Embryology Resources for IVF Lab Professionals
2026 IVF Master Class Series
IVF Academy USA brings together expert-led embryology resources designed specifically for professionals working in IVF laboratories and assisted reproductive technology. Explore live IVF webinars, on-demand LAB Master Classes, and continuing IVF education focused on practical topics across embryology, andrology, quality systems, laboratory operations, and professional development.
Use this hub to register for upcoming sessions, revisit past presentations, and access specialized IVF resources for ongoing learning in the ART laboratory. These resources are designed for embryologists, andrology professionals, fertility clinicians, and other members of the IVF laboratory team.
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Become an IVF Academy USA Sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities are available for 2026 and 2027 Master Class Sessions. Get more info here.
2026 Master Class Schedule
IVF Academy USA’s LAB Master Class is a free, 26-session structured roundtable educational program for embryologists and andrology professionals. The series brings together technical mastery, quality systems, scientific literacy, expert perspectives, ethical practice, research review, and professional development. Attendees earn one (1) CEU credit.
Hosted by Tony Anderson, D.H.Sc., ELD (ABB), the series features expert guest speakers and focused discussions relevant to day-to-day IVF laboratory practice.
Upcoming IVF Master Classes & Educational Webinars
Join an upcoming IVF webinar or live IVF class to learn from experienced professionals and explore topics relevant to contemporary embryology, andrology, laboratory quality, and ART operations.
REGISTRATION
Register for individual 2026 sessions below. Stay tuned! We’ll announce our 2027 IVF Master Class Series soon.
NEW DATE! Week 19: Optimizing Outcome Success with Sperm with Dr. Paul Turek – October 1 at 9:00 AM CST REGISTER
Week 20: Embryo Ethics & Disposition with Dr. Devin Monahan – October 8 REGISTER
Week 21: Lab Flow & High-Risk Case Triage with Dr. C.S. Blesson – October 22 REGISTER
Week 22: Cryo Survival Troubleshooting with Brian LoManto, MS – November 5 REGISTER
Week 23: Noninvasive Embryo Assessment with Dr. Tony Anderson – November 19 REGISTER
Week 24: Leadership Workshop – Communication & Soft Skills with Chris Flynn, RN– December 3 REGISTER
Week 25: Proficiency Testing with Dr. Carol Curchoe – December 17 REGISTER
Week 26: Innovation & Future Vision with Dr. Santiago Munne – January 14, 2027 REGISTER
On-Demand Embryology Resources: Past IVF Webinars & Master Classes
Explore past LAB Master Classes on demand. This growing library of specialized embryology resources gives IVF laboratory professionals a practical way to revisit topics from previous sessions.
ICSI Optimization & Best Practices
Originally presented January 15, 2026
Presented by: Joe Conaghan, PhD, HCLD
This session focuses on refining intracytoplasmic sperm injection technique with attention to fertilization rates while minimizing oocyte damage. Topics include oocyte positioning, pipette selection, sperm immobilization, membrane penetration, cytoplasmic aspiration, causes of oocyte degeneration, technique variation, ergonomics, standardization, and video-based self-assessment.
Oocyte Maturity & Morphology
Originally presented January 29, 2026
Presented by: Brian LoManto, MS
Explore biological and morphological indicators of oocyte competence, including GV, MI, and MII identification. The session also covers cytoplasmic appearance, perivitelline-space characteristics, zona pellucida abnormalities, polar-body assessment, stimulation protocols, maturity patterns, and morphology considerations related to fertilization and embryo development.
Sperm Preparation Techniques
Originally presented February 12, 2026
Presented by: Samual Prien, Ph.D., HCLD (ABB)
This session examines sperm-preparation approaches including density-gradient centrifugation, swim-up, and microfluidic separation. Participants compare methods in the context of oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and high DNA fragmentation while discussing oxidative stress, centrifugation damage, and technique selection for IVF versus ICSI cycles.
Vitrification & Warming Mastery
Originally presented February 26, 2026
Presented by: Sheela S. Ali, PhD HCLD/TS/CC (ABB), DRB (CDPH), LLD (NVDPBH)
Review vitrification theory, cryoprotectant exposure timing, carrier-loading techniques, and warming-recovery dynamics. The session considers sources of variation including solution temperature, timing deviations, and operator technique, along with approaches to reviewing survival trends and promoting greater consistency across the laboratory team.
Blastocyst Grading Harmonization
Originally presented March 12, 2026
Presented by: Tony Anderson, PhD, D.H.Sc., ELD (ABB)
This session addresses interobserver variability in blastocyst grading. Participants review Gardner criteria, inner cell mass and trophectoderm quality, expansion stages, and borderline cases, with an emphasis on aligning laboratory grading standards and supporting consistent morphological interpretation.
The A.R.T. of Empathy in IVF
Originally presented March 26, 2026
Presented by: Carolina Cardona, Graduate CMHC Student, Patient Advocate at Pozitivf Fertility
This session uses focused discussion and applied learning to examine communication with IVF patients. The emphasis is on approaching patient interactions with empathy, care, and compassion.
Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis Systems
Originally presented April 9, 2026
Presented by: Tony Anderson, PhD, D.H.Sc., ELD (ABB)
Review WHO 6th Edition semen-analysis standards with a focus on accuracy, reproducibility, and quality assurance. Topics include concentration-counting methods, motility classification, strict morphology scoring, interobserver variability, proficiency testing, and internal competency assessment.
Preventing Errors in the Lab: Deviation Review
Originally presented April 23, 2026
Presented by: Steven Katz, CEO & Founder at REI Protect
This session reviews areas where errors commonly occur in laboratory and clinical operations and considers training approaches that can help reduce deviations. The discussion incorporates best practices, case examples, quality considerations, and application to daily IVF laboratory operations.
Time-Lapse Morphokinetics
Originally presented May 7, 2026
Presented by: Mary Rawlins, Technical Specialist/Clinical Support with Vitrolife
Explore how time-lapse imaging can provide information about embryo development beyond static morphology. The session reviews milestones such as pronuclear fading, cleavage timing, compaction, and blastulation, as well as abnormal cleavage patterns including reverse cleavage, direct cleavage, and multinucleation and the appropriate use and limitations of morphokinetic algorithms.
Embryo Culture Conditions
Originally presented May 21, 2026
Presented by: Kimball Pomeroy, PhD, HCLD, Chief Science Officer at Ivy Fertility
This session covers single-step versus sequential media systems, oil overlays, dish preparation, and handling practices relevant to embryo culture. Participants examine the interaction among culture-media composition, pH, osmolality, and embryo metabolism, with an emphasis on maintaining stable culture conditions during embryo handling.
Managing Patients with Infectious Disease
Originally presented June 4, 2026
Presented by: Sangita Jindal, PhD, HCLD
This session focuses on IVF laboratory operations for patients with infectious disease. Discussion includes laboratory best practices and quality considerations related to cryostorage, culturing, and laboratory workflows.
Cryopreservation QC
Originally presented June 18, 2026
Presented by: Kimball Pomeroy, PhD, HCLD, Chief Science Officer at Ivy Fertility
Review the evaluation of cryopreservation carrier systems and laboratory-specific survival data across devices and embryologists. The session addresses performance benchmarking, distinguishing systematic from operator-dependent issues, and maintaining cryopreservation consistency during high-volume periods.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Originally presented July 2, 2026
Presented by: Carolina Elgarresta, Embryologist with BSWHealth
This session explores mechanisms of sperm DNA damage and its potential impact on fertilization, blastulation, implantation, and miscarriage. Participants review testing methodologies including SCSA, TUNEL, and Comet assays, along with clinical indications and laboratory handling and preparation strategies intended to mitigate oxidative stress.
Automation in IVF
Originally presented July 16, 2026
Presented by: Carol Curchoe, PhD, HCLD
Explore current and emerging automation technologies including automated dish preparation, AI-based embryo assessment, and microfluidic sperm selection. The session considers how to distinguish evidence-based tools from experimental technologies and evaluates automation in the context of laboratory consistency, efficiency, and scalability.
Media Lot Validation
Originally presented July 30, 2026
Presented by: Toni DiBerardino, PhD, Scientific Director at ASTEC BIO
This session focuses on designing and executing media lot-validation protocols. Participants review pH and osmolality testing, embryo-performance comparisons, documentation requirements, and changeover strategies used when transitioning between media lots.
QC: QC/QM/QA – Lab Incubators & Environment
Originally presented August 13, 2026
Presented by: Marlane Angle, PhD, HCLD, CC
This session examines IVF laboratory environmental controls, including temperature stability, gas regulation, humidity, VOC exposure, and air quality. The discussion emphasizes trend analysis rather than isolated measurements, with attention to identifying environmental drift and implementing corrective action.
Stimulation Protocols & Lab Impact
Originally presented August 27, 2026
Presented by: Dr. Francisco “Paco” Arredondo, MD, REI , MPH
The discussion focused on applied learning addressing best practices, case studies, quality considerations, and integration into daily IVF laboratory operations, correlations between hormone profiles, oocyte maturity, fertilization rates, and embryo development; and strengthening communication between clinical and laboratory teams.
Serum to Stimulation: Foundations of IVF Endocrinology
Originally presented September 10, 2026
Presented by: Dr. Carol Curchoe, PhD, HCLD
About the Host
Dr. Tony Anderson is a distinguished figure in the realm of fertility, renowned for his ground-breaking contributions and visionary leadership. As a founding partner of Pozitivf Fertility; founder and CEO of IVF Academy USA (formerly EmbryoDirector), and Dean of The Laboratory School, Dr. Anderson’s impact on the field is both profound and enduring.
With over 25 years of consulting experience in embryology, Dr. Anderson has been pivotal in shaping the direction of assisted reproductive technologies. His latest venture, Pozitivf Fertility, is a dynamic startup dedicated to integrating Toyota Production Systems into fertility care, ensuring cost-effective treatments and improved accessibility.
Explore More IVF Education
Continue learning beyond the LAB Master Class with additional IVF education from IVF Academy USA. IVF laboratory professionals can explore embryology certificate programs, online courses, and hands-on IVF workshop and laboratory-training opportunities covering areas such as embryology, ICSI, embryo biopsy, vitrification, and laboratory quality.