Jean Etersque

Background

About Jean Etersque

PhD, University of Pennsylvania in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics NIH/NCI F31 Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award Fellow 2022 - 2024 I completed my PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics graduate group at Penn in April 2024. My work in the Sellmyer lab employed a variety of chemical biology and biochemistry techniques to develop molecular tools to image and regulate biological targets for therapeutic applications. Scientific Training: My foundational training in research started at a primary undergraduate institution, Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), in northern New Jersey where I studied both Chemistry and Physical Science Education. At FDU I was trained in organometallic synthesis by Dr. E.J. Salaski where I made DNA-base analogs with anti-metabolite properties. I furthered my research skills as a post-bac researcher in the Post-bac Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD. There, I worked within the National Institute of Mental Health under Dr. V.W. Pike, in the Molecular Imaging Branch. My project combined organic chemistry with fluorine-18 radiosynthesis to create drug precursors for in vivo imaging of neuropsychopathic disorders. At the NIH I strengthened my knowledge of organic synthesis, GMP synthesis, radiochemistry and medicinal chemistry. After the completion of my post-bac, I joined the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (BMB) graduate group at the University of Pennsylvania in the lab of M.A. Sellmyer. At Penn, I work on a variety of projects which I employ chemical synthesis, radiosynthesis, cell engineering, computational protein engineering, mutagenesis, protein purification, immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, flow cytometry and more. Future Goals: My aim is to pursue a career in academic science research. Through post-doc training my goal is to learn techniques to probe biochemical mechanisms of oncogenesis and metastasis. In the future, I aim use my background in molecular imaging and protein engineering to create diagnostic tools to characterize cancer progression and infectious disease in patients