Isabella Sellmer Ramos, a master's degree student at the University of Missouri, has been selected as the prestigious 2023 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) Scholar. Ramos's research focuses on reproductive physiology, specifically exploring the underlying mechanisms of postpartum uterine disease in dairy cows. Her groundbreaking work aims to understand the changes in uterine histoarchitecture caused by the disease and develop more effective treatments to prevent reproductive losses.
Ramos, who holds a bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine from Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná in Brazil, completed a research internship at Kansas State University and a residency in bovine reproduction at the University of São Paulo. Her current project investigates how uterine disease affects the functional regeneration of uterine glands during uterine involution, as these glands play a crucial role in fertility and early embryonic development.
The significance of Ramos's research Is her findings supporting the hypothesis that uterine disease hampers glandular regeneration during the postpartum period.
Additionally, Ramos's research contributed to a funded proposal by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on disease programming of endometrial regeneration and function in postpartum dairy cows. Currently, she is examining the expression of FOXA2, a gland-specific transcription factor, to assess the functional capacity of uterine glands in diseased cows.
The DCRC Scholars program recognizes outstanding graduate students who demonstrate a strong interest in dairy cattle reproduction and fertility. As the award recipient, Ramos will attend the 2023 DCRC Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, where she will have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and further advance her research.
The Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council brings together stakeholders from various sectors of the dairy industry to improve reproductive performance. By fostering collaboration between producers, consultants, academia, and allied industry professionals, the DCRC aims to elevate dairy cattle reproduction to new heights.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-ahavelaar
Categories: Missouri, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle