Dr. Hermann is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Dr. Hermann earned his Ph.D. degree in 2005 from The University of Kansas in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology. His graduate work investigated the mechanisms of cell-specific transcriptional regulation of genes expressed in Sertoli cells of the testis, which has implications for understanding endocrine control of Sertoli cell development, function, and spermatogenesis. His postdoctoral work in the laboratory of Dr. Kyle Orwig at Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh (2005-2011) focused on fundamental and translational investigations of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in higher primates.
SSCs are adult-tissue stem cells responsible for sperm production in the mammalian testis and which are essential for male fertility. Along with helping to expand our understanding of the basic biology of SSCs in primates, Dr. Hermann's research has helped support the feasibility of utilizing SSCs to preserve and restore fertility in male patients who will receive gonadotoxic therapies like chemotherapy and radiation for cancer.
Dr. Hermann joined UTSA in July 2011 and the his lab continues to study the basic biology of SSCs, primarily using rodent models, along with their relevance to and use in treating male infertility. Specifically, ongoing studies in the Hermann Lab are focused on:
- Determining how these cells are regulated and behave like stem cells
- How SSC loss due to sterilizing treatments can be prevented
- How SSCs participate in the etiology of male infertility
- How the male germline develops and SSCs are specified
- How the male germline can be leveraged for transgenesis in nonhuman primates
In addition to his time in the lab with his nose to the grindstone or cracking the whip, Dr. Hermann can has been sighted enjoying the two-season South Texas climate (i.e., hot and less hot) with his wife, Debby, and four progeny, Abby, Noah, Josh, and Caroline.
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