Reproductive Biologist Brett White would like to Welcome you to the World of "Reproductive Physiology"
Our team of graduate and undergraduate students and technicians are participating in cutting edge research projects such as investigating the role of the GnRH receptor gene in lines of swine divergent for ovulation rate, the effects of GnRH on early developing embryos and mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation of the porcine GnRH receptor gene.
Hello! Welcome to the Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, home of the Huskers here at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
My name is Dr. Brett White, Associate Professor of Animal Science and Laboratory Director. Our laboratory utilizes basic molecular techniques as well as applied approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying reproductive biology. Specifically, we are interested in transcriptional regulation of the gene encoding the receptor for gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH. The interaction between the GnRH receptor and its ligand, GnRH, is critical to reproductive function in mammals. In addition, we are interested in the genes that influence early embryonic development.
Our laboratory has a true passion for science, we enjoy what we do and work as a team to maintain a highly productive, successful laboratory. We hope this website is a satisfactory overview of our team's efforts.
For more information on how you can join our World-Wide Team contact:
Dr. Brett White, Associate Professor
Areas of Interest!
History...Reproductive Biology Lab People and Events
UNL's Hog Farms Rooted out by Urban Sprawl PDF (473 kb)
Roy Carlson's Stained Glass Window Unveiling PDF (217 kb)
Roy's Window...a poem in memory of Roy Carlson PDF (54 kb)
Alumni
Former White Lab Graduate Students and UCARE graduates
Theses download Reproductive Biology Lab StudentsA Luau celebrated the graduations of lab alumni Emily McDonald, Ben Bass and Rachel Friedrich...Aloha!!
Emily McDonald-Creamer B.S., Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, M.S., University of Nebraska, 2005
Master's Thesis entitled: "Transcriptional regulation of the GnRH receptor gene in lines of swine divergent for ovulation rate". Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Benjamin Bass B.S., Animal Science, University of Missouri - Columbia, M.S., University of Nebraska, 2005
Master's Thesis entitled: "Analysis of GnRH responsive anterior pituitary genes in lines of swine divergent for ovulation rate".
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
Marcelo Montagner Ph.D., Santa Maria Federal University, Brazil and Visiting Scholar, University of Nebraska, 2005
Doctoral Thesis entitled: "Role of GnRH on early embryonic development and embryo cryopreservation of divergent swine lines". Currently teaching physiology and reproduction at the Federal University of Parana, Brazil and is Veterinary department head at UNISEP a private University in Brazil.
Amy Cropp-Perkins B.S., Animal Science, University of Nebraska, 2004, M.S., University of Arizona, 2006
UCARE project entitled: Role of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) during early embryonic development. Currently pursuing Ph.D. at the University of Arizona.
Rachel Friedrich (Spatz) B.S., Animal Science, University of Nebraska, 2005, DVM, Iowa State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2009.
UCARE project entitled: Analysis of the porcine GnRH receptor gene promoter for the presence of an upstream enhancer element.
Jessica Krajewski (Swanson) B.S., Animal Science, University of Nebraska, 2003
UCARE project entitled: Expression of the GnRH receptor gene in preimplantation mouse embryos. Currently employed at North Platte Veterinary Clinic, North Platte, NE.
Bill Pohlmeier B.S., Animal Science, University of Nebraska, 2006, M.S. University of California-Davis 2008. Currently employed as a Research Manager at UNL in the Animal Science Department.
UCARE project entitled: GnRH signaling during early embryonic development. Currently pursuing M.S. at the University of California-Davis.
Kari Morfeld B.A., Biology, Nebraska Wesleyan University, M.S., University of Nebraska, 2006
Master's Thesis entitled: "Elimination of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus from boar semen and its effects on sperm viability". Currently employed at Schering-Plough Animal Health, Elkhorn, NE.
Jennafer Glaesemann B.S., Animal Science, University of Nebraska, 2007
UCARE project entitled: Plasma membrane integrity of swine embryos following cryopreservation. Currently pursuing a DVM at Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine of the University of Nebraska and Iowa State University, Fall 2007.
Jacqueline Smith B.S., Animal Science, University of Connecticut, M.S., University of Nebraska, 2008. Currently employed as a Research Technologist at UNL in the Animal Science Department
Master's Thesis entitled: "Investigating differences in the Gonadadotripin releasing hormone receptor gene among lines of swine divergent for ovulation rate".
Ashlee Poulas B.S., Animal Science, University of Nebraska, 2008
UCARE project entitled: Production of transgenic mice to evaluate activin responsiveness of the porcine GnRH receptor gene.
Vanessa Brauer B.S., Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo, 2006, M.S., University of Nebraska, 2009. Currently employed as a Research Technician at UNL in the Animal Science Department.
Master's Thesis entitled: "Characterization of the Porcine Type II GnRH Receptor Gene." for download