Dr. Seminara is a physician-scientist whose career focus is the genetic regulation of reproduction. She holds BA and MD degrees from Harvard University and did her medical residency and endocrinology training at Massachusetts General Hospital. She joined the faculty of the Reproductive Endocrine Unit of the MGH in 1997, and in 2017, became its Chief. She currently serves as the Director of a NIH-funded National Center for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility that seeks to elucidate the genetic and phenomic architecture of infertility, extend pathomechanistic understanding, and develop novel diagnostic/prognostic/therapeutic tools for this condition.

Dr. Seminara has pioneered the use of genetics and genomics to understand fundamental mechanisms underlying pubertal delay, hypogonadism and infertility. In addition to her discovery that kisspeptin—a previously unknown hormone–was a gatekeeper for sexual maturation, she has developed a bench to bedside translational program in kisspeptin biology.

Dr. Seminara’s application of genetic technologies led to her receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young scientists and engineers. She is also the recipient of a NIH MERIT (Method to Extend Research in Time) award.