Contact Information

Phone: 517-432-1385

Email: petrof10@cvm.msu.edu

Education

• BS, Virginia Tech, 1992
• MS, Ohio State University, 1995
• PhD, Ohio State University, 1998
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Kansas Medical Center, 1999-2003

Research Program

• Elucidation of the mechanisms of maternal immunological tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus
• Determination of the long-term effects of pregnancy on women’s health
• Increase our understanding of the contribution of autoimmune disease on male and female fertility

Current Investigation

• Investigation of the functions of extracellular vesicles in pregnancy
• Exploration of the effects of pregnancy-induced changes in the maternal immune system on long-term cancer risk
• Uncover the mechanisims of immune-mediated ovarian malfunction in a model of autoimmune disease

Funding Sources

• National Institute of Child Health and Development
• Michigan State University
• AgBioResearch

Teaching Interests

• General Immunology
• Reproductive Physiology
• Cell Biology
• Histology

Service

• BioMolecular Science Gateway Graduate Admissions Committee
• Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation
• Associate Editor, Biology of Reproduction
• Past member, Pregnancy and Neonatology Study Section,