Capitol News

Teresa K. Woodruff has been awarded the National Medal of Science, joining a select group of Americans who have received this prestigious honor. President Joe Biden announced the recipients on January 3, and Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, presented the medal to Woodruff during a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.

The National Medal of Science was established by Congress in 1959 and is administered by the National Science Foundation for the White House. It represents the highest recognition for scientists and engineers in the United States. According to a statement from the White House, “those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

Woodruff is noted for her significant contributions to scientific research and her efforts to improve and broaden research teams globally. She is an MSU Research Foundation Professor at Michigan State University (MSU) in both the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at MSU College of Human Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at MSU’s College of Engineering. She served as provost at MSU starting in August 2020 and as interim president from 2022-2024.

Her work focuses on female reproductive science, leading to breakthroughs in molecular science, reproductive medicine, and cancer research. Her lab's discoveries have been recognized multiple times by Discover magazine and once by the Chinese Academy of Medicine.

“Teresa Woodruff is an outstanding scientist, leader and humanitarian,” said MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz. “Her oncofertility research has given thousands of patients and their families hope for a better future.”

Woodruff pioneered "oncofertility," which merges oncology with reproductive health. She emphasized including more women in scientific processes, earning accolades for mentorship.

“I’m humbled to receive this award,” Woodruff stated. “My fundamental belief is science should help tomorrow’s patients be treated better than today’s.”

She began her lab at Northwestern University in 1995 after completing graduate studies there. In 2002, she became associate director for basic research at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Her creation of oncofertility has supported fertility preservation for young cancer survivors worldwide through initiatives like the Oncofertility Consortium.

Additional research by Woodruff includes discovering "zinc spark," which indicates successful human egg fertilization—a finding recognized among Discover magazine's Top 100 Discoveries.

In mentoring roles, Woodruff has advocated considering sex as a biological factor in research protocols mandated by NIH.

Aron Sousa, dean of MSU College of Human Medicine remarked: “Dr. Woodruff is a brilliant...scientist whose work has advanced knowledge...I can think of no one more deserving."

John Papapolymerou praised her multidisciplinary approach: “Dr. Woodruff is an exceptional collaborator...who translates findings into practical applications that improve human health.”

Woodruff holds numerous patents and fellowships across esteemed academies such as National Academy of Medicine.