Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. is a leader in higher education and an internationally recognized biologist specializing in reproductive science. In 2006, she coined the term “oncofertility” to describe the merging of two fields: oncology and fertility preservation. Together with colleagues, Woodruff developed encapsulated in vitro follicle growth (eIVFG) models leading to ovarian follicle growth and egg maturation in vitro. She co-discovered the ‘zinc spark’ at the time of fertilization, the first external signal of a newly fertilized egg and co-invented a technology platform that supports tandemly connected organs to recapitulate an ex vivo 30-day ovarian cycle.
Woodruff was awarded the National Medal of Science by then U.S. President Joe Biden and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring by former U.S. President Barack Obama. She currently serves as president emerita of Michigan State University (MSU) and MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor.
Professional position
- President Emerita and MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University
Subject groups
-
Multicellular Organisms
Endocrinology and reproduction (non-clinical)
-
Other
Public understanding of science
