Dr. Nel-Themaat has been in the field of assisted reproduction for more than 25 years, with the past 15 years in clinical IVF. She possesses a unique combination of a strong academic background, broad technical experience and extensive leadership and management training. Through a multi- dimensional approach, she has helped to improve patient care and outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in multiple programs. Liesl Nel-Themaat has worked in all models of IVF practices, including small private, large corporate networks, hospital based and university based program, so have a unique understanding of the nuances of working in these various settings in onsite and off-site capacities.  She has also been involved in corporate acquisitions and practice design and build. Dr. Nel-Themaat is currently the IVF Lab Director and a Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford University’s Fertility and Reproductive Health program. Previously she was employed as the Regional IVF Lab Director for Shady Grove Fertility in Colorado and served as the IVF Lab Director at University of Colorado Advanced Reproductive Medicine. She received her PhD from LSU, Baton Rouge and recently completed an Executive Masters of Business Administration program at the University of Denver. Liesl recently acquired the California Laboratory Director License by successfully completing the state administered oral examination. Her goal is to advance the field “by building strong, high performing lab teams, by carefully evaluating and adapting appropriately to industry trends, by training and educating the current and next generations, and by participating in collaborative research that enhances our understanding of reproduction.” In her free time, Dr. Nel-Themaat loves to spend time with her husband and two children, preferably in nature. With them, she enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, swimming, playing volleyball and anything nature has to offer. She considers herself very competitive and loves playing and watching sports.