A Closer Look

My objectives for attending this meeting were to learn more about the embryo transfer industry as a whole and to see how members from industry and research collaborate. Since I am not a veterinary student looking to be a practitioner, I wanted to understand how a graduate student such as myself, focused primarily on research, would best become involved in this professional community. I was also particularly interested in understanding how technologies such as IVF are affecting the industry, since in vitro systems are an integral component of my current research.

(more…)

I would like to start by introducing myself so I can depict how important it was for me to attend the AETA annual convention. I am Fabian Diaz, international graduate student at the Department of Animal Science, Louisiana State University (LSU). During my undergraduate studies I discovered and developed my passion for animal reproduction and biotechnology. This is how I decided to pursue graduate studies in this field. I obtained a MSc degree in December 2013, where my research project was the cryopreservation of day-8 equine embryos following blastocyst micromanipulation and vitrification. On spring 2014 I started the PhD program at LSU. My dissertation work involves the evaluation of the effects of different types of stress on the epigenetic makeup of IVM oocytes and IVP embryos. I am especially interested in assisted reproductive technologies in bovine and equine species.

(more…)

I would like to start off by thanking all the AETA members and the sponsors that contributed to the scholarship fund. During the introduction of scholarship recipients at the banquet, the statement was made that we were the next generation of the industry. If our generation accomplishes even close to as much as what the previous ones have, the livestock industry will be dramatically changed for the better.

(more…)

Being awarded with one of the AETA Student Scholarships provided me with such a unique opportunity that I am truly grateful for. It was such an amazing experience attending the joint convention that I would not have been able to participate in without the tremendous generosity of the AETA. I had a number of objectives for attending the convention, which mainly pertained to helping improve my knowledge of the embryo transfer industry as a whole. The first major objective was to use the student sessions in advanced reproductive physiology and basic embryo handling procedures. While our veterinary school curriculum focuses heavily of bovine theriogenology, specific emphasis on basic principles for utilization of embryo transfer techniques in a veterinary practice is lacking. I was able to gain valuable knowledge on the intricacies of proper embryo morphology and handling practices and their importance in providing quality results to a client. The advanced reproductive physiology presentation challenged me to build upon my foundation of basic estrous cycle manipulation through learning the schemes used in donor and recipient cow protocols to maximize the efficacy of a donor synchronization program.

(more…)

The AETA/CETA joint convention was an extraordinary opportunity to network with embryo transfer veterinarians, as well as learn different methods for successful transfers. Being a student, I had minimal exposure to the specific details involving traditional ET and even less to in vitro fertilization. The convention proved to be an excellent learning experience and was also very fun.

(more…)

First and foremost, I would like to thank the AETA for giving me the opportunity to attend the annual meeting. The conference is a great experience for young professionals interested in the embryo transfer industry. I found an interest in livestock reproduction early in my veterinary education, and my passion for the industry is driving me to pursue a career in embryo transfer. Attending the annual meeting was a great way for me to expand my knowledge on the latest research and technologies in this business. I thought the meeting topics were very relevant and thought provoking, and I especially enjoyed networking with practitioners who graciously shared helpful tips that will aid in my transition into a successful practitioner in this industry. I cannot stress enough how important programs like these are for building the next generation of embryo transfer practitioners.

Thank You,

Brady Myers

University of Minnesota

Being provided the financial support to be able to attend the AETA/CETA annual conference in Niagara Falls this year has been both an honor and a privilege. I am extremely grateful to have been one of the student scholarship recipients and have the opportunity to expand upon my knowledge base in such an intriguing discipline.

(more…)

I would like to take the time to thank the AETA, its members, and its scholarship committee for giving me the opportunity and financial support to attend the 2015 AETA–CETA/ACTE joint convention. My main goals for the conference were to learn more about current research in the industry, to learn new techniques, and to learn from successful people within the industry. Ultimately, the knowledge that I have gained by attending the conference has greatly impacted me and will help me to become a better embryologist. The committee did an excellent job of selecting speakers with a wide range of topics that made for an excellent educational experience that allowed me to accomplish all of my objectives for the conference.

(more…)