Nafisa M. Jadavji, Ph.D. - Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University
Adjunct Research Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University
Assistant Research Professor, Department of Child Health, College of Medicine – Phoenix, University of Arizona
Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Nafisa M. Jadavji is a Neuroscientist. She is an Assistant Professor at Midwestern University, Research Professor at the University of Arizona, and Carleton University. In 2012, she completed her doctoral training at McGill University in Montréal, Canada. Her laboratory investigates how the brain responds to different biological processes throughout 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.
Dr. Jadavji is an Editorial member for Scientific Reports (Editor), Frontiers in Nutrition and Neuroscience (Associate Editor), Bioprotocols (Associate Editor), Metabolites (Review Editor) journals. She is the Finance and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Journal of Young Investigators (JYI) and Chair of the Advisory Board for Reproducibility for Everyone (R4E). Dr. Jadavji is also the Vice President of the Graduate Women in Science and the Events Chair for the Association for Nutrition Early Career Research Group.
Dr. Jadavji has supervised and mentored over 50 undergraduate, graduate, and postdocs so far during her scientific career.
When she is not in the laboratory, teaching, or writing, Dr. Jadavji enjoys to cooking and baking gluten free treats. She is also an avid traveler, runner, and knitter.
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University
Adjunct Research Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University
Assistant Research Professor, Department of Child Health, College of Medicine – Phoenix, University of Arizona
Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Nafisa M. Jadavji is a Neuroscientist. She is an Assistant Professor at Midwestern University, Research Professor at the University of Arizona, and Carleton University. In 2012, she completed her doctoral training at McGill University in Montréal, Canada. Her laboratory investigates how the brain responds to different biological processes throughout 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.
Dr. Jadavji is an Editorial member for Scientific Reports (Editor), Frontiers in Nutrition and Neuroscience (Associate Editor), Bioprotocols (Associate Editor), Metabolites (Review Editor) journals. She is the Finance and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Journal of Young Investigators (JYI) and Chair of the Advisory Board for Reproducibility for Everyone (R4E). Dr. Jadavji is also the Vice President of the Graduate Women in Science and the Events Chair for the Association for Nutrition Early Career Research Group.
Dr. Jadavji has supervised and mentored over 50 undergraduate, graduate, and postdocs so far during her scientific career.
When she is not in the laboratory, teaching, or writing, Dr. Jadavji enjoys to cooking and baking gluten free treats. She is also an avid traveler, runner, and knitter.
Kasey Pull, B.A. – Research Specialist
Kasey graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. While majoring in Classics and Biology, Kasey served as a research assistant in the neuroscience department, as well as a teaching assistant for cell and molecular biology courses. In Phoenix, Kasey has served in a variety of roles, from an elementary school Latin teacher to a molecular technologist for Sonora Quest and Laboratory Sciences of Arizona. They are excited to be back at the lab bench as a member of the Jadavji lab staff. In their free time, Kasey enjoys reading, swing dancing, participating in local choral music ensembles, and pursuing LGBTQIA+ and mental health advocacy efforts.
Publications:
Kasey graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. While majoring in Classics and Biology, Kasey served as a research assistant in the neuroscience department, as well as a teaching assistant for cell and molecular biology courses. In Phoenix, Kasey has served in a variety of roles, from an elementary school Latin teacher to a molecular technologist for Sonora Quest and Laboratory Sciences of Arizona. They are excited to be back at the lab bench as a member of the Jadavji lab staff. In their free time, Kasey enjoys reading, swing dancing, participating in local choral music ensembles, and pursuing LGBTQIA+ and mental health advocacy efforts.
Publications:
- Hurley L, Pull K, Jadavji NM (2022) Immunotherapies for Ischemic Stroke. Immunotherapy: Cancer and Beyond. Editors: Deshmukh and Lamichhane. (invited).
- Pull K, Folk R, Kang J, Jackson S, Gusek B, Esfandiarei M, Jadavji NM. Maternal dietary choline deficiencies during pregnancy and lactation reduce cerebral blood flow in 3-month-old female mice offspring following ischemic stroke to the sensorimotor cortex. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.23.505040v1
- Clementson M, Hurley L, Coonrod S, Bennett C, Marella P, Pascual AS, Pull K, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Malysheva O, Caudill M, Jadavji NM (2022) Maternal dietary deficiencies in folates or choline during pregnancy and lactation worsen stroke outcome in 3-month-old male and female mouse offspring. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.28.509960v1
Sharadyn Ille, B.S. – Doctor of Dental Medicine Student
Sharadyn is a Dental Student at Midwestern University, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. She received a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Biology at The Ohio State University. During her time there, she worked as a research assistant at the Leukemia Tissue Bank, cryopreserving samples of leukocytes from cancer patients. She is excited to become a member of the Jadavji lab and take on a new area of research! During her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends.
