Jessica Rickard

Dr Jessica Rickard is a researcher at The University of Sydney, affiliated with the BIO department. Her research interests include animal reproduction and breeding, medical biochemistry, animal structure and function, and behavioural ecology. She has worked on various projects related to applied artificial reproductive technologies in sheep, such as the commercialisation of sexed ram semen and the use of on-animal sensors to assess ram mating behaviour. Dr Rickard is currently the McCaughey Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney and is leading a research program investigating factors affecting the success of artificial insemination within the Australian sheep industry. She is also continuing the work of her PhD, which focused on the role of ram seminal plasma.

Jessica Rickard McCaughey is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, focusing on the proteomic analysis of seminal plasma and its impact on sperm function and fertility. Her research explores how seminal plasma proteins influence sperm survival, motility, and DNA integrity during cryopreservation and liquid storage. She investigates the role of seminal plasma in aiding sperm transit through the female reproductive tract and its potential as a marker for fertility. Her work also examines the effects of exogenous melatonin on sperm quality and testicular function in rams, as well as factors affecting the success of artificial insemination in livestock. McCaughey's studies contribute to understanding reproductive biology and improving reproductive technologies in domestic animals.