Theriogenology, an international journal of animal reproduction published by Elsevier, is consistently ranked amongst the top veterinary journals. Theriogenology publishes articles on a wide range of topics in reproductive biology and biotechnology, including basic and applied studies in cryobiology of gametes and embryos, conservation biology, and assisted reproduction of domestic, wild, avian, and aquatic species.https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/theriogenology

https://www.theriogenology.org/

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, accountable for Quality Assurance and Quality Control at STgenetics laboratories (23 facilities, 14 countries, ~350 employees). Combining scientific, regulatory and operational knowledge to assure that ST products are produced, tested, and released in compliance with requirements. Specific responsibilities include:- Train, coach, and supervise staff involved with quality assurance and quality control. - Incorporate GXP concepts and practices to andrology laboratory and (sexed) semen production. Lead continuous improvement initiatives.- Develop Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines (USDA, CFIA and Certified Semen Services) and production contracts. Serve as primary contact point with regulatory entities for laboratory activities.- Execution, coordination and tracking of all QMS procedures and related activities including internal audits, document management, training management, batch review/release, complaints, recalls, regulatory inspection management, quality risk management and management review coordination.- Interact directly with R&D department, advising on opportunities for development of semen processing technologies. Translate research into practice, overseeing the entire change control process from planning to execution, including timelines, documentation, training and assessment.- Develop quality metrics and KPI’s and report to executive management team. Ensure appropriate escalation of quality issues to responsible management in case of critical findings and support immediate follow-up measures (e.g. HACCP, root-cause analysis, CAPA, training).

The 4A is a non-profit organization established to stimulate and disseminate information on applied animal andrology. The association promotes a biennual meeting that attracts hundreds of participants from academia, industry, and private practice from all over the world. The meetings organized during my tenure included Vancouver/Canada, Newcastle/Australia, and Tours/France.

Member of the committee responsible for the certifying exams of the American College of Theriogenologists; qualified veterinarians that successfully complete the exams become Diplomates of the college and are considered specialists in animal reproduction. Responsibilities included developing and grading multiple-choice, essay, and practical questions for general and species-specific (bovine, equine, companion animals) exams. Approximately 150 veterinarians wrote certifying exams during my tenure in the committee. Member: 2010-2012 exams; Vice-chair: 2013 exam; Chair: 2014 exam; Past-chair: 2015 exam.

Managed large capacity bovine semen processing center that produced approximately 10 million frozen units/year for commercialization in over 70 countries: - Oversaw a staff of 20 laboratory supervisors and technicians, including staff planning, recruitment, development, and performance evaluation. - Administered an operating budget of > US$ 2.6 million. - Planned and oversaw the distribution of capital expenditure funds totaling approximately US$ 250-400 thousand/year. - Administered quality assurance activities and ensured compliance with USDA and NAAB-CSS regulations.­ - Served as science consultant to support internal (leadership and technical/commercial departments) and external customers in matters related to semen quality.­ - Managed expansion and improvement projects, including opening laboratory for production for the European Union, remodeling laboratory facilities, and streamlining processes. - Member of project management team that oversaw the development, test, and implementation of proprietary IT production control system that was implemented in four different countries. - Member of cross-functional leadership team involved in the due diligence process and integration planning for the acquisition of the company In Vitro Brasil, with responsibilities including technology/IP review and production planning.

Conducted research on sperm biology and semen preservation for support of production and development of new products. - Advised company leadership on opportunities for development of new semen processing and cryopreservation technologies. - Ensured that projects were aligned to corporate strategy and business model and provided proof-of-concept.­ - Managed research projects including preparing proposals and progress reports, assessing milestones, and overseeing budgets. - Wrote laboratory and experiment SOP’s.­ - Oversaw IVF laboratory for support of sperm physiology and semen quality research.­ - Developed studies on semen extenders, sperm quality markers and evaluation methods, cryopreservation, and gender skew.

Committee formed by members of several bovine genetics organizations charged with providing quality assurance/control guidelines and promoting education and technical development for semen processing centers. Minimum guidelines for semen quality control programs were released in 2012. Concept of technical workshops developed and implement at NAAB Technical Conferences starting in 2014.

Worked as clinician and clinical instructor at the Hofmann Center for Animal Reproduction and Ryan Veterinary Hospital for Large Animals at New Bolton Center. - Managed equine frozen semen program, including perfecting methods and techniques for semen processing and establishing a quality control system. - Member of the team responsible for the equine embryo transfer program providing services including donor and recipient reproductive management, artificial insemination, and embryo collection/transfer/cryopreservation.­ - Provided routine (e.g. infertility investigation, reproductive management, semen processing) and clinical emergencies (e.g. high risk pregnancies, obstetrics) reproduction services to clients.­ - Served as clinical instructor for residents and 4th-year veterinary students during rotation.­ - Taught animal reproduction to 3rd-year veterinary students, including Core Clinical Reproduction, Neonatology and Intensive Care, and Large Animal Reproduction (wet labs)

Coordinated the clinical rotation on animal reproduction for 4th-yera veterinary students. - Scheduled and managed on-call duties - Administered and graded exams. - Conducted embryo transfer, ultrasonography, and breeding soundness evaluation wet-labs.

Worked as attending clinician at the Worked as clinician and clinical instructor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Teaching Hospital.­ - Provided routine (e.g. infertility investigation, reproductive management, semen processing) and clinical emergencies (e.g. high risk pregnancies, obstetrics) reproduction services to clients.­ - Served as clinical instructor for residents and 4th-year veterinary students during rotation.