Current Students

Meet the students enrolled in the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) program. Feel free to reach out to any of our current students with questions.

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Shelby Alligood

I received my B.S. in animal science from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. I had the opportunity to work with a variety of species in a hands-on environment. After undergrad, I worked as zookeeper with wolves and otters at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, MT. My work in the zoo and wildlife field inspired me to pursue a career in wildlife conservation. My long-term career goal is to work in endangered species breeding and conservation using assisted reproduction technologies.

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Marissa Bailey

I am originally from the Pacific Northwest and completed my undergraduate studies at Gonzaga University, earning a B.S. in human physiology with a minor in music. My future goals in ART are focused on specializing in human embryology. I am deeply committed to advancing reproductive health and supporting the growth of families through innovative techniques and personalized care.

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Sienna Bigler

I am interested in human reproduction and aspire to work at a fertility clinic after completing this program. I am passionate about public health, specifically issues about women’s health. I want to support these causes by contributing to research on women’s infertility and reproductive epidemiology. Before starting this program, I received a B.S. in physiology and medical sciences from the University of Arizona.

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Mitchell Ellis

I grew up in Trafalgar, IN where I raised and showed Hereford cattle and Boer goats with my family. I attended the University of Indianapolis for my undergraduate education where I majored in chemistry with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine. I am now pursuing my passion for reproduction at CSU and I intend to pursue a career focused on IVF in Indiana.

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Katie Fortier

I’m originally from Longview, TX. I attended Oklahoma Baptist University for my undergraduate degree and graduated with a B.S. in biology and a minor in music. I’m very passionate about women’s health and would love the opportunity to work in a human fertility clinic, women’s health center, or reproductive research lab. I am particularly drawn to the study of sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive cancers and their impact on fertility.

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Remy Joachims

I received my B.S. in molecular cell biology and physiology with a minor in chemistry from California State University, Long Beach. During my undergraduate studies, I grew a passion for human reproductive health, including assisted reproductive technologies, which led me to this program. I am interested in working in human embryology and am excited to be providing equal fertility care for people of all genders, sexual orientations, and races.

Marcie Jung

I am interested in the diverse animal reproductive fields. I have been working as a lab assistant in a theriogenology laboratory on a research project to enhance the fertility rate for cattle in vitro fertilization (IVF) with the long-term goal of doing IVF for canines and potentially exotic animals.

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Riley Lockard

I am originally from central Iowa, and I will be looking for career opportunities post-graduation in the livestock or human reproductive technologies industry. I received my B.S. in animal science from Iowa State University. During this time, I was a research assistant, teaching assistant, and intern at Hawkeye Breeders Services. I have an extensive background in bovine reproductive techniques in both males and females. While my experience is primarily in cattle, I also seek opportunities in the human side of the industry.

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Sydney McClure

I graduated with my B.S. in genetics, cell biology, and development from the University of Minnesota. I worked as an undergraduate research assistant to complete a thesis focused on the incorporation of optogenetic technology into zebrafish through the microinjection of DNA constructs in one-cell stage embryos, which inspired me to pursue a career in ART. While completing my graduate education, I will be interning with Dr. Quinton Winger to aid in blastocyst retrieval from ewe uteri and media testing for bovine in vitro embryo production. My career and internship interests are in human embryology, andrology, and research.

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Agnes McLaughlin

I am from Pennsylvania and grew up riding and being around horses; they will always have a special place in my heart. I bred horses for a few years before coming to CSU, which really opened my eyes to the world of ART techniques. As an IVF baby myself, I wanted to give others the same opportunities that were afforded to my parents. I am so excited to be in this program at CSU, to learn everything I can, and take part in every opportunity available to me.

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Morgan Miller

I graduated with my B.S. in cellular, molecular, and developmental biology with a minor in women's and gender studies from Colorado Mesa University. I am very excited to be a part of the ART program, as I have always loved reproduction. Having worked in both small- and large-animal clinical medicine, I plan to either pursue a D.V.M. or Ph.D. post-graduation, most likely with a focus on equine applications. Besides being a full-time student, I also work in equine internal medicine and critical care.

