Inventor Profiles

Research area Investigating novel pathways that regulate the transition from pregnancy to lactation and from lactation to involution in the mammary gland. Elucidating novel pathways involved in calcium homeostasis at the onset of lactation in dairy cattle. Currently working with a locally synthesized molecule that is involved in the mobilization of calcium from bone during the transition period. The goal is to manipulate this molecule to prevent milk fever in dairy cattle. The research group is also exploring how the mammary gland adapts during the transition period, to be efficient at producing milk without having adverse effects on the health of the animals. They are interested in how the mammary undergoes the involution process and how this can be accelerated and done more effectively in the dairy animal, to prevent exposure to pathogens during the dry off stage.

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What excites you about your work? 

“I am dedicated to helping pregnant and lactating women, who are an understudied and under-supported population. Our work is focused on understanding how SSRI and depression may impact their pregnancy and breastfeeding success, as well as long-term impacts on their babies and how we offer alternatives to ensure the overall health and well-being of mom and baby.”

What do you hope to achieve? 

“The great thing about Wisconsin is there’s all these amazing scientists, and little pieces match up, and everyone is willing to bridge those gaps. It really is the Wisconsin Idea. You find the things that match up, and you work together to try to put the pieces together. We’re looking at the molecular mechanisms in two different situations, but understanding the basic science really helps both sides. If we can figure out the biology, there may be a way we can manipulate the system to improve both human health and cow health.”

Prof. Hernandez translates foundational science into solutions to improve overall maternal health. Her research is reshaping how we support pregnancy, lactation and mental well-being of mothers, and we are proud to help accelerate her innovations into the market.

– Emily Bauer, WARF, Director of Licensing