10/20/2002

AU Grad Starts Postdoctoral Work at Yale School of Medicine

AUBURN, Ala. — An Auburn University animal sciences graduate student whose research in reproductive biology involving pigs has implications for human reproductive health has been awarded a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Becky Tarleton, who received her doctoral degree during AU graduation ceremonies Dec. 16, will continue research at Yale on the role of genes and gene products that determine how the female reproductive tract develops and functions. Disruption of the normal developmental process during infancy can affect reproductive health and capacity for support of normal pregnancies in female animals and women.

Tarleton, daughter of Allen and Elaine Tarleton of Clarke County, earned her bachelor of science degree in animal sciences from AU in 1992 and her master’s degree in reproductive physiology from West Virginia University in 1999. Her doctoral research was directed by Frank F. Bartol, AU professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and adjunct professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Tarleton’s doctoral research was funded by the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station and the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Research Initiative. Using pigs as an animal model, Tarleton established that estrogen receptors must be present and activated shortly after a female is born for the uterus to develop normally. Tarleton also showed that disruption of estrogen-sensitive uterine development during infancy will compromise the functioning of the uterus later in life.

At Yale, her work as a uterine biologist will expand to include identification of other genes that regulate critical developmental events in the female reproductive tract.

Tarleton said her research at Yale could continue for two to four years or longer.

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News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu
Contact Frank Bartol, 334-844-1506 or bartoff@auburn.edu
Contact Becky Tarleton, 203-606-9025

10/20/02

For immediate release