Researcher biography
I pursued my studies at the Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay in France and graduated with a master in genetics in September 2017. Throughout my studies, I specialised in genetics and developmental biology and I am currently undertaking a PhD in the lab of A/Prof Josephine Bowles. Overall, my PhD aim is to study mechanisms controlling pluripotency in fetal and adult male germ cells, the cells that develop into sperm. I aim to determine the role of a protein called Cripto in mouse germ cells throughout fetal and adult development, particularly focusing on the Spermatogonial Stem Cell (SSC) specification step and carcinogenesis. Improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving SSC specification and testicular tumour formation will provide a step towards the goal of safely generating functional gametes in vitro. Ultimately, it could pave the way to the long-awaited male contraceptive pill."