Renee Martin is a human geneticist who has pioneered research into the causes of chromosomal abnormalities in human sperm. These abnormalities are responsible for infertility, pregnancy loss, and the birth of children with mental and physical handicaps. Dr. Martin has developed sophisticated new techniques to compare sperm chromosomes from healthy men and men with an increased risk of chromosome abnormalities due to factors such as infertility and exposure to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and pesticides. This innovative research program has allowed her to identify some significant causes of chromosome abnormalities in humans and has led to changes in patient counselling.