Reproduction Science Seminar: April 1, 2026
A partnership with the Interdisciplinary Reproduction and Health Group.
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"The Effects of Phthalates on Female Reproductive Aging"
 | Speaker: Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 4-5 p.m. Location: Hosted by: |
In-person and virtual options. All are welcome!
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Description
The female reproductive system ages before most other physiological systems, making it one of the most sensitive indicators of aging. Most women experience reproductive senescence around age 51, but many women experience early reproductive aging (early menopause). This is a serious public health problem because early reproductive aging is associated with early onset of infertility and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, osteoporosis, and early death. Despite the profound impact of early reproductive aging on women’s health, little is known about the mechanisms underlying early reproductive aging. The seminar will provide background information on the processes of normal and early female reproductive aging and environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals known as phthalates. The lecture will include data from experimental and epidemiological studies examining the effects of phthalates on female reproductive aging. Specifically, the lecture will include data showing that phthalate exposure accelerates the onset of reproductive senescence in mice and that phthalate exposure is associated with markers of reproductive aging in women. Collectively, the information in this seminar will provide information on the mechanisms underlying early reproductive aging that in turn, could be used for the identification and development of novel targets for the treatment of early reproductive aging.
About the Speaker
Dr. Jodi A. Flaws is a Professor in Comparative Biosciences at the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. She received a B.S. in Biology from St. Xavier University, a M.S. in Biology from Loyola University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Arizona. Following completion of the Ph.D. degree, Dr. Flaws performed postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland. Following postdoctoral training, Dr. Flaws accepted an Assistant Professor position at the University of Maryland, where she subsequently was promoted to Associate Professor. In 2006, Dr. Flaws accepted a position as Professor of Comparative Biosciences at the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign. Dr. Flaws’ research program is mainly focused on determining the mechanisms by which environmental chemicals affect the development and function of the ovary. Her research is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health. She has published over 250 peer-reviewed papers that have involved extensive participation and authorship by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, veterinary medical students, and undergraduate students. She is the recipient of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Maryland Student Mentoring Award, the Patricia Sokolove Outstanding Mentor Award, the Dr. Gordon and Mrs. Helen Kruger Research Excellence Award, the Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence, the University Scholar Award, the Women in Toxicology Mentoring Award from the Society of Toxicology, and the Society for the Study of Reproduction Trainee Mentor Award.
About the IRHG Seminar Series
The goal of the Interdisciplinary Reproduction & Health Group (IRHG) Seminar Series is to highlight transdisciplinary precision research taking place in the reproductive health field, provide opportunities for collaboration among researchers to build their own research efforts and promote clinical/researcher activity across the University of Missouri System and our partners.
The IRHG was organized and established through a faculty-driven, grass roots effort in 2016 to develop an integrative interdisciplinary program that transcends traditional departmental, college and system boundaries to foster excellence in reproduction, health research and education at Mizzou.
View all upcoming Reproductive Health events on the IRHG Seminar Series website.
For questions about this event, please reach out to Wipawee Winuthayanon.
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