Stewart Russell
Areas of Expertise
- Biology (Cellular, Molecular and Genetics)
- Reproductive Health and Infertility
Biography
Dr. Stewart Russell is an Assistant Professor in the Molecular & Medical Sciences of the Department of Health Sciences. He earned his hBSc in Biology from Laurier and completed his PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph. Before returning to Laurier, he served as Senior Director of Translational Reproductive Research at the CReATe Fertility Centre in Toronto, where he led a multidisciplinary team investigating early human development, embryo implantation, and fertility treatments.
Stewart’s research program explores how genetic and epigenetic factors shape embryo viability. His group combines single-cell and bulk multi-omics, advanced imaging, and computational modelling to uncover the molecular pathways that drive successful implantation and early lineage decisions. Current projects range from endometrial assembloid models to digital embryos that simulate developmental perturbations in silico.
Graduate students in Dr. Russell's lab gain hands-on experience with advanced wet-lab techniques (single cell RNA-seq, embryology, live-cell imaging) and data-science pipelines (Unix/Python/R, machine learning). Stewart values collaborative, goal-oriented mentorship and encourages trainees to design projects that align with their interests while contributing to the lab’s broader mission of improving reproductive health.