Dr. Hilde Aardema

Biography

Hilde Aardema is an Associate Professor at Utrecht University specializing in veterinary reproduction. She heads the reproduction laboratory of Population Health Sciences - Farm Animal Health. With a keen focus on the impact of maternal environment on early developmental phases, her research unravels the challenges that affect oocytes and embryos during crucial early life stages. Utilizing bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) models, Aardema's team studies the influence of maternal conditions on offspring development, leveraging the similarities in reproductive processes between cows and humans. Her group's investigations include metabolic conditions such as negative energy balance and obesity, revealing their significant effects on embryonic development quality. Aardema also explores the implications of microplastics, an emerging global health concern, particularly their impact on reproductive health. She is invested in initiatives to monitor cow health and behavior, aiming for better animal welfare.

Research Interests

Experience