The supervisors were Associate Professor Agne Velthut-Meikas (TalTech, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology), Professor Andres Salumets (University of Tartu, Institute of Clinical Medicine), and Ari Pekka Kalevi Sillanaukee (Chairman of Board, Nova Vita Clinic). The opponents were Dr. Med. Linda Gailīte (Riga Stradiņš University, Institute of Oncology and Molecular Genetics) and Professor Angela Ivask (University of Tartu, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology).

Kristine's research investigates molecular changes in preovulatory ovarian follicles in women facing infertility, specifically analysing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) patients whose ovaries did not respond adequately to hormonal stimulation, and those diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Her work also examined the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in follicular fluid and their effect on IVF outcomes. This research makes a valuable contribution to understanding how various factors influence ovarian sensitivity and the oocyte’s developmental environment. A deeper understanding of these molecular mechanisms will contribute to the development of more effective treatments to improve IVF success rates.

During the intense three-hour defense, a lively and in-depth discussion unfolded, covering fundamental biological principles and the specific variations seen in patients. The conversation also highlighted how much remains to be discovered in the molecular mechanisms of folliculogenesis and the dedication and scientific passion required to advance the field.

According to Kristine, working with primary biological material was quite a challenge – patient samples were collected over several years but the journey from collection to analysis was fraught with technical hurdles. "Every piece of supportive feedback and small success gave me the strength to keep moving forward," she shares. Kristine adds that the interest and recognition her work received brought her great joy and sparked a renewed enthusiasm to continue her research: "That recognition has been a wonderful source of motivation!"

Kristine was an industrial PhD student at Tallinn University of Technology, which allowed her to collaborate closely with the Nova Vita Clinic, where she has worked as an embryologist since 2017. This successful partnership enabled the creation of a medically focused research project, which is generally rare in academic settings. Furthermore, she has received several awards, including Best Young Scientist at the 2022 Annual Conference of the Estonian Society of Human Genetics (EstSHG) and nomination among the 10 Best Research Posters at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Annual Conference.

The complete dissertation is available in the TalTech Library Digital Collection.