Laboratory

Debbie Merryman, Embryology Laboratory Director of the ART Fertility Program of Alabama, began her career in the field of reproductive medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 1981. While at UAB, her experience included both reproductive research and the clinical application of IVF. In 1986, she joined Dr. Kathryn Honea as an Embryologist and helped establish the ART Program of Alabama, formerly known as IVF Australia.

Debbie studied IVF at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia in 1986. She received her BS degree in Natural Science and Mathematics in 1993. In 2002, she received her Masters’ degree in Clinical Embryology from the prestigious University of Leeds in Leeds, England, graduating with distinction. From April 1990 to January 2004, she served as the Technical Supervisor of the ART Fertility Program of Alabama and was promoted to Embryology Laboratory Director after certification by the American Board of Bioanalysts.

Throughout the years, Debbie has attended many courses and workshops, has authoried many abstracts and is a member of several professional groups in the area of IVF. She was appointed to a four-year term (1991-1995) as officer for the Reproductive Laboratory Technologist Professional Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Bioanalysis as an Embryology Laboratory Director, as well as a Technical Supervisor in the areas of Andrology and Embryology.

With over 25 years of experience in the area of reproductive medicine and together with an excellent team of laboratory personnel, Debbie provides state-of-the-art laboratory services to infertility and IVF patients at the ART Fertility Program of Alabama. She directs a team of Embryology Technologists including Ellen Stringfellow, Cherie Gibbs and Kerri Owens.

Ellen Stringfellow received her BS degree from the University of Alabama in 1986, majoring in cell biology. With almost 25 years of experience in the field of infertility and IVF, she is fully equipped to provide laboratory services for infertile couples.  In addition to being an Embryology Technologist, Ellen is the Coordinator of Cryobiology Services and received her Reproductive Cryotechnology Specialist certification from the American Association of Tissue Banks in 1995. She previously worked for Southern Research Institute prior to joining the ART Fertility Program in 1988.

Cherie Gibbs has been with the ART Fertility Program for 13 years. Cherie graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a BS degree in Biology in 1994. In 2004 and 2006, she received her certification for Technical Supervisor in the disciplines of Andrology and Embryology, respectively, from the American Board of Bioanalysis. Cherie serves as the Coordinator of Andrology Services as well as provides laboratory services for infertile couples. Previously, she worked at the University of Alabama in Huntsville in the area of Materials Development in Space.

Kerri Owens graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a BS degree in Biology/Psychology. Ms. Owens attended Birmingham-Southern on an athletic and scholastic scholarship. While at college, she received several honors and awards for both academic and athletic achievements. After receiving her degree, Kerri worked in a chemistry lab before joining the ART Fertility Program of Alabama in June 2007. Kerri takes pleasure in providing andrology and embryology services to infertile couples at ART.

Back To Top