Elizabeth Carr, the first child born in America as a result of in vitro fertilization (IVF), returned to Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University last week. Elizabeth met with students in the Reproductive Clinical Science – Embryology and Andrology program and program director Liang Yu, Ph.D. The program carries on the school’s pioneering legacy in reproductive medicine by teaching assisted-reproductive techniques to M.S. and Ph.D. students from around the world. During her visit, Carr also received an award from Dean C. Donald Combs, Ph.D. in recognition of her work as an ambassador for IVF and reproductive clinical science education.

Elizabeth Carr joined the group photo with the 2027 Reproductive Clinical Science Master’s cohort. Students and faculty proudly raise a symbolic gesture to honor her as the first baby born through IVF in the U.S. and to celebrate the revolutionary impact of IVF on reproductive medicine.

Elizabeth Carr joined Liang Yu, Ph.D. on a campus visit to a display of photos and memorabilia celebrating the Jones Institute’s groundbreaking legacy in reproductive medicine and honoring the visionary team behind the nation’s first successful IVF.

Elizabeth Carr, the first baby born in the U.S. through IVF, and Liang Yu, Ph.D., Reproductive Clinical Science program director, observe Master’s student Clarke Kitchen as she examines embryos under the microscope. With prior experience in andrology research in Georgia, Kitchen is now receiving hands-on training in human IVF for the first time, marking a new chapter in her reproductive science journey.

Elizabeth Carr speaks with Reproductive Clinical Science Master’s student Dayanna Valerio of Miami, who brings bovine embryo experience to her current training in human IVF procedures. 

Reproductive Clinical Science alumna Lisa Wagner, Ph.D. leads a hands-on oocyte vitrification session as Elizabeth Carr observes the next generation of IVF pioneers in action and future leaders in reproductive science. Pictured from left: Dr. Wagner, Carr, RCS students Nhan Tran (Brown Fertility Center), Cassidy Morrison (Johns Hopkins IVF Center), and Liang Yu, Ph.D., RCS Program Director.

Group of people celebrating Elizabeth Carr
Two people looking at memorabilia
Student looks into microscope
Two people having a conversation
Group conducting science observations

Elizabeth Carr joined the group photo with the 2027 Reproductive Clinical Science Master’s cohort. Students and faculty proudly raise a symbolic gesture to honor her as the first baby born through IVF in the U.S. and to celebrate the revolutionary impact of IVF on reproductive medicine.

Elizabeth Carr joined Liang Yu, Ph.D. on a campus visit to a display of photos and memorabilia celebrating the Jones Institute’s groundbreaking legacy in reproductive medicine and honoring the visionary team behind the nation’s first successful IVF.

Elizabeth Carr, the first baby born in the U.S. through IVF, and Liang Yu, Ph.D., Reproductive Clinical Science program director, observe Master’s student Clarke Kitchen as she examines embryos under the microscope. With prior experience in andrology research in Georgia, Kitchen is now receiving hands-on training in human IVF for the first time, marking a new chapter in her reproductive science journey.

Elizabeth Carr speaks with Reproductive Clinical Science Master’s student Dayanna Valerio of Miami, who brings bovine embryo experience to her current training in human IVF procedures. 

Reproductive Clinical Science alumna Lisa Wagner, Ph.D. leads a hands-on oocyte vitrification session as Elizabeth Carr observes the next generation of IVF pioneers in action and future leaders in reproductive science. Pictured from left: Dr. Wagner, Carr, RCS students Nhan Tran (Brown Fertility Center), Cassidy Morrison (Johns Hopkins IVF Center), and Liang Yu, Ph.D., RCS Program Director.