Congratulations to Shweta Bhagwat, PhD, postdoctoral research associate in the lab of Celia Santi, MD, PhD, for recently receiving a prestigious NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) for her project titled “Study the impact of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) toxins on sperm function.” Her research is being funded by the NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development beginning June 2026.
Dr. Bhagwat’s project will investigate how toxins produced by BV bacteria interfere with sperm function and fertilization. Findings from this research will advance our understanding of sperm dysfunction associated with BV and support the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to improve fertility in BV-positive females.
“This enthusiastically received award provides important support for answering the scientific question I propose,” stated Bhagwat. “Along with the continued exceptional mentorship from Dr. Santi and collaborative training environment at WashU Medicine, I look forward to helping amplify scientific breakthroughs for the field of reproductive medicine.”