Marisa Korody, PhD, Conservation Genetics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Dr. Marisa Korody is a reproductive physiologist and conservation scientist in Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Her work focuses on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and genetic rescue to support endangered species conservation. Dr. Korody is a faculty member at the Center for Perinatal Discovery at UC San Diego.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):

• Develops and applies techniques like artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo transfer for endangered species.

Genetic Rescue and Biobanking:

• Works with the , a genetic resource bank that stores cryopreserved cells from over 1,000 species.
• Aims to restore genetic diversity in critically endangered populations, such as the .

Stem Cell and Cloning Research:

• Collaborates on efforts to use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to potentially revive extinct or nearly extinct species.

Species Focus:

• Her work has supported conservation efforts for species like the northern white rhinoceros, Przewalski’s horse, and other critically endangered mammals.

Scientist

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA)

Assistant Professor, Pathology

UC San Diego

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Here are some of the key learning objectives:

1. Effective Treatment: Participants will learn to treat patients with stem cells more effectively through multidisciplinary discussions.
2. Research Dissemination: Participants will be able to disseminate the latest research and clinical advances in stem cell science.
3. Clinical Application: Participants will apply new knowledge to improve clinical practices and patient outcomes.

These objectives aim to ensure that attendees are well-equipped to integrate the latest scientific advancements into their clinical practice. The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The UC San Diego School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Info: "Coffee and Conversation" will be held on the patio terrace for attendees. Attendees can grab coffee before the presentation and catch up with their colleagues.

Info: Marisa Korody, PhD, is a scientist in Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, presently working on the northern white rhino rescue project. She works closely with collaborators at The Scripps Research Institute to optimize the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from banked rhino fibroblast cells in the Frozen Zoo® for potential use in assisted reproductive technologies.

Korody started at SDZWA as a research associate, where she had the opportunity to work with cytogenetics and molecular genetics teams. In this role, she was responsible for establishing, growing and freezing cell lines from native and endangered animals for banking in the Frozen Zoo®. Her molecular genetics work included paternity analysis, bird and mammal sexing and species identification. Now she helps teach Frozen Zoo® Cell Culture Seminars, in which participants learn cell-culture techniques, enabling them to save living cells from endangered species.

Info: Q&A participation with the audience and Zoom attendees.

Host or Publisher Sanford Stem Cell Discovery Center