My name is Zidao. I got my PhD at the University of Georgia, focusing on embryo implantation and the roles of lysosome in corpus luteum development. I’m currently working in Dr. Patterson’s lab as a postdoc with a research interest of mechanisms of mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) of endometrial epithelium during normal estrous/menstrual cycle and postpartum uterine repair.

Hi there! I am originally from Puerto Rico, where I earned a bachelor's degree in Cellular-Molecular Biology at the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus. Presently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Translational Biosciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia to deepen my knowledge of reproductive biology and the scientific method. As part of the Patterson lab, I am studying the regulation of uterine gland development in bovine and humans, which plays a critical role in fertility.

Hi! My name is Jonathas and I am from Brazil. I received a BS in Biotechnology from the Federal University of São João del-Rei and an MSc in Cellular Biology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais. I am currently an Animal Sciences Ph.D. student in Dr. Patterson’s lab. My study focuses on bovine health in the postpartum. I am working on identifying the cells responsible for endometrium regeneration and how uterine diseases can reprogram these cells decreasing fertility.

My name is Isabella Sellmer Ramos and I am from Curitiba, Brazil. I earned a bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Pontifical Catholic University of Parana and a master’s degree in Animal Sciences at University of Missouri. I am currently a PhD student at Dr. Amanda Patterson’s lab, and my research focuses on comprehending the mechanisms that coordinate the development of the endometrial epithelium at birth as well as postpartum epithelial regeneration in the bovine uterus.

Hello! My name is Marissa LaMartina and I am from Farmington, Missouri. I recently graduated from the University of Missouri with my BS in biology and am now starting my PhD in Dr. Patterson’s lab. I am studying mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), specifically its role in uterine repair after menstruation and pregnancy. I am hoping to develop an in-vivo model for MET so that we can better understand the normal physiology of the endometrium. Outside of studying, I enjoy knitting and quilting!

Hello! My name is Mackenzie Cranmer. I am from a small town in Illinois known as Calhoun County. I received my bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Missouri and am now currently a Masters student in Dr. Patterson’s lab. My study focus is on Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition (MET) within the uterus in women. I am working on what can induce MET and how we can work to develop a working model to study the regenerative process of the uterus in vitro using human cells. Developing a model will help to better understand what happens when regeneration and repair mechanisms are not functioning properly.

Hello! My name is Caroline Jenkins, and i'm a junior premed student studying Biological Sciences with a minor in psychology and certificate in neuroscience. I'm involved in Kappa Alpha Theta, MizzouThon, and Free Period Project. I have my EMT certification, and currently work as a cardiology PCT. In the lab, I am working on my Capstone project. I am studying ovarian cancer, more specifically the coexpression of SUSD2 and various stem cell markers using immunofluorescence. After college I'm planning on going to medical school to pursue a career (hopefully in women's health or pediatrics). I started working in Dr. Patterson's lab March 2023. 

Hello! My name is Kendall Barnes, and I am currently a junior studying biological sciences with minors in criminology, social justice, and psychology. I am also involved in Pi Beta Phi, Phi Delta Epsilon, MSSPC, and serve as the VP of Cause for MizzouThon, a student-run nonprofit that raises money for the Mizzou Women’s and Children’s Hospital. After graduation, I plan on going to medical school and continuing to pursue my passion for women’s and children’s health. This is my first year working in Dr. Patterson’s lab as a research assistant!

Hello! My name is Isabella Farrell, and I am a junior studying biological sciences with minors in religious studies and chemistry and certificates in Gender's effects on healthcare. Beyond that, I am involved with Pi Beta Phi, Predental Club, and MizzouThon, a student-run nonprofit that raises money for the Mizzou Women’s and Children’s Hospital. After graduation, I plan to go to dental school to eventually practice and lobby for more comprehensive and inclusive dental Medicaid/Medicare coverage. This is my first year working in Dr. Patterson’s lab as a research assistant!