Welcome Lakshmi, TFI’s New Laboratory Director!
We are thrilled to welcome Lakshmi Sharma to the Tennessee Fertility Institute (TFI) team as our new Laboratory Director. With decades of experience in embryology, a passion for scientific excellence, and a deeply patient‑centered philosophy, Lakshmi brings a wealth of expertise to our growing IVF laboratory.
A Career That Found Her—and Became a Calling
Lakshmi’s journey into embryology began unexpectedly while she was at UCLA researching sperm membrane proteins as an exchange student from India. A nearby hospital was hiring an embryologist, and her mentor encouraged her to apply.
“I fell into this profession and there was no going back.”
That moment sparked a lifelong dedication to reproductive science, patient care, and continuous improvement in laboratory practices.
Her Approach to Lab Leadership
Lakshmi is energized by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the lab and within the TFI team. Her leadership style centers on collaboration, transparency, and empowering her embryologists through education—a vision that aligns beautifully with TFI’s mission.
Lakshmi believes that exceptional patient care begins with understanding the why behind every lab action and protocol. “I believe in educating my embryologists about the science behind the what and why of laboratory processes,” she explains. “Every member of the lab team should understand how our actions in the lab impact our patients.”
Her commitment to training, accountability, and scientific rigor will play a powerful role in strengthening TFI’s clinical excellence.
The Science That Inspires Her
Among the many fascinating aspects of reproductive medicine, one topic stands out as a central focus in Lakshmi’s past research:
“The least talked about, but nevertheless the most important process, is the interaction between the competent embryo and the receptive endometrium,” she shares. “In my opinion, this is the number one rate limiting factor as to why even the most beautiful euploid embryo fails to translate into a baby.”
Lakshmi has spent years exploring how lab processes can better support the development of competent euploid embryos—insight that will greatly benefit TFI patients.
While the field of embryology evolves steadily, Lakshmi still remains grounded in what truly matters: “At its core, embryology is still about robust culture methodology. The advances in our field are slow compared to other fields of science but small tweaks in the workflows move us towards measurable improvements.”
Life Outside the Lab
When she’s not immersed in the science of embryo development, Lakshmi cherishes simple joys: “I love talking and laughing with my adult daughters who live in different states, walking my Frenchie, Jerry, and watching melodramatic Bollywood movies.” She is also a certified Reiki healer!
Lakshmi, we are so excited to welcome you to the Tennessee Fertility Institute family. Your expertise, curiosity, and compassionate leadership will enrich our team and the patients we serve every day!