“Fertility Unlocked”: MHSc students highlight innovation in fertility research

Yael Swartz

“Embryos follow a fairly specific and predictable timeline during development. By day five after insemination, embryos are expected to reach the blastocyst stage, when they can be transferred into the uterus. However, not all embryos follow this schedule, and some develop more slowly.

In IVF, one of the primary goals is to generate as many viable embryos as possible, so it is common practice to extend the culture period by an extra one to two days to give slower-developing embryos more time to progress. My research focuses on these delayed embryos, examining their potential to “catch up” and develop into fully formed, healthy blastocysts. I aim to better understand how often this occurs, and if patient and cycle characteristics influence their development, with the goal to help set clearer expectations and improve patient counselling.

I was first introduced to clinical embryology over a decade ago through a video about a couple undergoing IVF. Since then, I have been drawn to the field’s combination of biology and real-world impact, and the opportunity to help people build families.”

Sarah Qu

“My research project focuses on embryo development within the IVF lab. For some patients by day five, blastocysts have not developed and only earlier-stage embryos, called morula, are available for transfer. In these cases, patients may choose to transfer what has developed or continue growing the embryos until day six or seven, when they may develop into blastocysts and be frozen for a future cycle.

My project addresses the first part of this dilemma by examining the success rates of fresh day five morula transfers. Understanding the likelihood of live births will help better counsel fertility physicians and patients, manage expectations and provide further evidence to support this approach.

My journey in clinical embryology began in a reproductive biology class at the University of Toronto, where I became interested in the complexities of reproduction, hormones and fertility. This program brings together my interests in reproductive physiology, hands-on lab work and clinical application.”

Hannah Barnes

“In in-vitro fertilization (IVF), choosing which embryo to transfer can make the difference between a successful cycle and an unsuccessful one. My research examines how different embryo selection methods work to influence the chances of a successful pregnancy in donor egg IVF cycles, such as developmental timing, morphology and genetic testing. 

Most existing research focuses on patients using their own eggs. There is less evidence specific to donor egg cycles, despite this group often including individuals facing more complex or long-standing fertility challenges. Studying this population supports a more complete, evidence-based approach that better reflects clinical practice and patient needs. Even small improvements in embryo selection could improve success rates and reduce the emotional and financial burden of treatment.

I have long been interested in the intersection of science and patient care, and in how detailed laboratory work can directly affect patient outcomes. My interest in clinical embryology developed during undergraduate studies in reproductive science and hands-on research, leading me to pursue a field that combines scientific precision with meaningful patient impact."

Carly Herrington

“My research examines how the appearance of human eggs relates to early embryo development in IVF. 

The egg plays a major role in determining whether an embryo will successfully develop, yet there is currently no standardized way to interpret many of the features embryologists observe under the microscope. Egg quality is often described subjectively, making it difficult to compare findings of different clinical embryologists or confidently communicate prognosis. 

By working toward a more reproducible characterization of egg morphology, this research aims to clarify how specific features relate to fertilization rates and embryo development, supporting more informed clinical decision-making.

My interest in clinical embryology developed during my undergraduate studies, where I was drawn to developmental biology, genetics, reproductive physiology and biomedical ethics. I became interested in a career that combines scientific theory with hands-on work that directly contributes to patient care, working toward improved reproductive outcomes, whilst supporting transparent information in healthcare decision-making.”

Maria Krigos

“My research explores the intersection of HIV and sperm biology in fertility. Advances in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV into a chronic, manageable disease, allowing many people to live longer, healthier lives and pursue parenthood. This project investigates how these therapies may impact male fertility by examining how different treatments and doses affect sperm health and the activity of genes involved in reproduction. 

The goal is to better understand whether medications used to treat or prevent HIV could affect sperm and future family planning.

My motivation to become a clinical embryologist stems from my parents’ experience with infertility. Their challenges inspired me to pursue a career focused on reducing barriers to reproductive care. Through my training, research experience and involvement with the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, I have become increasingly motivated to contribute to innovations that improve patient care and support families.”