Dr. Barbara Durrant serves San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as the Henshaw Endowed Director of Reproductive Sciences. Her division studies reproductive biology, endocrinology, and behavior, and develops innovative methods to encourage species reproduction. In addition to gamete physiology and assisted reproduction studies in mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, her team conducts research in stem cell culture and transfer, endocrine disruption, and the development and validation of hormone assays for a wide variety of species. She currently mentors master’s and doctoral students studying reproduction in rhinos in South Africa, bison in Canada and kiwi in New Zealand. Germplasm cryopreservation is a major focus of Barbara’s research, with emphasis on the assessment of potential fertility of thawed sperm, ova, and embryos. In vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development are major areas of research. Applied research projects include artificial insemination and the hormonal induction of estrus, follicle growth and ovulation. Ultrasound and infrared thermography are used to assess cyclic ovarian dynamics and detect early pregnancy. Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, her master’s degree in Physiology and Genetics, and her doctorate in Reproductive Physiology from North Carolina State University. She is an adjunct faculty member in the Biology Department at San Diego State University and has written or contributed to more than 200 published articles, books, and presentations. She is an active member of the International Embryo Technology Society, having served as a board member, treasurer and chair of the Foundation board and Partners Committee. She reviews papers for a number of scientific journals and serves on the editorial boards of Zoo Biology and the newly launched Theriogenology Wild.