Keith Latham, PhD
Professor of Animal Science and Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics
The recent decades have ushered in landmark discoveries in the reproductive and developmental sciences which are highly relevant to human health and animal agriculture, including advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, derivation of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, the transition of regenerative medicine from the realm of theory to application, and a rapidly expanding appreciation for how environmental factors impact development and adult health and disease. Michigan State University has a long history of excellence in the reproductive and developmental sciences, with faculty pursuing cutting-edge research across a wide range of animal models, clinical entities and in population-based human reproductive outcomes. The Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program (RDSP) is composed of a strong and interactive group of faculty from the College of Human Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Natural Sciences, College of Engineering, and the College of Education. The faculty have diverse expertise and research interests and are engaged in fundamental and translational research.
Vision: To be the leading Center of Excellence in the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences and to enhance research partnerships with other research universities and international entities and uphold the traditions of an exceptional land grant institution.
Mission: Reproduction and developmental processes have a profound impact on many high-priority areas of interest for our society, including agriculture, human health, health disparities, environmental impacts, and even climate change. The overall goal of the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program is to promote innovative collaborations between faculty working in animal science, human medicine, veterinary medicine, genetics, epidemiology, and environmental science to accelerate scientific discovery and the quality of graduate and postdoctoral training. The NIH T32 training program includes a comprehensive portfolio of training activities, that are made available to all RDSP trainees.