In Memory

Lynette A. Scott, M.S., Ph.D., HCLD (ABB)

1954 – 2012

The Journal of Clinical Embryology, as well as many others in the infertility world of IVF/ART, mourn the loss of one of our most insightful, energetic and accomplished colleagues. Lynette Scott was a skilled practitioner of the ARTs since early in her career. Classically trained in the biological sciences, she used her scientific knowledge to add building blocks to the young field of human IVF. Working at the most basic level of human gamete production and fertilization, Lynette began to apply her strict scientific skills of observation, along with pinches of informed intuition, to fashion systems for early embryo culture and viability assessment. Most Embryologists were simply counting cells within the early developing embryo, whereas, Lynette was looking far deeper into the cellular mechanics of nucleoli formation and arrangements and correlating this to embryonic outcome and pregnancy viability. Each system she developed led to greater insights and then to methods that allowed her to implement new procedures in the laboratory, which enhanced the overall pregnancy success rates.

It sounds easy on paper, but every clinical embryologist knows differently. There was no area of the laboratory on which Lynette did not focus. Nothing went beyond her notice, and as a result, she was a resource to many other programs around the world. Indefatigable and good natured were ready attributes known to all her friends and tough mindedness to those less knowledgeable. Yet, to the credit of her profession, she was a dedicated teacher of the science and technology of in vitro embryo development. We can all take these lessons that Lynette has left us to heart and carry on the struggle toward establishing ever more successful systems for in vitro human assisted reproduction. Many of you have sent your heartfelt memorials to be printed here in order to give a more personal account of your times with Lynette. If you did not know Lynette personally, then please take time to read these accounts from those who did and you will know why she will be dearly missed by all.

Remembrances
Lynette A. Scott, Ph.D. HCLD
Director, Assisted Reproductive Technology Laboratories

Read what Dr. Scott published in The Clinical Embryologist

Read Memorial with Remembrances from friends and colleagues of Dr. Scott