CryoStore at INIAV - Linde Rombaut
PhD 9 - Minimizing adverse epigenetic modifications in cryopreserved native Merino sheep embryos in order to improve quality and survival rate
My name is Linde Rombaut, and I am a 24-year-old Belgian PhD student with a deep passion for veterinary medicine and reproductive science. I studied at the University of Ghent in Belgium, where I earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degree in Veterinary Medicine. I have a special interest for small ruminants, which led me to specialize in ruminants during my Master's program.
Throughout my studies, I was fortunate to enjoy various hands-on internships that provided me with invaluable practical experience. I had the privilege of working in diverse settings, ranging from clinical environments to research labs, each experience contributing to my developing skills.
During my master’s studies, I got the opportunity to enjoy an internship at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin, Germany, as part of my Master's thesis. This internship aligned closely with my growing interest in wildlife and conservation. Over 6 weeks, I received on-site training and performed research at the Wildlife Endocrinology Laboratory within the Reproduction Biology Department under the supervision of Dr. Jella Wauters. My project focused on reproductive monitoring in giant pandas, a field filled with challenges such as obligatory pseudopregnancy and delayed implantation. In this research, I focused on comparing multiple enzyme immunoassays for different metabolites in order to monitor the reproductive cycle of the pregnant female giant panda. The study highlighted the importance of precise and reliable monitoring techniques in wildlife conservation. This experience not only enhanced my skills in reproductive science but also deepened my understanding of the complex interplay between wildlife conservation and veterinary science. It also solidified my desire to continue studying and conducting research in this field.
Currently, I am embarking on a new chapter in my academic journey as a PhD candidate at the National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV) in Portugal. My PhD research is a part of the CryoStore Project and will be conducted under the guidance of Dr. Rosa Maria Lino Neto Pereira. My research focuses on minimizing adverse epigenetic modifications in cryopreserved native Merino sheep embryos to improve quality and survival rate. This project combines my interests in reproductive science and animal conservation, with potential applications on gene banks and animal production.