Jackie Shane

Background

About Jackie Shane

Jackie Shane is a Pittsburgh native, receiving her bachelor’s degree in biology from Slippery Rock University (2011). She earned her Ph.D. at Duquesne University working under the advisement of Dr. David Lampe (2018). Here she employed a paratransgenic strategy, using transgenic microbiota of the mosquito to express anti-malarial compounds, rendering the vector mosquitoes unable to transmit the disease. She optimized this system by creating blood-meal induced expression of the effector genes, increasing the fitness of the transgenic microbiota and allowing it to compete effectively in the natural microbiome of the mosquito. This research propelled her interest in the human microbiome and the use of the microbiota as tools to prevent or even treat human disease. She joined the Niepa Lab to pursue these ideas while utilizing the engineered microbial tools that have been developed. Most recently she has joined the St. Leger Lab where she is engineering the ocular microbiome to counteract inflammatory damage. These research projects all bring the concept of medical paratransgenic treatment closer to fruition which has become the basis of her career goals. An avid music fan, she participates in many community events to promote local bands and fund non-profit music affiliates. She thoroughly enjoys the outdoors, spending as much time in nature as possible, especially while camping and kayaking. She has traveled throughout Europe with her husband and is very interested in visiting as many places as her budget and schedule will allow.