Scientific Advisory Board

Introducing the IVF Store Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)

At IVF Store, we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in reproductive medicine. To help us achieve this, we’ve established the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) – a group of esteemed professionals whose expertise spans the IVF and reproductive health industries.

What is the Scientific Advisory Board?

The SAB is composed of leading experts in the fields of IVF, clinical embryology, and reproductive biology. This board has been created to provide strategic guidance, scientific insight, and thought leadership to support IVF Store’s ongoing mission to offer the most advanced, reliable, and effective products to our customers.

Why We Established the SAB

We believe that collaboration with top minds in the IVF community is key to our growth and continued success. By working with these experts, we are able to stay informed on the latest advancements, emerging trends, and best practices, allowing us to bring the most innovative and high-quality products to the market. The SAB’s input will guide us in identifying new products, improving current offerings, and ensuring that we remain responsive to the evolving needs of IVF professionals.

Mission of the SAB

The SAB’s mission is to promote and elevate scientific discussion within the reproductive health community. By fostering a platform for collaboration and innovation, the board aims to advance product development and support best practices in IVF procedures. This commitment helps IVF Store maintain its position as a trusted partner to IVF professionals, offering cutting-edge solutions that drive success in both human and animal reproductive medicine.

How the SAB Benefits IVF Store Customers and the IVF Community

The Scientific Advisory Board’s insights ensure that the products we offer are not only scientifically validated but also meet the highest standards of quality and performance. IVF Store customers will benefit from the board’s work through access to more effective, innovative tools that enhance the success rates of fertility treatments.

Furthermore, the SAB’s contributions to the broader IVF community, through shared knowledge and improved practices, help to advance the field as a whole, benefiting professionals and patients alike. With the SAB’s guidance, IVF Store will continue to be a reliable resource for those seeking the best products in reproductive medicine.

IVF Store's Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Zsolt Peter Nagy is a globally recognized expert in reproductive medicine with over 30 years of experience in the field of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). He currently serves as the Scientific and Laboratory Director at Reproductive Biology Associates—Prelude Fertility in Atlanta and is the Founder and Scientific Director of My Egg Bank North America, one of the leading cryopreserved donor oocyte banks in the United States.

Dr. Nagy earned his medical degree with “summa cum laude” honors from the Medical University of Budapest in 1986. He further specialized in biomedical science, obtaining both a Master’s degree (1991) and a Ph.D. (1998) from the Free University of Brussels (VUB). Additionally, he holds a Specialist Degree in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the Medical University of Budapest and a Diploma in Hospital Management from VUB. In 2003, he became a High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD) certified by the American Board of Bioanalysis.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Nagy has held prominent positions across Europe, South America, and the United States. His pioneering work includes significant contributions to gamete micromanipulation techniques such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and Nuclear Transfer (NT), as well as advanced embryo biopsy procedures and preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening (PGD/PGS).

An accomplished researcher and educator, Dr. Nagy has authored over 170 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, boasting an h-index of 56 with more than 13,800 citations. He has been an invited speaker at over 200 international conferences and serves on the editorial boards of leading journals like Reproductive Biomedicine Online, where he is an Associate Editor. His commitment to education extends to his role as an Assistant Professor in Health Professions at the Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Dr. Nagy has held leadership positions in several professional societies. He served as President of Alpha—The International Society of Scientists in Reproductive Medicine—from 2014 to 2016 and is an Executive Board Member of the International Society for Fertility Preservation (ISFP). His expertise is further recognized through his advisory roles with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, contributing to advancements in ART.

His entrepreneurial spirit led to the co-founding of Reproductive Healthcare Ltd., associated with the Reproductive Biomedicine Journal, and the establishment of My Egg Bank North America, enhancing access to fertility preservation and treatment options.

Dr. Nagy’s dedication to advancing reproductive medicine, combined with his extensive clinical and research experience, makes him a valuable member of our Scientific Advisory Board.

