Alejandro de la Fuente

Dear fellow Morulas, my name is Alejandro (Al) de la Fuente, a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, Davis, and one of the current Governors in the Morulas Board of Governors (BOG).

Ever since I attended my first IETS conference, I have felt like this is a wonderful community to be part of and to work for. Thus, after being an active Morula for some time, I applied for the Governor position last year and I was very honored to be selected. I have enjoyed working alongside Krishna and Daniel during this time, planning the virtual webinars, the featured Morulas initiative, a special webinar (spoiler alert), and now some of the events for the 50th annual conference in Colorado. I truly believe in the mission statement of our association that we BOG are “dedicated to the personal and professional development of its trainee members” and we “strive to motivate trainees to become integral participants of the IETS community”. Also, as part of the BOG, we have the responsibility to make sure the community remains united, scientifically interesting, and supportive for everyone.

As I am approaching the end of my time as a trainee, and with the referenced mission statement in mind, I would like to continue my work in the Morulas BOG and apply for the President position. This would allow me to keep working and helping for an extra year in the projects that are ongoing and those that we plan to execute in the future. Again, I am very grateful for the support received in the last election and I would be thankful if you support me as the next BOG President. Regardless of the result, I am also very excited to complete my second year as a Governor with the newly elected president and remain an active member in the community afterward helping whenever needed.

Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,

Al de la Fuente

Shilpa Doultani

Dear Morula and IETS Boards,

I'm Shilpa Doultani, a dedicated reproductive biologist pursuing doctoral research at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) (Gujarat University) in Gujarat, India. During my master's program at the GBRC, I explored animal reproductive biology and identified key genes as molecular markers for oocyte maturation in buffaloes.

My current doctoral research is focused on developing an in-house media suite for bovine in vitro embryo production, addressing cost and efficiency challenges in OPU-IVEP technology.

IETS is strongest when it offers global representation and practical solutions. I aim to bolster its role in advancing assisted reproductive technologies, focusing on regions where dairy and livestock sectors thrive. My dedication lies in promoting Embryo Transfer Technologies where they've yet to reach their full potential, through customized awareness and educational programs. Expanding the IETS network is my priority, cultivating connections among professionals and organizations to foster knowledge exchange. Collaborating with industry stakeholders bridges the gap between research and application, with enhanced training and accessibility to the latest technologies as my objectives. In regions with substantial animal populations, an effective regulatory framework is critical.

I aim to amplify IETS's influence by nurturing collaboration between academia and industry, addressing the growing demand for efficient and sustainable bovine reproduction. IETS plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scientists in assisted reproduction. Mentorship programs and partnerships with academic institutions will prepare the future workforce. Expanding IETS's global reach is essential, given the global implications of bovine reproduction. I intend to collaborate with research and industry leaders worldwide to address universal challenges. My connection with Morulas since 2020 has provided me with valuable insights, and I've actively participated in research webinars and governor elections.

My aspiration as IETS President is rooted in unwavering belief in our mission. I am committed to providing a dynamic platform for research, innovative technologies, and practical solutions, strengthening IETS's global impact. My drive is to create a lasting impact in bovine reproduction.

Should you have any further inquiries or need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Shilpa Doultani

Morgan Orsolini

My name is Morgan Orsolini and I am running to rejoin the Morulas Board of Governors as 2024-2026 President.

While earning a BS in Animal Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I joined  Dr. Fernando Campos Chillon to investigate the effects of cytokines on in vitro produced bovine embryos. Through the lab, I became a Morula and attended my first IETS in New York City. In 2020, I joined the UC Davis Assisted Reproduction Laboratory to pursue a Master of Science in Animal Biology with Drs. Stuart Meyers and Pouya Dini. My thesis included characterization of stallion sperm cell membrane charge, selection of sperm using microfluidics, and sperm RNA extraction and sequencing for use in future fertility diagnostics. While studying at UC Davis, I was elected as a Morulas Governor, and spent two years developing the Morulas and connecting with members.

After finishing my work at UC Davis, I undertook a yearlong fellowship with the San Diego Zoo Reproductive Sciences Team, studying relationships between physiological stress and elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus with Drs. Chris Tubbs and Barbara Durrant. Currently, I am working on a PhD in Reproductive Toxicology at Duke University, where I plan to study the effects of chemical exposures on fertility and development.

With a broad experience in the field of reproduction, as well as my prior experience as a Morulas Governor, I hope to not only create a smooth transition between the current and future Board of Governors, but also to expand upon all of the great work being done. To start, I would work to expand IETS and the Morulas to new institutions, so that we may broaden our academic base and learn from new guests and members. I also hope to increase current member involvement through activities and networking events year-round, building upon the strong foundation and community we have built. Lastly, I look forward to advocating for Morulas throughout the larger IETS society. As a long-time Morula who has achieved both personally and professionally within this group, I am excited about the possibility of representing the IETS student population as Morulas president.

Morulas Trainee Group

The Morulas Trainee Group is a great opportunity that will provide you with the following:

  • Exclusive access to job offers within the field
  • Free online access to Reproduction, Fertility and Development
  • The chance to take part in the student competitions
  • Exclusive discounts for the IETS Annual Conference
  • The chance to earn a scholarship to the Domestic Animal Biomedical Embryology (DABE) workshop and Companion Animals, Non-Domestic and Endangered Species (CANDES) forum that will help you to cover the IETS Annual Conference costs
  • The chance to enter a picture contest with awards for the best scientific image

Moreover, you will be able to take part in the Morulas' events during the IETS Annual Conference, including the Morulas' mentor and career luncheon, which will allow direct interaction with professional IETS members in a friendly environment. Also, the Morulas' forum is held during the IETS Annual Conference, where you can give us your feedback and ideas and become more active in the Morulas Trainee Group and, if interested, take part in the election of Morulas' governors and president.

Mission Statement

"To cultivate a supportive organization within the IETS that is dedicated to the personal and professional development of its trainee members. The Morulas Board of Governors shall strive to motivate trainees to become integral participants of the IETS and work to create opportunities that foster their continued investment into the society."