Keywords:

Neuroimmunology, Type II Immunity, nociception, neurons, immunofluorescence, ELISA , mucosal immunity, helminths, parasites, sensory neurons, neuropeptides, neurogenic inflammation, ILC2, mouse immunology, behavior 

E. Evonne Jean (they/them/theirs)

PhD Graduate Student, University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

Evonne is a 2nd year PhD student in the Immunology Graduate Group (IGG) at UPenn Perelman School of Medicine. Co-mentored by De’Broski Herbert and Ishmail Abdus-Saboor, Evonne’s project is focused on the underlying inset and resolution of neuronally motivated inflammation at vulnerable barrier sites such as the skin and mucosal surfaces. Evonne uses a combination of common immuno-based techniques as well as novel behavior analysis tests developed in the Saboor lab to understand how nociceptive sensory neurons are involved in inflammatory responses in mice.

Evonne completed their undergraduate degree at the illustrious Hampton University where they majored in cellular and molecular biology. While a student at HU, Evonne completed 3 extramuel internships at Brandeis University, University of Virginia and finally University of Pennsylvania where they later decided to continue their studies. At Hampton University Evonne joined the lab of John Mably as a part-time undergraduate researcher where they studied abnormalities in cardiovascular development in zebrafish using genetic-based probing techniques. Evonne made the switch to immunology after their 2nd internship where they studied central nervous system lymphatics in the lab of Jonathan Kipnis as UVA. 

In addition to research Evonne is committed to outreach, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Following this passion they joined a number of minority serving student led organizations on/ off campus including (but not limited to) EE Just, SACNAS, the UPenn IGG student association (IGA), and Project Short. As a member and leader in these groups Evonne has been able to participate in/ hold a number of outreach events and programs in order to engage the Penn and greater Philadelphia community in their short time they’ve been a student at Penn.