Karen Berkowitz

Karen Berkowitz, MD, is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Medical Student Research at Drexel University College of Medicine, affiliated with the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Her clinical expertise includes infertility, in vitro fertilization, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She holds board certifications in obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology/infertility.

Education:

• MD: Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1993), Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
• Residency: Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital (1993–1997)
• Fellowship: Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1997–2000)

Research Interests: Dr. Berkowitz focuses on molecular mechanisms of mammalian germ cell development, particularly the role of CHTF18 in gametogenesis and meiotic processes. Her work explores how defects in these pathways contribute to infertility and aneuploidy. She employs mouse models to study chromosome segregation and reproductive disorders.

Key Contributions: Her studies on Chtf18 deficiency reveal critical roles in meiotic recombination and embryonic viability, advancing understanding of infertility and genetic disorders.

Awards:

• Top Doctor, Philadelphia Magazine (2018)
• Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Society
• NIH Women's Reproductive Health Research Career Development Award

Advising & Grants: Dr. Berkowitz mentors students in reproductive biology and molecular genetics. Her research is supported by NIH grants, focusing on reproductive health and genomic integrity.

Labs/Teams: Her laboratory integrates molecular genetics, cell biology, and mouse models to study gametogenesis and infertility mechanisms.