Research in the Orwig laboratory (orwiglab.org) focuses on stem cells, germ lineage development, fertility and infertility. Our progress investigating reproductive function in fertile individuals provides a basis for understanding the mechanisms of infertility caused by disease, medical treatments, genetic defects or aging. Infertility impacts one in seven couples in the United States and can have a devastating impact on relationships and emotional well-being. The Orwig lab is ideally located in Magee-Womens Research Institute and Magee-Womens Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and is committed to translating lab bench discoveries to the clinic for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infertility.