American Society for Reproductive Medicine Member Dr. Teresa Woodruff Awarded National Medal of Science

January 6, 2025
For immediate release

Washington, DC – Dr. Teresa Woodruff, a Foundation Professor at Michigan State University (MSU) and member of ASRM, was presented the National Medal of Science on Friday, January 3. She is the first reproductive biologist to receive the award.

Dr. Woodruff is an expert in the fields of ovarian biology and reproductive science and holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology from Northwestern University. She works as a Research Foundation Professor in MSU’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. She served as Provost of the university from 2020 through 2022 and Interim President from 2022 to 2024. Previously, she served as Dean and Associate Provost for Graduate Education at Northwestern University.  

A lifelong advocate for women in science, Dr. Woodruff spearheaded efforts to pass a federal mandate requiring sex equity in the NIH’s biomedical research. In 2006, she coined the term “oncofertility” to describe the merging of oncology and fertility, now a globally recognized medical discipline.

“Dr. Woodruff’s work in oncofertility has made a tangible difference in the lives of patients,” said ASRM President Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg. “ASRM is thrilled that her contributions to the field are being recognized at the national level and beyond.”

The National Medal of Science is awarded annually to leaders in physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and behavioral sciences. It is Congress's highest recognition of scientists and engineers and honors outstanding contributions to knowledge and research in service to the nation. Dr. Woodruff’s reception of this prestigious award is a recognition of the vital role that reproductive biology plays in health care.

In 2011, former President Barack Obama awarded Dr. Woodruff the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring for her dedication to teaching.