Ott suggested that Penn State’s frequent leadership of SSR over the years reflects the College of Agricultural Sciences’ expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge of reproductive processes in animals and in humans.
“SSR is the premier scientific organization representing fundamental and applied reproductive biology in animals and humans,” he said. “SSR publishes Biology of Reproduction, one of the top journals in the field. Being elected as president reflects Rebecca’s career accomplishments in research and science leadership in reproductive biology, and I could not be more pleased and proud that her peers have honored her with this appointment.”
Krisher called leading the society one of the greatest privileges of her career.
“SSR has been my scientific home throughout my career, so serving as president is both an incredible honor and a meaningful opportunity to give back,” she said. “The society brings together reproductive biologists from around the world, and the science presented at our meetings represents the very best in our field.”
Just as importantly, Krisher added, SSR is a community of colleagues, mentors, collaborators and friends who have shaped her career in many ways.
“I have always viewed leadership as an opportunity to serve, and serving as president allows me to work alongside these outstanding scientists to strengthen our society, support the next generation of reproductive biologists and help advance the future of our discipline,” she said.
Krisher has a wide range of professional experience working in reproductive biology and animal science, across academia and beyond. Before coming to Penn State in 2025, she was global senior director of reproductive biology and gene editing for Genus plc Research and Development in DeForest, Wisconsin.
Previously, Krisher was research director for the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and associate professor and assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Purdue University. She remains an affiliate faculty member in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University.
The Society for the Study of Reproduction was founded in 1967 to promote the study of reproduction by fostering interdisciplinary communication among scientists, holding conferences, publishing meritorious studies, and contributing to the development and mentoring of young scientists.
Today, the organization is a global association of more than 1,200 active members, including scientists, veterinarians, students and physicians, representing more than 50 countries. Some members are engaged in basic or applied research, while others perform clinical practice.