Michigan State University Research Foundation Professor Teresa K. Woodruff is the 2025 recipient of the Carl G. Hartman Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction. Woodruff, an internationally recognized expert in ovarian biology and reproductive science, will receive the award in Washington, D.C. at the society’s annual meeting in late July.
The Hartman Award, named for a distinguished reproductive biologist, is especially significant as it is the highest honor bestowed by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, the world’s leading association of scientists and physicians dedicated to advancing knowledge of reproductive processes in animals and humans. It is the latest of many honors Woodruff has received for her research and teaching.
In January, President Joe Biden presented with the National Medal of Science, the first reproductive biologist to receive that award. In April, the Society for Women’s Health Research recognized her contributions to women’s health research by presenting her with its Women’s Health Visionary Award.
In 2011, President Barack Obama honored Woodruff for her dedication to teaching by presenting her with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
The awards “are all really special,” Woodruff said, “and I’m so honored by the recognition.”
Woodruff is a MSU Research Foundation Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology in the College of Human Medicine and in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering. In 2006, she coined the term “oncofertility” to describe the merging fields of cancer and fertility research, now globally recognized as a medical discipline.
Her laboratory staff deserves credit for the many awards she has received, Woodruff said.
“It’s an honor to accept these on their behalf,” she said. “It’s my hope that they will continue to make a difference in reproductive health for the nation and for the world.”
Woodruff is the second College of Human Medicine professor to receive the award. Asgi Fazleabas — a University Distinguished Professor, MSU Foundation Professor and Associate Chair for Research in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology — received the Hartman Award in 2020.
