ASRM President-Elect Dr. Amy Sparks Receives Michigan State University Outstanding Alumni Award
March 2, 2026
Washington, DC—The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) proudly announces that President-Elect Dr. Amy Sparks, Ph.D., has received the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award from the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).
The CANR Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes individuals who have achieved extraordinary professional distinction while exemplifying the highest standards of integrity and character.
“Dr. Sparks represents the very best of reproductive medicine,” said Jared Robins, MD, CEO of ASRM. “She is an extraordinary scientist, an innovative clinical leader, and a steadfast advocate for patients. Her work has helped shape modern assisted reproductive technology and has made parenthood possible for countless families. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the vision and leadership she brings to ASRM.”
Dr. Sparks is widely recognized as a pioneer in assisted reproductive technology. For more than 30 years she has served as the Director of the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Andrology Laboratories at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She also made history as the first female Ph.D. elected president of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and previously served as president of the Society for Reproductive Biologists and Technologists (SRBT).
Among her many contributions to the field, Dr. Sparks helped advance the practice of single embryo transfer, a breakthrough that significantly reduces the risk of multiple births associated with IVF. She played a central role in developing the University of Iowa’s single embryo transfer policy—improving pregnancy rates while prioritizing safer outcomes for patients.
As she prepares to assume the ASRM presidency, this recognition underscores her decades-long commitment to scientific excellence, ethical practice, and improving care for patients building their families.
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
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