Dr Jessica Stringer's research is focused on understand how chemical and environmental impacts affect genome integrity, genetic and non-genetic inheritance and female fertility. She obtained her PhD from The University of Melbourne in 2012 where she investigated the evolution and functional importance of genomic imprinting; the first known example of inherited epigenetic information that mediates parent-specific gene expression essential for development. She then undertook her postdoctoral studies with As/Prof Western (Hudson Institute of Medical Research), where she identified a new mechanism regulating transmission of epigenetic information from parent to offspring. In 2016 Dr Stringer came to work with As/Prof Hutt at Monash University to investigate importance of DNA damage repair for oocyte quality, female fertility and offspring health. Significantly she identified the DNA repair mechanisms responsible for safe-guarding primordial follicle oocytes. Her current research aims to i) improve women’s health and fertility during maternal aging, ii) develop new therapeutic strategies to protect female fertility during anti-cancer therapy and iii) ensure that these therapeutic strategies do not impact on offspring health.