Rafael Domingues

Rafael Domingues is an Assistant Professor in Ruminant Physiology at The Ohio State University's Department of Animal Sciences, with a 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. He holds a DVM from Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Brazil, 2016), a PhD in Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2023), and research experience at the Eutheria Foundation. His work focuses on reproductive biology and endocrinology in ruminants, aiming to improve reproductive efficiency through studies on pregnancy establishment, fetal development, and hormone interactions.

Education:

• DVM, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Brazil (2016)
• PhD in Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2023)

Research Interests:

His lab investigates interactions between ovarian, uterine, and conceptus systems during pregnancy, addressing complications like fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. Key areas include interferon signaling, progesterone dynamics, and the impact of pharmaceuticals (e.g., SSRIs) on maternal and fetal health.

Recent Trends in Publications:

Publications emphasize molecular mechanisms in pregnancy loss, hormonal regulation of follicular development, and translational applications of serotonin signaling in livestock. Notable work includes studies on fluoxetine's effects on calcium homeostasis and embryo-endometrial interactions in mares.

Awards:

• Louis and Elsa Thomsen Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellowship (2022)
• Lalor Foundation Merit Award (2022)
• National Council for Scientific and Technological Development Fellowship (2015)

Grants & Advising:

Current grants focus on endocrine physiology and pharmaceutical impacts on reproduction. Advises graduate students on projects involving bovine and ovine models. Collaborates with institutions like UW-Madison and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

Labs/Teams:

Directs the Domingues Lab at Ohio State, focusing on translational research bridging agricultural and biomedical applications of reproductive endocrinology.