Our team spotlights

Meet Gabriela Cosma, PhD

Senior Scientist

Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to join Paterna BioSciences?

Throughout graduate school I was involved in many Biotech-related organizations and events, which led me to realize that I relish working in small teams. At the same time, I greatly enjoy the process of scientific discovery, especially when there is a clear application of those discoveries in the near future that would benefit people. Thus, start-up/small biotech companies seemed like the best fit for me. I was fortunate to join Paterna BioSciences as one of the first hires and I have been very happy with that decision ever since!

What is your role at Paterna, and how does your work contribute to the mission of solving male infertility?

At Paterna, I am a senior scientist, where I have worked primarily at the “bench” – conducting hands-on laboratory experiments and research – though I have also helped mentor and train people and assisted with writing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. I am currently working on in vitro spermatogenesis: taking male germ cells and driving them to become spermatozoa, in vitro. It is incredibly exciting to me to try many different approaches to achieve this.

What aspect of working in the field of reproductive health are you most passionate about?

I am truly hoping that my work will contribute in a small way to helping families experience the joy of having children.

What drives you to innovate in the area of male fertility?

I think when it comes to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), female reproductive health has received the most attention and visibility, and for good reason. Once I became more familiar with the scientific literature in the male infertility space, I was quite surprised to learn how the age and health of the father can influence the health of their offsprings. I think innovating in male fertility can be incredibly beneficial for the whole couple.

Why is fertility and the treatment of infertility so important to you?

I am fortunate to be the mother of two wonderful little girls. However, I have three friends that have been open with me about their struggles with infertility and how difficult it has been for them and their partners. Thus, I would like to be part of the process that can help people conceive where other treatments have failed.

Do you have any published papers or other materials that Paterna could share to highlight your expertise?

As far as my scientific background, my undergraduate degree is in Biochemistry from University of Pennsylvania and my PhD is in Immunology and Microbiology from Thomas Jefferson University.

How does collaboration within the team contribute to the success of Paterna?

Paterna BioSciences has an amazing team! One of our strengths is that everyone is very adaptable and willing to switch gears depending on where our developing science leads us. It would be very interesting to continue some of the incredible scientific discoveries we’ve made along the way, while also keeping our focus on optimizing the process of in vitro spermatogenesis.

What’s unique about the culture at Paterna that differentiates it from other places you’ve worked?

I think everyone simply goes above and beyond helping each other and the team as a whole. For example, we often deal with time-sensitive laboratory testing that requires immediate attention at any hour, day or night. When such a test is announced, there is never a lack of volunteers to handle the process, which can take 6-8 hours of intensive work. This involves reorganizing one’s schedule, coming in extra early (5-6am) or in the evenings/nights, and working very long days. I think it takes special people to make those kinds of sacrifices for “just a job” and speaks to our commitment to Paterna BioScience’s mission. The team’s willingness to adapt and support each other, even at inconvenient times, truly sets Paterna apart from other workplaces I’ve experienced.

What impact do you hope your work will have in the community?

Ultimately, it would be incredible to see that everyone who has a need for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to conceive, has access to this service. The data show that 7 in 10 women conceive after SIX cycles, meaning very few couples get pregnant from just one or even a few tries. Thus, couples must pay out of pocket for extra in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Improving those odds would provide economic benefits in addition to reducing the time, energy, and emotional pain of so many couples.

Where do you see the future of fertility treatments going, and how is Paterna positioning itself to lead that change?

Only through in vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) would men with non-obstructive azoospermia (no sperm produced) be able to father biological children. Only through IVS could pre-pubertal boys undergoing cancer treatments be able to preserve their fertility. I believe Paterna BioSciences will help to transform the in vitro fertilization (IVF) field!

What do you enjoy doing outside of ‘the office’?

After living in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah for two years, which is within driving distance of multiple national parks, my young family and I really caught the bug of hiking and exploring those beautiful sights. Our favorites are Bryce Canyon and Grand Teton.

Share a ‘fun fact’ about yourself!     

I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer, which is how I met my husband in college.

If you were describing your job to a five-year-old, what would you say you do at work?

I transfer small amounts of colorful liquids from one container to another; then I look through a microscope and see pretty pictures 😊