Sam Prien's work world is divided between two disparate parts of the Texas Tech campus. The professor, an expert in assisted reproductive technologies, splits his daily duties between Tech's Health Sciences Center Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and the university's nationally-known Department of Animal and Food Sciences.

"I've worked with some amazing young men and women over the years," Prien said. "I have a sign on my door that reads 'No one can bestow the title mentor on themselves. It is a special title bestowed on us by others. A title once given, we must strive daily to deserve.' I have had the honor of a number of these individuals call me their mentor. I hope I can continue to earn the title."

Prien received his bachelor's and master's degrees in botany from Texas Tech. His doctorate in animal science and reproductive physiology is from Texas Tech. At the university's obstetrics and gynecology center, Prien directs the department's clinical laboratory, while over in animal sciences he teaches and leads an active research program.

Specifically, Prien is a board certified high-complexity clinical laboratory director and is certified in both clinical andrology and embryology. In addition to his general clinical laboratory work, he works directly with the health sciences center's doctors and reproductive endocrinologist in the treatment of infertility patients as part of its assisted reproductive technology program.

In addition, he conducts physiology-based research in a number of areas, both animal and human. In his time at Tech he has published more than 70 journal articles and has made over 150 presentations of his work at regional, national and international meetings. He currently holds four U.S. patents with others pending.

Away from laboratory and classroom, Prien's downtime includes being the author of some rather unusual songs and poems, usually with a laboratory or reproductive bent. What started years ago with 'Twas the Night Before Ovulation, now includes Thesis Killer, a parody of the '80s hit Thriller. More recently he has turned novelist, completing two works with a third on the way.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Leslie Thompson, chairman and professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at 806-742-2805 ext. 224 or leslie.thompson@ttu.edu

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