Tricia Adams, PhD is an LSU-trained senior embryologist at Fertility Answers
A Louisiana native, Dr. Tricia Adams earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Southeastern Louisiana University and her PhD in Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
As an undergraduate, she participated in transgenic research at the LSU Reproductive Biology Center in St. Gabriel. This research led to her acceptance into the Louisiana State University Graduate School. She then completed her Master of Science in Animal Sciences with a focus in Reproductive Physiology and Biotechnology. Her projects included work with bovine fetal fibroblasts and cellular transfection using synthetic mRNA. The overall goal of these projects was the induction of pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells.
As a PhD candidate, Dr. Adams conducted extensive research in evaluating the viability and development of cryopreserved equine oocytes. Equine oocytes, unlike human oocytes, do not respond well to cryopreservation. The goal was to improve the equine oocyte vitrification process and improve blastocyst development through the modification of established human vitrification protocols and media supplementation during culture. Oocytes were examined for structural integrity following cryopreservation by evaluating chromosome structure and microtubule arrangement. Developmental competence was evaluated by measuring the blastocyst development following ICSI of cryopreserved equine oocytes. These experiments provided additional information that will aid in the establishment of successful equine oocyte cryopreservation to support the equine industry and preservation of endangered equine species.
Prior to completing her education, she and her loving husband, Eric, were stationed across the country during his military service. Their two children were born during this time, and upon completion of military service, she and her family chose to return to Louisiana. Dr. Adams lives in Prairieville with her family that has grown to include an adopted daughter, two dogs, and one enormous cat.
Dr. Adams loves being a part of the Fertility Answers embryology team and assisting couples in making their dream of a family become a reality!
