ThoughtGallery.org > The Fast and the Furious: Talks About Sperm Migration and Social Dominance

The Fast and the Furious: Talks About Sperm Migration and Social Dominance

Nisi Kitchen

549 Main Street

New York, NY 10044

United States

The Weill Cornell Medicine Postdoctoral Association presents: the Postdoc “Pub Talk” Series, an outreach event featuring the research of WCM postdocs* to engage both fellow researchers and science enthusiasts from around New York City!

Come meet your friendly neighborhood scientists! Two researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine will discuss what they are doing in the lab to advance the scientific frontier in sperm migration and social dominance research. June 24, 2019 – 7:30 PM at Nisi Kitchen (549 Main Street, Roosevelt Island).

Up first, Katherine Lopez will present “Top Mouse: The Development of Social Dominance”. Social dominance is an essential component of social behavior across a multitude of species, from insects to primates. The emergence of a dominant individual can be linked to genetics; however, this behavior develops even in genetically identical individuals in controlled laboratory settings. So, what makes an individual dominant? Is it nature (innate) or nurture (learnt)? Are all socially dominant individuals alike (e.g., are all dominant individuals aggressive/bullies?). These are a few of the questions that will be discussed.

Next, Melanie Balbach will present “Survival of the fittest: A sperm’s journey to fertilization”. The sperm overcomes a number of barriers on its way from ejaculation to an oocyte. Melanie will discuss how the physiology of the sperm adapts to overcome these barriers on it’s journey to fertilization, as well as how the uterus and the oocyte provide assistance to help the sperm reach its destination. Her research into how the sperm fuels it’s engine to reach the oocyte can be used to develop male contraceptives and treat reproductive diseases.

*What is a postdoc?? A postdoctoral scholar, or “postdoc” is a temporary mentored research position held by an individual with a doctoral degree. Postdocs engage in research and training that allows them to acquire the professional skills necessary to pursue a related independent career.











When: Mon., Jun. 24, 2019 at 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Nisi Kitchen

549 Main Street

New York, NY 10044

United States

The Weill Cornell Medicine Postdoctoral Association presents: the Postdoc “Pub Talk” Series, an outreach event featuring the research of WCM postdocs* to engage both fellow researchers and science enthusiasts from around New York City!

Come meet your friendly neighborhood scientists! Two researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine will discuss what they are doing in the lab to advance the scientific frontier in sperm migration and social dominance research. June 24, 2019 – 7:30 PM at Nisi Kitchen (549 Main Street, Roosevelt Island).

Up first, Katherine Lopez will present “Top Mouse: The Development of Social Dominance”. Social dominance is an essential component of social behavior across a multitude of species, from insects to primates. The emergence of a dominant individual can be linked to genetics; however, this behavior develops even in genetically identical individuals in controlled laboratory settings. So, what makes an individual dominant? Is it nature (innate) or nurture (learnt)? Are all socially dominant individuals alike (e.g., are all dominant individuals aggressive/bullies?). These are a few of the questions that will be discussed.

Next, Melanie Balbach will present “Survival of the fittest: A sperm’s journey to fertilization”. The sperm overcomes a number of barriers on its way from ejaculation to an oocyte. Melanie will discuss how the physiology of the sperm adapts to overcome these barriers on it’s journey to fertilization, as well as how the uterus and the oocyte provide assistance to help the sperm reach its destination. Her research into how the sperm fuels it’s engine to reach the oocyte can be used to develop male contraceptives and treat reproductive diseases.

*What is a postdoc?? A postdoctoral scholar, or “postdoc” is a temporary mentored research position held by an individual with a doctoral degree. Postdocs engage in research and training that allows them to acquire the professional skills necessary to pursue a related independent career.

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