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Izzy Olaes

I am a University of California, Davis graduate with a B.S. in animal science and management. My goal in the ART industry is to lead an incredibly diverse career, supporting both humans and animals, and to work with a positive and collaborative team. I am open to opportunities in the human, equine, and wildlife industries.

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Robyn Pascucci

I’m from Allen, TX. I attended Oklahoma State University where I received my B.S. in animal science and graduated with an equine enterprise management certificate. My focus has been primarily equine throughout undergrad, but as I’ve been in the ART program I’ve really begun to enjoy learning about human IVF too. After completing the ART program, I hope to be able to work with either horses or humans, and continue to expand my knowledge of IVF.

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Samantha Phillips

I'm from Harrisburg, PA. I have a B.S. in biology from Elizabethtown College as well as minors in studio arts and psychology. My professional experiences include working as a portrait artist at an amusement park, a CNA at a public hospital during the height of COVID, an intern for Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum, and most recently as a substitute teacher for elementary and high schools in Pennsylvania. This multidisciplinary background has led me to the ART program at CSU, and I am currently seeking a career as an embryologist with a human reproduction clinic.

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Kristen Sherrill

I am from rural Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas, and am beyond grateful to now be a part of the program here at CSU! My main interest is human embryology and IVF. As for location, I am completely open-minded. I would love to work in a lab or clinic to help people create beautiful families!

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Hannah Steinmetz

I am interested in working in a human IVF clinic. I was an IVF baby and have been dreaming of this job since I was a little kid, hoping to bring together families like my own. I'm from the small town of Chetek, WI, and hope to stay in Wisconsin or Minnesota in the future. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in biomedical and health sciences and a minor in chemistry. I have worked in many labs.

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Crystal Stowers

I’m from Carroll County, MD, and grew up on a farm raising sheep, goats and cattle for show. I have always been fascinated by the different reproductive techniques available for ruminants, and made it a goal to be a part of the industry that helps obtain genetics and continue heritage lines. I’m grateful to be a part of the ART program at CSU and look forward to taking the knowledge gained and applying it to the livestock industry through the usage of IVF, AI, embryo transfer and much more. I plan to add on to the reproductive department at my family’s vet clinic while also staying open-minded to other opportunities in this field.

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Lizzie VanBrunt

I earned my bachelor's degree in cellular and molecular biology from Seattle Pacific University. After earning my B.S., I worked in the biotech industry for two years where I ran experiments in bioreactors and really fell in love with mammalian cell culture. I am eager to apply my academic and hands-on experience to my passion for women's health and human reproduction. I am open to exploring roles in human embryology, andrology, and genetics.

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Kassi Varga

I am originally from Denison, TX. I attended Tarleton State University to get my undergraduate degree in animal science production with an equine certificate. My main focus has been equine and bovine, however I do have experience in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation with endangered species. After the ART program, my goal is to go into IVF with any species. I am also open to internships with human IVF or andrology so I can expand my experience in a different field. I am excited to grow my connections and knowledge in reproduction!

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Willow Werlhof

I graduated with a B.S. in equine science with a minor in ag business from CSU. I am originally from Terra Bella, CA but now reside in Fort Collins, CO. Most of my experiences are in the equine and beef cattle industries, with interests in reproduction. My main career goal is to obtain my D.V.M., and practice as a rural veterinarian with emphasis on offering assisted reproductive services.

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Caya West

I was born and raised in Fresno, CA and received my B.S. in animal science at California State University, Fresno. I am interested in both animal and human reproductive technologies and have current aspirations to become an embryologist. Outside of my studies, I enjoy taking care of my six rescue cats.

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Brianne Wolf

I have a B.S. in genetics from Clemson University. During my undergraduate career, I was involved in research and also took classes such as animal reproduction and developmental animal biology. My academic and personal experiences led to my desire to pursue a career in human embryology, specifically in the southeastern U.S.