Research
Institute for Biogenesis Research (IBR)
Faculty
Monika Ward, PhD, has been selected to become Interim Director of the Yanagimachi Institute for Biogenesis Research (YIBR). Dr. Ward has been with the YIBR since 1999, when she was recruited as a postdoctoral fellow. In 2003, she established her independent laboratory in the YIBR and has been continuously NIH-funded since 2004. In 2006, she was hired as a tenure-track Assistant Professor and rose through the ranks, obtaining tenure in 2012 and a Professor position in 2015. Dr. Ward will continue her work in the field of reproductive and developmental biology, as well as the genetics of male infertility, which she has been pursuing for the last 30 years. She is leading a research program with a focus on spermatogenesis and male fertility/infertility and ART.
“When selecting the new YIBR director, I wanted to honor its founder, Dr. Ryuzo Yanagimachi,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker, MD, JD. “Monika has spent decades learning from Yana and has already established herself as a leader in the field of reproductive and developmental biology, so I felt she was the perfect candidate to lead the YIBR into the future.”
Dr. Ward has played various leadership roles at JABSOM and beyond. She served on various UH and JABSOM committees. Since 2017, she has been the chair of the graduate program in Developmental and Reproductive Biology (DRB) at JABSOM. Externally, she served as a standing member of the NIH CMIR study section and as an ad hoc member of grant review panels for other NIH and international agencies. She served as a Director for the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), co-Chair of the SSR Virtual Education Committee, and co-Chair of the SSR 2024 Program Committee. Currently, she serves as a member of the North American Testis Workshop (NATW) Executive Committee, is the Program Chair for the 2028 NATW meeting, and is an Associate Editor of the Biology of Reproduction journal.
“It is my honor to lead the YIBR as Dr. Yanagimachi has always been an inspiration to me, with his never ending enthusiasm and strong drive to push the limits of knowledge.” Dr. Ward said. “It is my mission to build on Yana’s legacy and lead the YIBR towards new accomplishments and strengthen its recognition as one of the leading reproductive centers in the country.”
As Interim Director, Dr. Monika Ward will replace Dr. Steve Ward, who has been the YIBR director since 2005. He recently accepted the position of Interim Dean for Research at JABSOM.
The YIBR was established in 1999 in response to the scientific achievements of Ryuzo Yanagimachi to create a research center of excellence in reproductive biology. Since its inception, the institute has made a significant contribution to the research mission of UH Mānoa and has successfully competed for over $60 million in extramural funding.
Currently, YIBR members hold 3 out of 6 active NIH R01 grants awarded to JABSOM. The YIBR is one of the few reproductive biology centers in the USA, distinguishing itself by its specialty in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). The YIBR is split between the two campuses, Kakaʻako and Mānoa, with UHM being its original location. It currently houses 11 full-time faculty members and over 40 personnel, including staff, fellows, and students.