CryoStore at NMBU - Sheyda Shapouri

PhD 1 - Validation of improved protocols for the vitrification of teleost gonadal tissue

My name is Sheyda Shapouri and I’m from San Diego, California. I received my Master’s in Ecology from NMBU in 2020 wherein I focused on the behavioral and neurophysiological profiles of salmon exhibiting depression-like states in captivity under the supervision of Dr. Marco Vindas. By treating these fish with anxiolytic medication and closely monitoring both behavioral and physiological changes, we were able to determine the colossal impact chronic stress had on the bodies of these individuals. This, paired with my bachelor’s project working with juvenile Metriaclima zebra cichlids and their complex patterns of parental care behaviors, solidified my already vested interest in fish biology and welfare.

After completing my Master’s I spent some time working as an environmental consultant in the greater San Diego County area, advising upcoming residential and commercial development projects on the stringent environmental regulations regarding endangered species and wildlife areas that are in effect across California. Witnessing firsthand the widespread ecological damage large-scale development projects can cause in already fragile ecosystems such as coastal California has motivated me to do my part in preserving threatened wildlife. My goal ever since completing my Master’s program has been to continue on to doctoral level studies, and I’m honored that I get to achieve this at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, where I gained incredibly valuable skills and experiences.

I am currently starting my PhD studies at NMBU for the CryoStore project under the supervision of Professor Ian Mayer. The project aims to improve protocols of teleost ovarian tissue vitrification. Techniques in preserving female genetic material are currently lacking due to the specific technical difficulties that arise from cryogenically preserving oocytes and embryos in comparison to semen. The ability to also preserve female genetic material and store oocytes long-term is vital to the conservation of threatened species via assisted reproduction and storage of genetic material.