Travel story: Rebecca Wilson

Rebecca Wilson from the Robinson Research Institute’s Placental Development Research Group attended the Frontiers in Reproduction Course in Massachusetts, USA in April-June 2017.

Rebecca attended a prestigious 6 week intensive laboratory and lecture course offered to only 20 people worldwide and was invited to present her research on Maternal haemodynamic, placental and renal factors contribute to fetal growth restriction in zinc deficient mice.

This is what Rebecca had to say about her experience:

What was a highlight of the conference?

Meeting numerous different people and being able to learn from so many wonderful scientists.

Did you attend any workshops or satellite meetings associated with the conference?

This course offered lectures and laboratory classes in all aspects of reproductive biology from hormonal regulation of gonad development, oocyte and sperm maturation to implantation and pregnancy. I had the opportunity to meet and work with over 60 visiting lectures and teaching assistants. The experience was invaluable to my future career success.

Did you meet any researchers or collaborators of significance? Why are they important to your work?

During my time at the course, I was able to work with Franco DeMayo, Tom Spencer and Larry Reynolds all of whom are leading implantation, pregnancy and placental development researchers. I was able to discuss with them their current work as well as potential future post-doctoral opportunities.

How will the experience support you and your research going forward?

I have since been in contact with a number of senior researchers I met during my time at the course and am exploring post-doctoral opportunities with them.

What was the most exciting thing you learned/experienced at the Conference?

The most exciting aspect of the course was the laboratory classes. I learnt how to do microinjections, chromatin immunoprecipitation, how to dissect and culture neonatal ovaries, testicles and prostates, embryo transfers and was able to work on a number of different species including xenopus, drosophila, mice, pigs and sheep.

What was the most interesting or unexpected moment of your travel?

The most unexpected moment was realising how close I had become with the 19 other people that were doing the course with me, the friendships I made and the prospect of continuing to collaborate professionally in the future.