Research in the Orwig laboratory focuses on stem cells, germ lineage development, fertility and infertility. Our progress investigating reproductive function in fertile individuals provides a basis for understanding the mechanisms of infertility caused by disease, medical treatments, genetic defects or aging. Infertility impacts one in seven couples in the United States and can have a devastating impact on relationships and emotional well-being. The Orwig lab is ideally located in Magee-Womens Research Institute and Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh and is committed to translating lab bench discoveries to the clinic for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infertility.
Fertility Preservation Program
The Fertility Preservation Program of Pittsburgh is a multidisciplinary effort committed to:
- Educating patients and their physicians about the reproductive consequences of their disease or medical treatments for cancer or other conditions;
- Providing state of the art reproductive technologies to preserve fertility;
- Pioneering new reproductive technologies to preserve fertility;
- Rapidly translating these new technologies to the clinic, and;
- Training the next generation of clinicians and researchers in the rapidly evolving discipline of fertility preservation.

Genome Editing, Transgenic, Virus Core
The Genome Editing, Transgenic and Virus (GETV) Core is dedicated to shepherding transgenic model projects, from vector design to the establishment and maintenance of valuable transgenic lines. The core assists investigators by developing state-of-the-art strategies and assays to solve complex biological problems via transgenic research and molecular research.
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MGDB Graduate Program
The Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) graduate program provides an exceptionally exciting and vigorous academic environment for highly motivated and qualified students to prepare for a rewarding career in biomedical research. The MGDB faculty span several departments and encompasses three broad areas of research:
- stem cell biology & regenerative medicine
- molecular genetics
- developmental and reproductive biology.
Fundamental investigations of normal cell, tissue and organ system development provide a basis for understanding the origins of human disease and development of safe, effective treatments.
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Laboratory
Affiliations
- OB/GYN & Reproductive Sciences
- Division of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine
- Magee-Womens Research Institute
- Fertility Preservation Program
- MWRI Genome Editing, Transgenic & Virus Core
- University of Pittsburgh
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology
- Center for Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology
- Oncofertility Consortium