Nafisa M. Jadavji, Ph.D. - Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University
Adjunct Research Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University
Link to current CV
Dr. Jadavji is a trained neuroscientist, her lab investigates how the brain changes over the lifespan. More specifically, her lab studies the brain, maternal nutrition contributions to offspring neurodevelopment, neurological diseases (e.g. stroke and vascular dementia), and aging. She completed her PhD at McGill University in Canada in 2012. Afterwards, she moved to Berlin, Germany to complete her postdoctorate research at the Charité Medical University. In 2015, Dr. Jadavji returned to Canada to complete a second postdoctorate at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, where she was also an instructor in the Department of Neuroscience, Learning in Retirement, and Altitude Programs (University of Ottawa).
Dr. Jadavji is an editorial member of the Frontiers in Nutrition and Neuroscience (Associate Editor) and Metabolites (Review Editor) journals. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Journal of Young Investigators (JYI) and Advisory Board for Reproducibility for Everyone (R4E). When Dr. Jadavji is not in the lab, teaching, or writing, she enjoys to cooking and baking gluten free treats. Dr. Jadavji is also an avid traveler, runner, and knitter.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University
Adjunct Research Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University
Link to current CV
Dr. Jadavji is a trained neuroscientist, her lab investigates how the brain changes over the lifespan. More specifically, her lab studies the brain, maternal nutrition contributions to offspring neurodevelopment, neurological diseases (e.g. stroke and vascular dementia), and aging. She completed her PhD at McGill University in Canada in 2012. Afterwards, she moved to Berlin, Germany to complete her postdoctorate research at the Charité Medical University. In 2015, Dr. Jadavji returned to Canada to complete a second postdoctorate at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, where she was also an instructor in the Department of Neuroscience, Learning in Retirement, and Altitude Programs (University of Ottawa).
Dr. Jadavji is an editorial member of the Frontiers in Nutrition and Neuroscience (Associate Editor) and Metabolites (Review Editor) journals. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Journal of Young Investigators (JYI) and Advisory Board for Reproducibility for Everyone (R4E). When Dr. Jadavji is not in the lab, teaching, or writing, she enjoys to cooking and baking gluten free treats. Dr. Jadavji is also an avid traveler, runner, and knitter.
Agnes S. Pascual, M.S. – Senior Research Specialist
Agnes is a skilled biologist, an experienced educator, and researcher before joining Midwestern University in 2008. She taught several major science courses in the Biology Department (St. Paul University, Philippines) while managing the university science laboratories for over 17 years. Agnes received additional microbiological training while working at Food Safety Net Services (Arizona) and handled significant roles for more than three years. She received her degree (B.S. Biology) at St. Paul University and completed coursework (M.S Biology) at De La Salle University (Philippines). She also earned her Master of Science in Biology at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona, (2019) double degree in education. |
Gyllian Yahn, B.A. - Master of Biomedical Sciences Student
Gyllian Yahn is a Masters in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) student. She is originally from Madison, Wisconsin and attended undergrad in Illinois. Gyllian graduated from Augustana college in 2019 with a double major in biology and neuroscience. She plans to attend dental school after receiving my masters at Midwestern University. Her hobbies consist of going to the gym and playing volleyball when she can. Publication: Yahn GB, Abato JE, Jadavji NM (2021) Role of vitamin B12 deficiency in ischemic stroke risk and outcome. Neural Regen Res 16(3):470-474. 
Calli Bennett, B.Sc. - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Calli graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology from the University of Utah. Her past research has largely been in the public health sector, and she is excited to broaden her research in the Jadavji lab! When she is not studying, she enjoys rock climbing, baking, and relaxing with a good book. Publication: Burgess K, Bennett C, Mosnier H, Kwatra N, Bethel B, Jadavji NM (2020) The antioxidant role of one-carbon metabolism on stroke. Antioxidants. 9(11):1141 (IF=5.014) (invited)
Publications:
Kwarta N, Jadavji NM. (2020) How changes in our genes impact outcome after stroke. Atlas of Science. https://atlasofscience.org/how-changes-in-our-genes-impact-outcome-after-stroke/ Burgess K, Bennett C, Mosnier H, Kwatra N, Bethel B, Jadavji NM (2020) The antioxidant role of one-carbon metabolism on stroke. Antioxidants. 9(11):1141 (IF=5.014) (invited) |
Jeannine Leoncio, B.S. - Research Assistant
My name is Jeannine Leoncio and I am originally from northern Virginia. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a BS in Biology and minor in chemistry. As a CPG 2023 candidate, I am excited to broaden my scope and participate in research for the first time. I enjoy watching history documentaries, hiking, traveling and exploring new food destinations. 
Sean North, B.Sc. - Research Assistant
Sean is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended Brigham Young University where he gained research experience studying the biochemical pathogenesis of HIV. In 2017, Sean graduated with a BSc in Microbiology. After graduation, Sean worked as clinic manager of Utah Urology, LLC. Sean enjoys playing with his 3-year-old daughter April and attempting to cook novel recipes. |
McCoy Clementson, B.S. - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
McCoy Clementson is an osteopathic medical student at Midwestern University. He received a bachelor's and a master's degree in physiology at the University of Arizona and Georgetown University, respectively. McCoy's research interests lie in traumatic and ischemic brain injury, nutrition, and cognitive decline. In his free time, McCoy enjoys playing soccer, hiking, and spending time with his family and friends.
McCoy Clementson is an osteopathic medical student at Midwestern University. He received a bachelor's and a master's degree in physiology at the University of Arizona and Georgetown University, respectively. McCoy's research interests lie in traumatic and ischemic brain injury, nutrition, and cognitive decline. In his free time, McCoy enjoys playing soccer, hiking, and spending time with his family and friends.
Jesse Jauhal, B.S. - Master of Biomedical Sciences Student
Jesse is a Masters in Biomedical Sciences student originally from Toronto, Ontario. He attended York University for his undergraduate schooling, where he received a Bachelors of Science majoring in biology with a minor in kinesiology. Jesse plans on attending dental school after completing his masters. In his free time, Jesse enjoys working out, hiking, as well as cooking.
Jesse is a Masters in Biomedical Sciences student originally from Toronto, Ontario. He attended York University for his undergraduate schooling, where he received a Bachelors of Science majoring in biology with a minor in kinesiology. Jesse plans on attending dental school after completing his masters. In his free time, Jesse enjoys working out, hiking, as well as cooking.
Jadavji Lab Alumni
- Kassidy Burgess, BS - College of Veterinary Medicine Fellow
- Forrest Bethel, MSc - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
- Chelsea Adamson, MPH – Research Assistant
- Jamie Abato, BSc - Research Assistant
- Abato JE, Moftah M, Cron GO, Smith PD, Jadavji NM*. (2020) Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency alters cellular response after ischemic stroke in male mice. Nutritional Neuroscience. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2020.1769412.
- Yahn GB, Abato JE, Jadavji NM (2021) Role of vitamin B12 deficiency in ischemic stroke risk and outcome. Neural Regen Res 16(3):470-474.