Environmental Factor – May 2021: Humphrey Yao elected to the Board of Directors of the Society for the Study of Reproduction

The NIEHS learned on April 14 that Humphrey Yao, Ph.D., chair of the NIEHS Reproductive Developmental Biology group, has been elected to the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) Board of Directors.

Yao excels in both research and extension and has been recognized with the 2020 NIH Director’s Award, NIEHS Teacher of the Year 2016, and the publications were selected as NIEHS Papers of the Year. (Image credits to Steve McCaw / NIEHS)

Building on a strong start

Yao’s membership in the SSR extends back to the early days of his career. “When I followed the advice of my PhD advisor and became a community intern in 1996, I wondered why people would spend money and time on a group that seemed more like a concept than a physical object,” Yao said. “It didn’t take long. As soon as I attended my first annual SSR meeting, I was sold.”

He was impressed by the symbiosis he experienced and the dedication to science he witnessed. “The diverse research endeavors, lively and collegial discussions, and the kind nod and welcome of seasoned members with their exciting nicknames and titles, have convinced me that SSR is more than just an acronym,” he explained.

See the next term

“My vision for SSR as a director is to preserve and strengthen this teamwork during this turbulent time that is isolating us,” Yao said. Share some ideas he’d like to pursue, to unite members and expand the community’s global presence.

• Delegating members from around the world to hold local virtual seminars that will be broadcast to all SSR members.
• Create mentoring networks that bring together trainees and junior members with accredited SSR members.
• Increased participation of international members and minorities in leadership roles.
• Enhancing the vision of the community journal, Reproductive Biology.

“I envision these actions as a way to spark the creative minds of members and unleash innovative ideas that will transport our society into a new era,” he said.

The continued existence of the NIEHS

Yao noted that scientists at the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIEHS), particularly in the Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (RDBL), have a long history of research excellence in the reproductive sciences, as well as prominent leadership roles in the international scientific community.

RDBL President Francesco Di Maio, Ph.D., is the current president of the association. Other NIEHS scholars who have served as chairs in the past are Sally Darnay, Ph.D., and Mitch Eddy, Ph.D., both now retired.

Learn more about Yao’s background in this Environmental Factors article from May 2020, “Scientific Journeys: From Literary Translation to Reproductive Biology.”

from San Jose News Bulletin https://sjnewsbulletin.com/environmental-factor-may-2021-humphrey-yao-elected-to-the-board-of-directors-of-the-society-for-the-study-of-reproduction/