Liesl Nel-Themaat, PhD, HCLD, MBA (Human/Animal Reproduction)

Dr. Liesl Nel-Themaat has been in the field of assisted reproduction for more than 20 years, with the past 14 years in clinical IVF. She possesses a unique combination of a strong academic background, broad technical experience and extensive leadership, and management training. Through a multi-dimensional approach, she has helped to improve patient care and outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Dr. Nel-Themaat has experienced working in all models of IVF practices, including small and large private practices, large networks, academic hospital based and university based programs. She has also helped lead a transition of an academic program following acquisition by a private venture capital backed network. She therefore has an exceptional understanding of the specific needs of each clinic she encounters.

Dr. Nel-Themaat currently is the IVF Lab Director and Associate Clinical Professor at the Stanford University Fertility and Reproductive Health program and the Off-site Embryology Lab Director for IVF Phoenix and Southern California Reproductive Center (SCRC). She was formerly the Regional Lab Director for Shady Grove Fertility in Colorado as well as the former IVF Lab Director at University of Colorado Advanced Reproductive Medicine. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Stellenbosch University (South Africa), her PhD in Reproductive Physiology from Louisiana State University, (making her one of Bob Godke’s “Repro Rangers”) and an Executive MBA from the University of Denver. 

Dr. Nel-Themaat has and continues to serve on several national and international boards and committees. These include having served as President of the ASRM Society for Reproductive Biologists and Technologists (SRBT), founder and current chair of the SRBT global Outreach Committee, co-founder and first president of the Colorado Association of Reproductive Technologists (CART), a founding member of the International IVF Initiative (i3), former Board member of the College of Reproductive Biology (CRB) and is known for starting World Embryologist Day. Dr. Nel-Themaat is an active member of ASRM, SRBT, SMRU, AAB, ABB, CRB and has a distinguished record of publications.

Her goal is to advance the field “by building strong, high performing lab teams, by carefully evaluating and adapting appropriately to industry trends, by training and educating the current and next generations, and by participating in collaborative research that enhances our understanding of reproduction.”

In her free time, Dr. Nel-Themaat loves to spend time with her husband and two children, preferably in nature. 

Michael J Tucker, PhD FiBiol HCLD

Recognized in his field as one of the world’s leading scientists in early human reproduction, Dr. Tucker is widely known and respected for his breakthrough achievements in assisted reproductive technology. A full-time clinical embryologist since 1983, he pioneered the first ICSI births in the United States, the nation’s first birth resulting from testicular biopsy, the world's first birth from frozen donor eggs, and the first pregnancy from immature eggs that were matured after thawing in the IVF lab.

Since 1983, Dr. Tucker has been scientific director and chief embryologist at major fertility centers in London, Hong Kong, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Rockville, Chicago, Seattle, Boston and Jackson, and served as a scientific consultant in more than 50 clinics worldwide.

He functioned as Scientific Director with Shady Grove Fertility for over two decades, and expanded in that role ultimately for US Fertility until recently when he decided to step back from fulltime employment.  Currently he serves as offsite lab director for Ovation Fertility in Newport Beach. He is co-author of more than 160 peer-reviewed papers, has written over 90 chapters and course syllabi, and has been co-author/editor of three text books on ART and Vitrification.

Dr. Tucker lives with his wife and family in Georgia; is an avid motorcyclist, amateur guitarist, and with his family has fostered cats, dogs & infants!

ROLE ACROSS USF NETWORK

• Oversight of All Laboratory Systems – Protocol Optimization & Risk Management
• Function as offsite/part-time laboratory director as needed (per HCLD/State requirements)
• Certification & Compliance - FDA, Joint Commission, State & Tissue Bank Licensing 
• Clinical Outcomes – Report Quarterly to Benchmark Performance
• Goal to improve Implantation Rates with improved Conformity at All Sites
• Assessment & Implementation of breaking technology with in-house research development
• Biorepository & Cryo-storage Critical Management 
• Promote in-house education of Laboratory staff to develop talent from within SGF/USF
• Assist in outside marketing & PR opportunities – presentations & publications

Kristen Ivani, PhD

Dr. Kristen Ivani completed her PhD in Physiology at Colorado State University with the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology group. She has worked as an IVF Laboratory Director for 35 years and is currently the Lab Director at Seattle Reproductive Medicine. Additionally, she works as a laboratory consultant, focusing on fostering a positive work culture and enhancing IVF laboratory performance, quality, and outcomes.

