About her PhD Project

Ovulation marks the moment a mature egg is released from its follicle — a pivotal event in reproduction and the foundation of new life. Despite its importance, the mechanisms that drive ovulation remain elusive, largely because the process takes place deep within the body and has been difficult to observe directly. My PhD project utilises an ex vivo model system that enables ovulation to be studied outside the body, opening new possibilities to explore this complex and dynamic process.

At the heart of my research lies a central question: how do mechanical forces contribute to ovulation? To address this, I combine advanced mechanical assays with high-resolution live and fixed imaging of isolated follicles. Together, these complementary approaches aim to uncover how physical forces and tissue mechanics shape one of the most fundamental biological events, deepening our understanding of fertility and ovarian function.