Dr Agnes Stefansdottir (PhD, FHEA)
Senior Lecturer in Reproductive Biology
Background
I am a Senior Lecturer in Reproductive Biology in the Edinburgh Medical School.
I completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Biomedical Sciences (Developmental Biology) at the University of Aberdeen in 2010, followed by a PhD from the University of Edinburgh in 2014. In 2017 I took up a post as a Lecturer in Anatomy, contributing to the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching of Anatomy. In 2018, I then became a Lecturer in Reproductive Biology, where I set up a new honours elective module, Reproductive Toxicology, and was the course organiser for the Reproductive Biology core course: Research Skills in Reproductive Biology, and for Reproductive Biology 3. In 2024, I became the Programme Organiser for the Reproductive Biology Honours Programme. In addition, I contribute to a wide range of reproductive biology and embryology teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University.
My research interests lie within the field of reproductive toxicology, exploring the impact of gonadotoxic agents such as anti-epileptic drugs and chemotherapy agents, on the developing gonads.
Responsibilities & affiliations
Society for Reproduction and Fertility, Council member on the Education and Public Engagement Committee.
Undergraduate teaching
Course organiser for Reproductive Toxicology elective course
Programme Organiser for the Reproductive Biology Honours Programme
Open to PhD supervision enquiries?
Yes
Research summary
My research is focused on investigating the direct effects of potential ovotoxicants, including chemical compounds in cigarette smoke, anti-epileptic drugs and chemotherapy agents, on the developing gonads. My research aims to understand the timing and mechanisms of cell death following exposure to gonadotoxic agents, as well as examining the potential to protect the gonads against chemotherapy-induced damage.
Read more about this work here - Third generation effects of chemotherapy drug treatment?