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Scott Kratka, ELD, TS (ABB)

Mr. Kratka has been at the forefront in reproductive medicine since 1988. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, he completed embryology training at the University of Connecticut Medical Center. There he participated in published research studies involving adhesion formation and prevention. He also assisted with instructional laser surgical training courses in Connecticut and Puerto Rico.

He relocated to New Jersey in 1991 to create the first embryology laboratory in both Monmouth and Ocean Counties. He was the embryologist that established the first successful pregnancies via in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), utilization of frozen embryos and donor oocytes in these counties. He has since help construct and oversee three successful IVF laboratories in Central New Jersey. He has also held consulting appointments at Columbia University and the University of Connecticut. His commitment and dedication to laboratory excellence has kept him at the forefront of technology in the ever advancing field of embryology.

In 2011, Mr. Kratka received certification with the American College of Embryology, an organization of embryology practitioners, serves patients, embryologists and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of embryology.

He is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, American Board of Bioanalysis, American College of Embryology, New York Society of Reproductive Medicine and the New York Metropolitan Embryologist Society.

Jean M. Popwell, Ph.D., HCLD, CC (ABB)

Jean Popwell, Ph.D., HCLD, CC, is the current laboratory director for RSCNJ. Dr. Popwell has over 21 years of experience working in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) field as a senior embryologist and lab director. She now works closely with the experienced lab team at RSCNJ to provide great patient care while maintaining exceptional outcomes. Dr. Popwell is also the quality assurance director for Inception Fertility LLC, where she facilitates network laboratory projects and provides oversight in maintaining the laboratory’s performance goals.

After graduating with a Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology from North Carolina State University in 1999, she began work in 2000 as an embryologist at Pacific Fertility Center. During this period, she became certified as both a Technical Supervisor (TS) and a High-Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director (HCLD), in 2002 and 2004 respectively by the American Board of Bioanalysis. She is also certified by the same board as a Clinical Consultant (CC).

An interest in expanding her experience led to her involvement in other opportunities as a biopsy trainer and lecturer for a variety of ART related companies. In doing so she helped the next generation of embryologists across the United States and other countries learn more about embryo culture systems and embryo biopsy. Dr. Popwell also provided consulting to other IVF laboratories, focusing on evaluating their overall quality, management systems and procedures.

Dr. Popwell strives to remain involved in both local and national organizations that support embryologists’ educational and professional needs. She has provided support to these organizations, holding leadership roles including president and vice president.