colm-kelleher/#Biography

    1h 34m

  3. APR 19

    EP 57: Interview with RV Short Medal Recipient Dr. David Pepin

    In this episode of the Future Conceived podcast, Dr. David Pepin, recipient of the Roger V. Short Medal, shares a candid and inspiring look at his non-linear path from a "failed" postdoc to a leader in reproductive biology. He details how a accidental discovery—finding that anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) could "pause" ovarian activity—transformed into a decade-long mission to revolutionize contraception and oncofertility. To learn more about Dr. Pepin's lab site, visit https://www.pepinlab.com/david-pepin Learn more about the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) at www.ssr.org.

    39 min

  4. MAR 28

    EP 56: Embryo Development: Metabolism and the Uterine Microenvironment with Dr. Kosta Simintiras

    In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Kosta Simintiras, Assistant Professor of Reproductive and Developmental Biology at Lousiana State University. Dr. Simintiras studies mechanisms of communication between maternal and embryonic tissues that are essential for establishing early pregnancy in mammals. His lab uses a combination of model systems including cattle, transgenic rodents, and organoids grown from human cells, with the ultimate goal of understanding of how pregnancy works both when it goes well, and when it doesn’t.  Learn more about SSR here: https://ssr.org/ Learn more about the LSU Simintiras Lab here: https://faculty.lsu.edu/csimintiras/index.php Link to some of Dr. Simintiras' relevant work in SSR's flagship journal The Biology of Reproduction: https://academic.oup.com/biolreprod/article/114/1/134/8239143?guestAccessKey=

    58 min

  5. MAR 15

    EP 55: Alternative Careers in Reproductive Biology: Dr. Jane Fenelon, Marsupial Assisted Reproduction Lead at Colossal Biosciences

    In this episode of The Future Conceived we explore more Alternative Careers in Reproductive Biology, through interviews with reproductive biologists who have jobs outside of academia. Dr. Victor Ruthig from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus interviews Dr. Jane Fenelon about Dr. Fenelon’s non-academic career as the Marsupial Assisted Reproduction Lead at Colossal Biosciences.

    24 min

  6. MAR 2

    EP 54: Embryo Development: Genetic Programs with Dr. Ramiro Alberio

    Today is the first episode in a three-part miniseries focused on mechanisms of embryonic development. Our host, Cam Schmidt, of East Carolina University has the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Ramiro Alberio, Professor of Developmental Biology at The University of Nottingham in the UK. Dr. Alberio is working to understand the control of cell fate decisions that guide mammalian embryonic development. His approach integrates single cell transcriptomics and gene editing techniques in economically important livestock species such as pigs and sheep. His many research and review articles highlight some fascinating commonalities among the developmental programs of phylogenetically distinct species.  Learn more about Dr. Alberio's work: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/people/ramiro.alberio Read Dr. Alberio's perspective on advances in embryo development research in SSR's flagship journal 'The Biology of Reproduction (BOR)' here: https://academic.oup.com/biolreprod/article/114/2/396/8316746

    1h 22m

  7. FEB 13

    EP 53: 2024 Repro BioArt Awards with Ingrid Carvacho, and Martin Estermann

    What happens when you look at a scientific failure from a different angle? In this episode, we celebrate the intersection of aesthetic beauty and rigorous research as we sit down with the inaugural winners of the SSR ReproBioArt Contest. Join us as Dr. Ingrid Carvacho (Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile) and Dr. Martin Estermann (NIH) reveal the stories behind their award-winning images. From a "rejected" chicken embryo that transformed into a vibrant butterfly to a two-cell embryo that looks like a distant solar system, our guests discuss how high-resolution imaging is changing the way we understand the beginnings of life. In this episode, we explore: The Serendipity of Discovery: How a 180-degree flip turned Martin’s "urogenital butterfly" from a rejected journal cover into a prize-winning masterpiece.Science Beyond the Capital: Ingrid’s powerful story of building a research program in regional Chile and the "infrastructure gap" that required a three-hour drive just to access a microscope. The Power of Metaphor: Why describing early embryo development as a "complex universe" helps bridge the gap between the lab and the general public. The Future of Imaging: A look at cutting-edge techniques like Expansion Microscopy and how researchers are "stretching" cells to see life in higher resolution than ever before. Featured Guests:Dr. Ingrid Carvacho: Associate Professor and PI of the Lab of Ion Channels and Reproduction. Winner of the People’s Choice Award. Dr. Martin Estermann: Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Humphrey Yao’s lab at NIEHS. Winner of the SSR Members' Choice Award.About the ReproBioArt Contest: Organized by the SSR Public Affairs Committee, this contest celebrates the visual representation of scientific research related to the study of reproduction. To view the winning images discussed in this episode, follow SSR on social media or visit [SSR.org].

    28 min

  8. JAN 28

    EP 52: Carl G. Hartman Award with Dr. Teresa K. Woodruff

    It's a mini lab reunion! Yu-Ying Chen and Shuo Xiao interview their former mentor, Dr. Teresa Woodruff, at the SSR Annual Meeting. Dr. Woodruff, the recipient of the 2025 Carl G. Hartman Award, looks back on her career, sharing the personal story behind her biggest scientific milestones and her fierce dedication to advocacy. Hear her advice on taking "high risk" projects, what she learned from industry, why she loves teaching (from first grade to postdocs), and how a conversation by the beach led to the discovery of the zinc spark. This episode captures the profound impact of mentorship and the passion that drives a truly extraordinary career in reproductive science.

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Future Conceived podcast is the official podcast for the Society for the Study of Reproduction. In this podcast, you'll hear about emerging scientists, new techniques, investigators from around the world, untold stories about our annual conference, and so much more! For more information about the Society for the Study of Reproduction and all things reproductive biology related please visit: https://www.ssr.org. Enjoy!

Information

  • Creator
    SSR Podcast
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Future Conceived
  • Show Website
    The Future Conceived

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