CRS Scientist Spotlight on Ria Marathe

Ria Marathe is a second year MS-RSM student in Dr. Kara Goldman's lab. Her master's thesis research focuses on investigating the role of serine-threonine kinases in human ovarian cumulus cells to determine which cell signaling pathways are impacted by ovarian aging.

Thesis mentor: Kara Goldman, MD 

Thesis title: "Global kinase activity patterns in human ovarian cumulus cells in the aging ovary" 

What brought you to join the CRS community and what is your current position? 

During and after my undergraduate studies, I was actively involved in academic research. Right before entering this program, I was in the reproductive science laboratory of Dr. Marco Conti at the University of California, San Francisco. My interest in a career in reproduction piqued as I learned more about oocyte biology and markers for oocyte aging in the lab. I was juggling between wanting to pursue a career in medicine versus a career in reproductive research and entering the MS-RSM program seemed like the necessary next step to help me gain clarity. I am now a thesis-track graduate student in the Goldman Lab, and I recently defended my master’s thesis! 

Could you describe your research? 

I am currently in the lab of Dr. Kara Goldman, a practicing Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility doctor whose research interests involve studying mTOR pathway signaling in physiologic and pathologic reproductive aging. The overarching goal of my research is to investigate the role of serine-threonine kinases like mTOR in human ovarian cumulus cells to determine which cell signaling pathways are impacted by ovarian aging. Cumulus cells are directly adjacent to the developing oocyte in the ovary, and studying the bi-directional communication between the egg and cumulus cells can provide insight into the signaling that is compromised by physiologic aging processes in the ovary. To identify the most differentially active kinases in cumulus cells, we used a novel kinome array platform called PamChip that identifies differential serine-threonine kinase activity between reproductively young and older patients. 

What aspect(s) of CRS do you find most valuable?  

The reproductive science community at Northwestern is remarkable and one of a kind. I have access to so many resources and amazing mentors who want nothing more than for you to succeed in your career. Additionally, the MS-RSM program implements career development-related coursework which I found extremely helpful as I was figuring out the best career for me. 

What has been the most valuable aspect to your training as a reproductive scientist? 

During my training in the MS-RSM program, I think the most valuable insight I had was the power of collaboration. My thesis research and other projects would not be possible without our collaborators inside and outside of reproduction, and there is so much value in outsourcing resources to increase the impact of your study. My kinome array study would not be possible without Dr. Robert McCullumsmith’s laboratory at the University of Toledo, and I would not be able to carry out my other experiments without the help of Dr. Francesca Duncan’s lab or the University of Washington Histology and Imaging Core.  

What is one piece of advice you would give to young scientists starting in their journey in science?  

Find balance and set boundaries! It is important to work hard towards your career and research, but establishing work-life balance will ultimately make you more productive and successful in achieving your goals.  

What do you think will be the next big contribution in the reproductive biology field?  

Male birth control! And of course, treatments to delay female reproductive aging. 

What hobbies do you have outside of the lab?   

Outside of the lab, I am a high-intensity interval training fitness instructor at SWEAT Fitness studios! Fitness has become my greatest outlet during my thesis work. In addition, I love to cook and bake. Finally, I was a trained professional dancer, so I am hoping to ease my way back into dancing again.