- Zoos: A Historical Perspective from Smithsonian Institution Libraries
The National Zoological Park is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
AZA
Nucharin Songsasen, DVM, Ph.D., Gamete Physiologist, Department of Reproductive Sciences
Reproductive
Sciences
Education
Kasetsart University, Thailand, D.M.V., 1988
University of Guelph, Canada, M.S., 1993
University of Guelph, Canada, Ph.D., 1997
University of Guelph, Canada, Postdoctoral fellow, 1997
University of New Orleans, Postdoctoral fellow, 2000
Professional History and Interests
Nucharin Songsasen is a cryobiologist with ten years experience in cryopreservation of gametes and embryos of several mammalian species, including the cow, swamp buffalo, ewe, goat, mouse, rhesus monkey and domestic dog. Songsasen is also interested in other assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture.
While obtaining her Ph.D. at the University of Guelph, she was involved in the production of world’s first lambs (domestic sheep) from cryopreserved in vitro-derived embryos as well as the first litter of mice produced in North America from cryopreserved spermatozoa. Moreover, she was actively involved in developing an effective method to cryopreserve mammalian oocytes.
After her training in Canada, Songsasen returned to Thailand and actively managed a research program aimed at improving livestock production in Thailand. Thereafter, Songsasen joined the University of New Orleans and conducted two challenging research projects, one exploring methods for cryopreserving rhesus monkey oocytes and the other developing improved techniques for the in vitro maturation of canine oocytes.
Recently, Songsasen joined the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park and its Conservation & Research Center to study the reproductive biology of the rare maned wolf of South America. Her studies are designed to lead to a better understanding of why this species breeds poorly in zoos.
Her current investigations focus on (1) reproductive endocrinology in the female maned wolf (by noninvasive hormonal monitoring), (2) sperm biology and hormonal control of male reproduction, and (3) the impact of stress induced by zoo management on behavior and successful reproduction.
She is Reproductive Advisor to the Maned Wolf Species Survival Plan of North America, providing advice and direct research assistance to improve breeding management. Songsasen has 21 publications in the peer-reviewed literature.
Five Selected Publications
Leibo, S. P. and N. Songsasen. 2002. Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos of non-domestic species. Theriogenology 57: 303-326.
Songsasen, N., Ratterree, M., VandeVoort, C. A., Pegg, D. E., and S. P. Leibo. 2002. Permeability characteristics and osmotic sensitivity of rhesus oocytes. Human Reproduction 17:1875-1884.
Songsasen, N., Yu, I., Paccamonti, D. L., Eilts, B. E., Murton, S., Godke, R. A., and S. P. Leibo 2002 Osmotic sensitivity of canine spermatozoa. Cryobiology 44: 79-90.
Songsasen, N., Yu, I., and S. P. Leibo. 2002. Nuclear maturation of canine oocytes cultured in protein-free media. Molecular Reproduction and Development 62: 407-415.
Songsasen, N., Yu, I., Ratterree, M. S., VandeVoort, C. A., and S. P. Leibo. 2002. Effect of chilling on organization of tubulin and chromosomes in rhesus monkey oocytes. Fertility and Sterility 77: 818-825.
Contact
Smithsonian's National Zoo
Conservation and Research Center
1500 Remount Road
Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone:
540.622.8415; Fax: 540.635.6506
