Who is Jonathan Van Blerkom?

Jonathan Van Blerkom is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado, where he received his PhD in 1974. Since 1982 he has also been actively involved in human IVF, and is currently the IVF Laboratory Director at Colorado Reproductive Endocrinology in Denver, Colorado. His academic studies have focused on molecular and cellular aspects of early mammalian development including human follicles, oocytes and embryos, which have resulted in the publication of well over 100 original research articles, in addition to numerous reviews and coauthored and edited books on early mammalian development, including the human. He has been a member of Editorial Boards for important journals in the area of developmental biology and reproductive medicine and currently serves as Section Editor of Reproductive BioMedicine Online, Associate Editor of the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, and is one of the Editors-in-Chief of Zygote. He is an invites speaker at numerous international conferences and symposia. His current clinically related research centers on the role(s) of mitochondria in early development, and the molecular organization of the oocyte and embryo plasma membrane as related to developmental competence. Dr. Van Blerkom developed the simplified culture system that is the centerpiece of the Walking Egg Project’s intent to provide accessible and affordable advanced infertility treatment in developing countries. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Walking Egg Foundation and continues to undertake research that will further develop the goals of this project.