Jennifer Wood

Avatar for Jennifer Wood

Jennifer Wood

Professor Animal Science University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Contact

Address
ANSC A224k
Lincoln NE 68583-0908
Phone
402-472-6437 On-campus 2-6437
Email
jwood5@unl.edu
Website

Dr. Jennifer Wood joined the Department of Animal Science as an Assistant Professor and Reproductive Physiologist in 2006 and has served as a Professor of Animal Science and Molecular Reproductive Physiologist since 2020. Outside of her work in the department, she serves as Associate Dean of Graduate Education for the Office of Graduate Studies, a title she has held since 2023. Dr. Wood was also named President of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) in 2024.

Education

Post-doctorate, Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, PA, 2000-2005
Ph.D., Reproductive Endocrinology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2000
M.S., Reproductive Endocrinology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1996
B.A., Microbiology, Indiana University, 1992

Teaching

ASCI 443/843: Physiology of Animal Cells and Tissues
Summary: Molecular, cellular, and tissue dependent functions of neurons, skeletal and smooth muscle, vasculature, and immune cells. Cellular regulation of important physiological processes including blood flow, gas exchange, inorganic solute homeostasis, acid-base balance, water balance, appetite control, and thermal regulation will also be studied. Understand cellular and molecular processes that ensure homeostasis and promote integration of physiological systems.

ASCI 896-701: Independent Study in Animal Science (Contemporary Topics in Reproductive Biology)
Summary: Individual or group projects in research, literature review, or extension of course work under the supervision and evaluation of a departmental faculty member.

ASCI 896-004: Independent Study in Animal Science (Scientific and Agricultural Ethics)
Summary: Individual or group projects in research, literature review, or extension of course work under the supervision and evaluation of a departmental faculty member.

Research

My lab is currently working to identify the key factors that determine the developmental potential of the mammalian oocyte. The impetus of this research is to improve in vitro production of embryos which has increased in prevalence in the cattle industry. Our research also has implications for improving fertility in women. We use a number of molecular techniques and mouse and bovine models to perform our studies.

Selected Publications

  • Ermisch AF and Wood JR (2024) Regulation of Oocyte mRNA Metabolism: A Key Determinant of Oocyte Developmental Competence. Adv Anat Embryol Cell Biol, 238: 23-46, PMID: 39030353
  • Ermisch AF, Bidne KL, Kurz SG, Bochantin KA, and Wood JR (2023) Ovarian inflammation mediated by TLR-4 increased transcripts of maternal effect genes and decreased embryo development. Biol Reprod 108(3): 423-436, PMID: 36461933
  • Bidne KL, Rister AL, McCain AR, Hitt BD, Dodds ED, and Wood JR. (2021) Maternal obesity alters placental lysophosphatidylcholine, lipid storage, and the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism. Biol Reprod 104: 197-210, PMID: 33048132, PMCID: PMC7946805   
  • Snider AP and Wood JR (2019) Obesity induces ovarian inflammation and reduces oocyte quality. Reproduction 158: R79-R90, PMID: 30999278, Top 10 cited review in 2020