Board-certified in Embryology and Andrology, Kristen has authored and co-authored over 65 articles, abstracts, and book chapters. Outside of work, she enjoys backpacking, hiking, volunteering at the Zoo and serving as Director at a historic Girl Scout backpacking camp in the Sierras.

Joe Conaghan, PhD, HCLD

Dr. Joe Conaghan is a distinguished embryologist with over 35 years of experience in human embryology and reproductive science. Born in Killybegs, a small fishing town in northwest Ireland, he was the second of five sons. Accelerating through his early education, he attended boarding school by age 12 and graduated from the University of Limerick at 17 with a degree in Biology and Agricultural Science, developing a passion for marine biology through internships studying fish populations in Irish ports.

In 1988, seeking broader opportunities, Dr. Conaghan moved to London and began his embryology career at Hammersmith Hospital under Professor Robert Winston, despite having no formal qualifications in the field. Mentored by Dr. Nikki Winston, he contributed to pioneering work in IVF, including involvement with Dr. Alan Handyside in some of the world’s first preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) cases. In 1991, he began research on embryo metabolism under the guidance of Professor Henry Leese from The University of York, which led him to earn a PhD in human embryology from the University of London in 1994.

Relocating to San Francisco in 1995, Dr. Conaghan headed the IVF Program at UCSF before joining Pacific Fertility Center in 1999 as Laboratory Director, where he served for two decades. In 2023, he was named CCRM Fertility’s Director of Science and Education, overseeing West Coast lab operations and leading training initiatives. Dedicated to education, he has been a faculty lecturer at San Francisco State University since 2002. Dr. Conaghan resides in Half Moon Bay with his wife Leslie and their three children, continuing his lifelong commitment to advancing fertility care and helping families achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Alison Bartolucci, PhD

Alison is an expert in reproductive sciences with over 20 years of experience in clinical embryology and laboratory operations. As Chief Scientific Officer at First Fertility, she leads initiatives to improve pregnancy outcomes, advance research, and ensure compliance across the network.

Alison is also the Lab Director at The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services and Assistant Professor at UConn School of Medicine. She is a recognized contributor to national committees and publications in reproductive endocrinology.

Alison earned her PhD in Reproductive Clinical Science in 2019 and holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Embryology and Andrology from Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Dr. Israel Zighelboim (Ob-Gyn)

Dr. Zighelboim is a gynecologic oncologist and physician executive. He received his MD (Magna Cum Laude) from Universidad Central de Venezuela and his MBA from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania. He trained in OBGYN at Baylor College of Medicine and specialized in Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Zighelboim is a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Services at Temple University School of Medicine. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and holds Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. He has led transformative teams focused on Women’s Health and Cancer Care and currently serves at Network Chair of Oncology and Cancer Center Director at St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Thomas Elliott
Scientific Advisory Board Chairman

Thomas Elliott is a distinguished clinical embryologist with over 30 years of experience in reproductive biology. He began his illustrious career at the Oxford Fertility Unit in the United Kingdom, where he built a strong foundation in embryology and reproductive science. He then advanced to Reproductive Biology Associates in Atlanta, USA, further solidifying his expertise and reputation in the field.

In 1997, Thomas founded IVF.net, an innovative online platform that quickly became an indispensable resource for reproductive science professionals worldwide. That same year, he co-launched the “World Wide Conferences on Reproductive Biology” with Dr. Kay Elder and ALPHA Scientists in Reproductive Medicine, promoting global collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Thomas’s pioneering spirit extends beyond education. As the inventor and President of CryoSentinel, he introduced a cutting-edge thermographic monitoring system that revolutionizes the safety and reliability of cryogenic storage. Further demonstrating his dedication to the field, he is a founding member of the International IVF Initiative (I3), a non-profit educational project offering free webinars and unparalleled access to expert insights, fostering a global community committed to advancing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

As the Chief Scientific Officer of IVF Store, Thomas Elliott brings his extensive experience, innovative mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence in reproductive science. His leadership ensures that IVF Store remains at the forefront of providing high-quality products and services to IVF laboratories across the United States.