Used together with written protocols and in-person training, visual protocols are effective tools for training, adding another dimension to understanding lab techniques.

The bovine follicle culture training video features Dr. Joanne Fortune, James Professor Emeritus of Physiology. Even though Dr. Fortune has retired, the video allows us to learn from her the proper technique for dissecting the bovine follicle and gain some insights into her research topic, hormonal regulation of the differentiation and function of ovarian follicles.

From Fall 2021 through Spring 2022, we had the joy and privilege of collaborating with Luis Henrique Aguiar, who was the project lead on somatic cell nuclear transfer in our lab.  An unflappable character undaunted by the challenges of setting up SCNT, Dr. Aguiar pivots comfortably between high-tech (micromanipulator) and low-tech (handmade clones).

In Fall 2022, we offered our undergraduates intensive training on aspiration, a technique that allows for efficient oocyte recovery from slaughterhouse bovine ovaries (we process 7 lbs of ovaries every week!).  As part of their learning, the undergraduates also produced visual protocols on the technique, delving into the anatomy of the bovine ovary to better understand where in the ovary to aspirate for better quality oocytes.

Link to bovine ovary aspiration sub-skill video

Link to bovine ovary aspiration sub-skill protocol and video

Stay tuned for more visual protocols and explainers of exciting projects happening in the lab.