Dominic Olver, PhD student – University of Saskatchewan

Supervisor – James Benson

Collaborator – Prof. Theresa Mogas at Autonomous University of Barcelona

Project Description: Dominic Olver is a 4th year PhD student who uses novel and existing mathematical models to capture the physiology and molecular biology of egg cells that are subjected to cryopreservation protocols. His work combines models of state and damage that allow for the prediction of optimal protocols. These mathematical models were developed in a sea urchin animal model, and careful mining of literature has allowed predictions of responses and protocols for bovine and bison models. It is challenging to experimentally validate these models due to low oocyte processing throughput in our lab. Therefore, our group has developed a collaboration with Prof. Theresa Mogas at Autonomous University of Barcelona whose lab has the high throughput testing capability to refine parameter identification and evaluate optimal protocols predicted by Mr. Olver’s models. Our original intention was for Mr. Olver to interact remotely with Dr. Mogas’s lab, but because in person interaction is always more fruitful, especially in the context applying mathematical modeling to lab work, here we propose a three-week site visit, during which a large portion of the required experiments can be performed. This duration is ideal for informing the experimental designs and interacting directly with lab members and Dr. Mogas, while still allowing the completion of his modeling and optimization work. Expected outcomes include improved understanding of bovine oocyte physiology, improved models of the relevance mechanobiology on multimolal osmotic response, improved models of oocyte damage due to stresses induced by cryopreservation protocols, a more firmly established collaboration with a Spanish university, and international experience for a PhD student.