Biology
Jennifer King
Assistant Professor of Biology
Our lab focuses on molecular mechanisms involved in the role of key brain immune cells in the neuroinflammatory process. We are examining the structural and functional changes of microglial cells caused by inflammation and their indirect effect on neuronal survival in neurodegenerative diseases.
As a scientific researcher and scholar Dr. King has found great pleasure in all aspects of discovery she has explored. As a post-baccalaureate at Virginia Tech she aided in the design of baby formula using a piglet model of inflammatory bowel disorder! From there at Meharry Medical College her doctoral research focused on Parkinson’s disease therapy in 2005. Dr. King then combined her immunological and neuroscience background to engage in neuroimmune pharmacology in 2011 at the University of Pennsylvania. Along the way she has taught several classes in Biology and Neuroscience and loves having the ability to combine two of her passions, teaching and science.
Department
Teaching
- General Biology Lecture
- General Biology Lab
- Neuropharmacology
- The Brain and Its Mind Lab
Research Interests
- Neuropharmacology
- Neuroimmunology
- Biology
Recent Work
My current research focuses on the immunological effects of antiretroviral therapy on the central nervous system as well as alternative pharmacological approaches to HIV associated neurocognitive disease.