Distinguished Researcher Award to Reproductive Health Expert

Posted October 23, 2000


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? October 20, 2000 2000-10-07-OTHER

Reproductive Health Expert to Receive Distinguished Researcher Award

A University of Saskatchewan health scientist who was the first in the world
to use ultrasound to directly visualize human ovulation will receive the
Distinguished Researcher Award at the Oct. 21 convocation.

Roger Pierson is a professor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and
reproductive sciences and director of the U of S Reproductive Biology
Research Unit. The award, which carries a $1,000 prize, recognizes a U of S
faculty member who has made a major contribution to knowledge through
research and publication.

"Professor Pierson is a world leader in research into ovarian physiology,"
said Michael Corcoran, U of S Vice-President Research. "He is a leader in
multidisciplinary reproductive medicine on this campus and a very deserving
recipient of this award."

With his ground-breaking 1990 discovery, Pierson showed that ultrasonography
could be a powerful new tool for non-invasive study of the dramatic changes
that occur in the structures of the ovary just before and during the release
of the ovum (mature egg). His lab also developed the first vaginal probe for
making three-dimensional ultrasound pictures of embryos and fetuses.

These discoveries have made it possible to assess the ovulation potential of
individual follicles (fluid-filled pouches that contain a developing egg) in
infertile women, thereby paving the way for potentially safer and more
effective fertility treatments. His investigation of the growth and
development of ovarian follicles has also led to new and more effective
means of contraception.

Pierson showed that ultrasonography images of the follicular wall can be
used to predict whether the egg is likely to be released properly or be
fertilized if sperm is present. This was a "sensational" finding when it was
published in 1993, according to Pierson?s department head Olufemi
Olatunbosun.

Pierson has become internationally known for developing computer-assisted
imaging to analyze the high-resolution ultrasonographic images used to
investigate reproductive problems. The 24 computer software programs that he
has developed and copyrighted have proven useful not only to assess ovarian
function but also to assess the potential for cancer to develop in the
ovaries and the breast.

Pierson, an associate member of the department of herd medicine and
theriogenology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and a member of
the biomedical engineering section in the College of Engineering, is one of
22 faculty from a variety of disciplines involved in human and animal
reproductive medicine. The work also involves about 30 students.

"This is the only place in Canada where there?s collaborative work in
reproductive medicine between a vet college and a college of medicine," he
said, adding "Every mistake we make on cows is one we don?t make on humans."

He has brought millions of dollars in research funding to the U of S through
federal grants and pharmaceutical industry contracts. He has developed
specialist post-graduate research training for residents, contributes to
continuing professional development of physicians, and takes a keen interest
in the work of his many graduate students.

Pierson earned a Master of Science degree (1982) at Purdue University in
Indiana and a Ph.D. (1987) at the University of Wisconsin. In 1988, he moved
to Canada to accept a position at the U of S Reproductive Biology Research
Unit. He has served as the unit?s director since 1992.

He has received many honors and awards and has served on the executive of
several medical societies of reproductive medicine.

In 1999-2000, he served as president of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology
Society. He has contributed to specialist medical education as co-editor of
Imaging in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility (1994), and is much in
demand as a speaker at national and international conferences.

Pierson "refuses to allow Saskatchewan to play second fiddle to bigger
provinces in the area of research," says department head Olatunbosun.
"Instead, his unrelenting pursuit of fundamental reproductive research has
earned him the respect and admiration of his peers."

For more information, contact:

Roger Pierson
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4458

Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/
"Investing in Ideas: U of S Research"