We have a special webpage that allows you to ask a current Molecular and Integrative Physiology graduate student questions concerning our program and the University of Kansas Medical Center via e-mail (see below). Feel free to ask Stephanie or any other graduate student any question that may come to mind.

Stephanie Fiedler

After completing the first year IGPBS coursework, I entered into the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology. At any given point in time, there are about 15-25 graduate students working in this department, so there is always an abundant source of information whenever a question comes up. Even though our disciplines are quite diverse, we make time to get together as a group at our monthly Physiology Society meetings. This society allows us to bond as a group, plan social activities, and discuss any problems or issues that affect graduate students within the department. It is a great way to get to know other students around you and to be more actively involved with different types of research being done by others in the department.

Currently, I am a third year graduate student in Dr. Lane Christenson’s lab where we are interested in studying events that occur within ovarian follicles during the perivoulatory period. This stage of follicular development takes place after a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) initiates a series of events that culminate in both ovulation and follicular luteinization. It is widely accepted that the LH surge is a vital component of both oocyte maturation and luteinization, but very little is known about specific genes and regulatory mechanisms that are involved following this event. My project focuses on microRNAs and their role in the process of granulosa cell luteinization.

On a more personal note… I moved to the Kansas City area with my husband (Todd) and son (Zach) seven years ago. We are avid dog lovers, and our family wouldn’t be the same without our two Weimaraners, Tigger and Gabi. In our off time, my husband and I love to go to Colorado to explore the beautiful mountain scenery.
If you have any questions concerning the IGPBS program, the Physiology Department or graduate school related topics, please don’t hesitate to email me or stop by the Christenson lab. I am happy to help answer your questions!

Best Wishes, Stephanie Fiedler sfiedler@kumc.edu