Audrey Kindsfather, a current PSTP research year student, was awarded one of 14 second-year HHMI (Howard Hughes Medical Institute) fellowships for her work with Melissa Mann, PhD in the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her project is titled "Investigating the combined effects of advanced maternal age and assisted reproductive technologies on mitochondrial function, embryonic morphokinetic parameters, and genomic imprinting in a mouse model."
“My first year as an HHMI Med Fellow has allowed me to pursue translational research about how maternal age and fertility treatments affect mitochondria and epigenetics in mouse embryos while also learning about many different areas of reproductive sciences as a part of the MWRI community. I have also enjoyed attending the HHMI conferences and meeting other Med Fellows from around the country. I'm looking forward to not only continuing my research over the next year but also developing the skills necessary for a career in academic medicine.”
The 2015 University of Richmond graduate and New Jersey native joined the PSTP in June of 2015. In her free time, Audrey loves to play the harp. She has performed both internationally and at the White House and Carnegie Hall. She also enjoys exploring the different neighborhoods and restaurants of Pittsburgh and spending time with her cat!