Biography

My research has focused on the control of different aspects of the meiotic cell cycle and control of meiosis in general. We have primarily used mouse spermatogenesis as a model; however, different lines of research have been done using yeast and Drosophila meiosis models. Currently, my interests are in graduate education and training and scientific outreach to undergraduate students and the broader scientific and public community.

At the graduate level, I am involved in promoting scientific excellence and integrity, graduate student recruitment, and student affairs. In the undergraduate realm, my goals are to increase awareness of science as a career opportunity and help prepare undergrads for their graduate school careers.

Concerning science outreach and communication, I am interested in increasing science awareness and aptitude of the public, providing opportunities for science professionals to engage in science outreach and practice good scientific communication, and to provide accurate information on science education and resources to our greater community.

Education

Undergraduate
University of Washington (1985), Biology
Graduate School
University of Washington (1991), Structural Biology

Research Interest

  • Control of meiosis: initiation and cell division.
  • Development of germ cells in the male and female.
  • Early embryonic development and gonadogenesis

Publications

Featured Publications LegendFeatured Publications

Regulation of Meiosis in Male Germ Cells of the Mouse by Cdk2_, a Cdk2 Splice Variant
Simons, D.M., Kersten, C.A., and Ravnik, S.E Reproductive Biology 2007 Under review
How to Recruit Doctoral Science Students
Porties, T, Lawler, J, Cole, M, and Ravnik, S.E. NAGAP Perspectives Summer 2006 18 32-34
Distinct Roles for the Mammalian A-type Cyclins during Oogenesis
Liao Persson, J., Zhang, Q., Wang, X.Y., Ravnik, S.E., Muhlrad, S, and Wolgemuth, D.J. Reproduction Summer 2005 130 411-422
Graduate School: Tricks, Tips, and Secrets
Collins, S.N. and Ravnik, S.E. In Chemistry November 2004 Nov/Dec 18-20
Cyclin A1 mRNA in Testicular Tissue of Fertile and Infertile Patients - A Potential New Molecular Diagnostic Marker
Schrader, M., M|ller-Tidow, C., Ravnik, S.,M|ller, M., Wolfgang, S., Dietrichs, S., Straub, B., Serve, H., and Miller, K. Human Reproduction 2002 17 2338-2343

Honors & Awards

  • Post-Secondary Partner of the Year - Irving Independent School District Career & Technical Education
    (2015)
  • Young Andrologist Award
    Outstanding Young Scientist in the field of Andrology (1999)

Professional Associations/Affiliations

  • AAMC GREAT Group
  • American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (2010)
  • American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Public Outreach Committee (2016)
  • Texas P-16 Council