Yi Athena Ren

Dr. Yi Athena Ren is an Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology in the Department of Animal Science at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her research focuses on innovative applications of biotechnology and systems biology to address fundamental questions in reproductive biology, with particular emphasis on ovarian physiology and developmental programming of reproductive health.

Dr. Ren earned her Doctorate in Reproductive Physiology from Cornell University in 2011 and completed her Bachelor's in Animal Science at China Agricultural University in 2006. Her academic journey has positioned her at the forefront of reproductive biology research, with a focus on translating basic science discoveries into potential clinical applications.

• Doctorate in Reproductive Physiology, Cornell University, 2011
• Bachelor's in Animal Science, China Agricultural University, 2006

Dr. Ren's research spans multiple interconnected areas including ovarian physiology, where she investigates molecular mechanisms of ovarian function and uses the ovary as a model for tissue homeostasis; developmental programming of health and diseases related to ovarian function; vascular remodeling in ovulation; biomarkers for reproductive performance in dairy cattle; and the role of immune cells in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Her work combines innovative biotechnologies with systems biology approaches to tackle open questions in reproductive biology.

Analysis of Dr. Ren's recent publications reveals a strong focus on molecular mechanisms of ovulation, with particular attention to vascular remodeling processes, gene regulation, and the role of specific proteins like Semaphorin 3E in reproductive processes. Her research increasingly incorporates genomic and epigenetic approaches, as evidenced by her work on DNA methylation variants in cattle and spatiotemporal molecular atlases of the ovulating ovary.

Dr. Ren has received significant recognition for her research contributions:

• Schwartz Research Award, Cornell University, 2022 (one of only two winners university-wide)
• PCCW Affinito-Stewart Award from President's Council of Cornell Women, 2021
• Second Place, Cornelia Post Channing New Investigator Award, Society for the Study of Reproduction, 2014
• Lalor Foundation Merit Award, Society for the Study of Reproduction, 2014

Dr. Ren actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students, with several advisees receiving prestigious research awards. Her laboratory has secured substantial funding from multiple sources including Cornell University start-up funds, USDA Federal Capacity Funds (HATCH grant and Multistate Research Project NE-2227), the Center for Vertebrate Genomics, President's Council of Cornell Women, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. She teaches courses including Model Organisms in Reproductive Sciences, Current Concepts in Reproductive Biology, Reproductive Biology Journal Club, and Fundamentals of Endocrinology.

The Ren Laboratory, located in Morrison Hall at Cornell University, maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines and has established itself as a center for innovative research in reproductive biology, with particular strengths in ovarian physiology, molecular mechanisms of ovulation, and applications to both human reproductive health and agricultural productivity.