Tim Jenkins

Tim Jenkins, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Urology at the University of Utah. He earned a B.S. in Physiology and Developmental Biology from Brigham Young University (2008) and a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Utah (2013). After completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Utah School of Medicine, he accepted an adjunct faculty position where he continues to pursue translational research in male reproductive health.

Education

• Ph.D. in Physiology, University of Utah, 2013
• B.S. in Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, 2008
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Utah School of Medicine

Research Focus

Jenkins’ research centers on the intersection of sperm epigenetics, male infertility, and assisted reproductive technologies. Key themes include:

• Impact of paternal age on the sperm epigenome and subsequent offspring health
• Development of microfluidic platforms for gentle, high-precision sperm selection to improve intrauterine insemination and TESE outcomes
• Epigenetic biomarkers as predictors of male fertility and embryo quality

His work integrates molecular epigenetic profiling with innovative bioengineering approaches to translate laboratory findings into clinical practice.

Publication Trends

Jenkins has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed papers since 2011. Early work established baseline DNA methylation changes in aging sperm, while more recent studies expand into multi-omics meta-analyses, systematic reviews on miRNA roles in reproduction, and engineering microfluidic devices for sperm isolation. The trajectory shows a clear shift from descriptive epigenetic studies to translational technologies aimed at improving ART success rates.

Intellectual Property & Editorial Contributions

• Co-inventor on patent: "Systems and Methods for Determining Impact of Age Related Changes in Sperm Epigenome on Offspring Phenotype" (2019)
• Editorial commentary: "Microfluidics: a way to interrogate a single sperm?" Fertil Steril (2019)

Collaborative Teams

Jenkins collaborates closely with investigators in the Departments of Surgery, Human Genetics, and Bioengineering at the University of Utah, notably with Drs. Carrell, Aston, Hotaling, and Cairns. His lab is embedded within the larger Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine, providing access to clinical samples for translational projects.