Dr. Nongnuj Tanphaichitr is currently a Senior Scientist Emeritus, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and a Professor Emeritus, Dept Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Ottawa. Her research is focused on molecular mechanisms of mammalian male reproduction and fertilization, with the goal of developing non-hormonal contraceptives and the treatment of male infertility. She has described the use of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides, with known microbicidal activities, as spermicides and is developing its vaginal delivery system. This success will give women empowerment to protect themselves against unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. She has also unraveled the roles and metabolism process of male germ cell-specific sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG, aka seminolipid). SGG has an affinity for the egg zona pellucida (ZP) and is integral in the formation of sperm lipid rafts, the platforms for sperm-ZP binding, the initial step in fertilization. The balance between the existence and breakdown of SGG in male germ cells is also important in spermatogenesis. Arysulfatase A (ARSA), present in Sertoli cells, is involved in the initial step of SGG catabolism. Without ARSA activity, SGG from apoptotic germ cells are accumulated in Sertoli cells, leading to their dysfunction and, consequently, spermatogenesis disruption. Dr. Tanphaichitr has collaborators across the world and has trained a number of Canadian and international postdocs and students.