Lee Morris, BVSc, DVSc, DACT
MVS EquiBreed

Morris graduated from the University of Sydney in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science. After two years in rural veterinary practice in northern New South Wales, Australia, she undertook a three-year residency program in theriogenology at the University of Guelph in Canada, during which time she became a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists in 1997, then graduated with a doctorate in veterinary science in 1998. Her DVSc thesis work encompassed in vitro studies (in vitro fertilization), the production of embryos, and the assessment of male fertility.

From 1998 to 2001, Morris was the senior veterinary research scientist at the Equine Fertility Unit in Newmarket (UK), where she worked with Professor Twink Allen and developed the hysteroscopic (low-dose) insemination procedure for horses. In 2001, Morris was the senior registrar at the University of Sydney, where she provided clinical reproductive services for horses and dogs and conducted research into sex-sorted semen. She has been in New Zealand since 2002 and is now the specialist equine reproduction veterinarian at MVS EquiBreed. In 2004, she became a registered specialist in veterinary reproduction in Australasia. Her special interests include artificial insemination, embryo transfer, epididymal spermatozoa, hysteroscopy, equine laparoscopy, semen -freezing technology, sex-sorted semen, and challenging cases of mare or stallion infertility. Morris provides referral consultancy services to equine veterinary clinics in New Zealand and Australia.

In 2004, Morris was elected to the committee for the International Symposium of Equine Reproduction (ISER) and, in 2014, she was the local chairperson for the ISER XI in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Morris has been an honorary associate of the University of Sydney and an honorary lecturer at the University of Waikato (NZ) in recognition of her contribution to research. She has lectured and provided clinical tuition to veterinary students at the University of Guelph, Cambridge University (UK), Massey University (NZ), and the University of Sydney. She has been the industry supervisor of four MSc theses (University of Waikato) and two PhD theses (University of Sydney). Morris has published more than 25 peer-reviewed scientific papers, presented her research internationally, and written chapters in the Veterinary Clinics of North America and two textbooks on equine reproduction.

Marco Livini, DVM
Polo RiproVet Milano

Marco Livini graduated from the University of Milan in 1988 and took his first steps as a young veterinarian at Scone Equine Hospital (Australia) and at the famous National Hunt Rathbarry Stud (Ireland) as resident veterinarian in thoroughbred stud farm medicine. In 1991, he joined the Veterinari Associati Ippovet in Milan as an associate, where he worked as a theriogenologist until 2020. Livini currently works as a theriogenologist at Polo RiproVet Milano. His main interest is mare gynecology, and he has lectured on monitoring the health of the equine fetus using ultrasonography, gender determination in pregnant mares, and the treatment of infertility in mares. He served as a coordinator for SIRE (Italian Society of Equine Reproduction; 2000–2002) and as president of SIVE (Italian Society of Equine Practitioners; 2008–2010). Since 2016/2017, Livini has acted as an adjunct professor at the Veterinary University of Milan. He is co-author of the first and second editions of the DVD Atlante di Eecografia Equina and author of two Veterinary Advances apps, Equine Reproductive Ultrasound and Advanced Equine Reproductive Ultrasound.

Patrick McCue, DVM, PhD, DACT
Colorado State University

Patrick McCue researches assisted reproductive techniques and technologies in horses.

The Iron Rose Ranch Professor of Equine Theriogenology (veterinary reproduction technology), McCue focuses on reproductive endocrinology and pathology, hormone therapy, and embryo transfer. He also attends high-risk obstetrical cases at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

McCue is a diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists and currently coordinates the mare and stallion clinical services at the Colorado State University Equine Reproduction Laboratory.

McCue received his BA from the State University of New York, Potsdam, in 1978. He earned his DVM and PhD from the University of California, Davis, in 1986 and 1993, respectively.

Celia Marr, BVMS, MVM, PhD, Dipl. EIM, Dipl. ECEIM, FRCVS
Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre

Celia M. Marr graduated from the University of Glasgow (Glasgow, Scotland) in 1985, and her clinical career has focused on cardiovascular medicine, internal medicine, intensive care, and medical imaging. She has held positions at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK), and the Royal Veterinary College (London, UK), and worked in racehorse practice in Lambourn, UK. Currently, she is based at Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre (Newmarket, UK). Celia has published widely on medical disorders of the horse. She is a diplomate of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (Cambridge, UK), fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (London, UK), honorary member of the British Equine Veterinary Association, honorary professor at the University of Glasgow, and editor-in-chief of Equine Veterinary Journal.

Maria Barandalla, PhD
Avantea

Maria Barandalla has her master’s degree in biology and reproductive technology from the University of Oviedo (Oviedo, Spain). In November 2016, she obtained her doctorate in biotechnology from the University of Utrecht (Utrecht, the Netherlands). She carries out research on the cellular and molecular biology of embryos and embryonic stem cells and contributes to commercial assisted reproduction and animal cloning services.

Silvia Colleoni, PhD
Avantea

Silvia Colleoni has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and obtained a doctorate with a thesis on mesenchymal stem cells. She is a senior researcher with many years of experience in the field of assisted reproduction, particularly in equines, and of adult and embryonic stem cells. She is the author of numerous scientific publications. She is responsible for equine ovum pick-up services, equine genetic rescue, and the cell bank.