The primary goal of the Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences is to provide critical services to investigators using nonhuman primates for studies in maternal and children’s health. Services within the division are provided to investigators through the use of the Infant Primate Research Lab (IPRL). The IPRL continues to be supported as a core facility of both the Primate Center and the Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD). For over 40 years, the overall objective of the lab has been to provide a range of technical services, facilities, and equipment to meet both the clinical care and research needs of investigators. The clinical and research operations in the lab are closely tied due to the nature of the research conducted in the facility. The efforts are also closely integrated with activities and support from the other units within the Division of Primate Resources and are utilized by nearly all of the scientific units.
The services provided by the division through the IPRL meet the objectives of the National Primate Research Center (NPRC) Program. Consultation services regarding appropriate research designs, methods, and data analysis techniques are provided to assist investigators who are unfamiliar with the unique characteristics of nonhuman primate research. Laboratory personnel provide training and on-site supervision to project staff conducting research in the laboratory. Personnel also provide training for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students. This includes training in the safe handling of animals as well as training on the various developmental assessments. Laboratory personnel also work with individual investigators to provide innovative responses as new areas of research develop. These services provide unique capabilities for translational research requiring pregnant females, gestational-age-known fetuses and infant nonhuman primates. For example, translational research related to the prevention of premature delivery related to maternal infection, intervention strategies for severe asphyxia at birth, and maternal-fetal transmission of SHIV were recently carried out by the IPRL. Studies conducted in the lab are very complex in their designs, take years to complete and require extensive shared services. The services provided to investigators result in cost savings through shared access to facilities, staff and equipment.
Costs for around-the-clock animal care services are included in the increased per diem rates for IPRL housed infants. Costs associated with research supported activities are recovered through grant-support for IPRL staff involved in research training and testing.
Core Staff Scientists
| Name | WaNPRC Division | Position | UW Department(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas M. Burbacher | Reproductive & Developmental Sciences | Core Staff Scientist | Department of Environmental & Health Sciences |
| Michael Mustari | Neuroscience Reproductive & Developmental Sciences | Core Staff Scientist | Department of Ophthalmology |
| Jim Sackett | Reproductive & Developmental Sciences (Emeritus) | Core Staff Scientist | Department of Psychology |
Research Scientists
| Name | WaNPRC Division | Position | UW Department(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliza Curnow | Reproductive & Developmental Sciences | Research Scientist | |
| James C. Ha | Reproductive & Developmental Sciences | Research Scientist | Department of Psychology |