Project title
'Optimising vitrification of porcine'
Profile summary
I achieved my BSc in Biomedical Science at Cardiff University in 2018, and have begun my PhD under the supervision of Dr. Katie Fowler and Prof. Simon Harvey. Unlike in other agricultural species, there is currently no commercially viable method of freezing pig eggs, sperm or embryos. This is primarily due to a high lipid content, which causes the formation of ice crystals and reduces post-thaw viability.
My research, funded by Topigs Norsvin, aims to investigate development of porcine embryos and optimise vitrification techniques. Cryopreservation will allow for global distribution of embryos with desirable characteristics, at a lower cost than transporting livestock.