Blog

1. What is your current position, and what does it entail?

I am a Research Scientist in the Animal Science department at the J.R. Simplot Company, where I lead research projects focused on improving In-vitro bovine embryo production procedures. My academic background and research expertise lie in mammalian reproductive physiology, particularly on follicular development, oocyte maturation, and preimplantation embryonic development.

• Can you talk a little bit about yourself? Where are you from? What first attracted you to the world of science? How did you get to be in your current position?

I was born and raised in Tigray, Ethiopia, Eastern Africa. The community I grew up in highly values education, particularly in the sciences, with strong encouragement from society and family for young students to excel academically. During high school, my biology and chemistry teachers played a pivotal role in inspiring me and my classmates to focus on biology and other fields of natural sciences. After high school, I enrolled at the then Ambo College of Agriculture, now Ambo University, where I earned an associate’s degree in agriculture. It was during this time that I developed a deep interest in animal sciences and decided to pursue further studies in the field.

In 2005, I was awarded the joint NEPAD-Czech Republic government scholarship to pursue my undergraduate studies. In 2009, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture with a focus on Animal Sciences from the Czech University of Life Sciences (CULS). The following year, in 2010, I received the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship to pursue a joint MSc degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Wageningen University (WUR) in the Netherlands.

In 2013, I joined the Institute of Animal Sciences (ITW) at the University of Bonn, Germany, as a PhD student. My research focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying bovine follicular development, with a particular emphasis on microRNA(miRNA)-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of ovulation and follicular atresia. I showed that clusters of miRNAs are preferentially enriched in the ovulating follicles, which protect apoptosis of the granulosa cells by targeting specific apoptosis-inducing transcription factors. Additionally, I investigated the role of circulating serum miRNAs as potential biomarkers of early pregnancy in cows. Following my PhD studies, I completed two postdoctoral positions at ITW and Colorado State University (CSU). During this time, my research explored the miRNA cargo of extracellular vesicles derived from bovine ovarian follicular cells, their role in mitigating environmental stress, and their relevance in oocyte maturation and embryonic development. In addition to research, I actively mentored undergraduate and graduate students and contributed to extramural grant proposal preparations.

In 2021, I took on a new challenge by transitioning from academia to industry, joining Genus Plc as an IVF research scientist. This was a unique and challenging decision, as the shift to industry came with both opportunities and challenges. In this role, I focused on improving oocyte maturation and embryonic development rates in an industry setting. Since 2024, I have been a research scientist in the Animal Science department at the J.R. Simplot Company, where I lead research projects to optimize bovine In-vitro embryo production systems.

• What are you most excited about doing this year?

This year, I am most excited about applying the findings from our research projects and learning their impact on improving in vitro embryo production systems. I look forward to seeing how these advancements enhance the pregnancy outcomes in our herd and for our customers.

• Are there ways in which you think your heritage has affected your perspective or career trajectory?

Being born and raised in Africa, studying in various European countries, and working in the United States have profoundly shaped my perspective and career. Early exposure to multicultural environments came with integration challenges, but these experiences strengthened my adaptability and ability to collaborate across cultures. A common thread among the cultures I encountered was the importance of hard work and ambition, which have fueled my determination and commitment to my career goals.

• What words of inspiration would you like to share with the future generation of scientists, especially those coming from diverse backgrounds?

To future generations of scientists, especially those from diverse backgrounds and communities, I strongly encourage them to be resilient and hard-working. Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and use them as a springboard for future progress. There is always room to learn new skills from every member of your team. Staying up to date in your research field is essential. Attending professional conferences like SSR and IETS is a vital part of career development, providing opportunities to network and learn from pioneers in reproductive biology. Finally, it is important to remember the value of having a proper work-life balance.