Sharadyn is a Dental Student at Midwestern University, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. She received a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Biology at The Ohio State University. During her time there, she worked as a research assistant at the Leukemia Tissue Bank, cryopreserving samples of leukocytes from cancer patients. She is excited to become a member of the Jadavji lab and take on a new area of research! During her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends.
Himmat Dhillon, B.Sc. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
My name is Himmat Dhillon, and I am a second-year medical student at Midwestern University. I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and attended The University of Western Ontario where I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, weightlifting, cooking, and playing ice hockey. With previous clinical research experiences, I am very excited to apply this knowledge and study new fields of research as a member of the Jadavji lab!
My name is Himmat Dhillon, and I am a second-year medical student at Midwestern University. I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and attended The University of Western Ontario where I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, weightlifting, cooking, and playing ice hockey. With previous clinical research experiences, I am very excited to apply this knowledge and study new fields of research as a member of the Jadavji lab!
Sanika Joshi, MBS – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Sanika is a medical student at Midwestern University interested in the field of neurology, public health, and nutrition. She was raised in California and attended the University of California, Irvine where she graduated with honors in Public Health Science. While pursuing her undergraduate education, Sanika worked on numerous research projects such as studying the behavior of microbial communities in a Cystic Fibrosis lung model, understanding variation in pain sensitivity in different cultures, and even conducting an epidemiological study to determine how climate change affects various populations across California. She has a passion for learning and enjoys running long-distance, baking, reading books, and going on long hikes in her free time. She is excited to understand how nutrition plays a key role in affecting brain health as a part of the Jadavji lab! |
Faizan Anwar, BS – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
I am First Year Osteopathic Medicine student. I earned his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. I was previously involved in research that investigated cortical morphometric changes in patients with schizophrenia. With my interest in neuroscience and psychiatry, I was also researching molecular changes in the amygdala, hippocampus and cortex that are involved in post-traumatic stress disorder in murine models of acute respiratory distress syndrome. In my free time, I enjoy the company of my friends and family
I am First Year Osteopathic Medicine student. I earned his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. I was previously involved in research that investigated cortical morphometric changes in patients with schizophrenia. With my interest in neuroscience and psychiatry, I was also researching molecular changes in the amygdala, hippocampus and cortex that are involved in post-traumatic stress disorder in murine models of acute respiratory distress syndrome. In my free time, I enjoy the company of my friends and family
Mary-Tyler Mosley - Undergraduate Student
Mary-Tyler is an undergraduate student at Stanford University where she studies Human Biology with an emphasis on Brain and Behavior. Previously, she has participated in research centered on genetic mutations in neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease. And now, Mary-Tyler is very excited to work with the Jadavji Lab and explore a new area of neurobiology! Though when not actively tackling academic pursuits, she also enjoys participating in performance arts such as theatre, dance, and music.
Mary-Tyler is an undergraduate student at Stanford University where she studies Human Biology with an emphasis on Brain and Behavior. Previously, she has participated in research centered on genetic mutations in neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease. And now, Mary-Tyler is very excited to work with the Jadavji Lab and explore a new area of neurobiology! Though when not actively tackling academic pursuits, she also enjoys participating in performance arts such as theatre, dance, and music.
Alice Yaldiko, BS – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
Alice Yaldiko is a medical student at Midwestern University. For her undergraduate education, she attended the University of California, San Diego where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. During her time there, she worked on a research project focusing on the molecular mechanisms by which the circadian clock controls critical biological processes such as the immune responses. In her spare time, Alice enjoys hiking, running, and spending quality time with family and friends. 
Siddarth (Sidd) Gunnala, BS - Master's of Biomedical Science Student
Siddarth is a student in the Masters of Biomedical Sciences at Midwestern University. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, he attended the University of Arizona where he obtained a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. During his undergraduate career, Siddarth involved himself in research that explored Model-Based Reasoning and its application in a collegiate education setting. He enjoys weight-lifting, football, gardening, and traveling during his spare time. He is excited to join the Jadavji lab and develop a deeper understanding in the field of neurology! |
Jadavji Lab Alumni
1. Yahn GB, Leoncio J, Jadavji NM The role of dietary supplementation of one-carbon metabolism on stroke
outcome. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care: doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000743 (invited)
1. 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 (invited)
1. 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 (invited)
1. Al Rubaye H, Adamson C, Jadavji NM (2020) The role of maternal diet on offspring gut microbiota
development. Journal of Neuroscience Research. PMID: 32112450
- Lauren Hurley, B.Sc.- Research Assistant
- Hurley L, Pull K, Jadavji NM (2022) Immunotherapies for Ischemic Stroke. Immunotherapy: Cancer and Beyond. Editors: Deshmukh and Lamichhane. (invited).
- Clementson M, Hurley L, Coonrod S, Bennett C, Marella P, Pascual AS, Pull K, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Malysheva O, Caudill M, Jadavji NM (2022) Maternal dietary deficiencies in folates or choline during pregnancy and lactation worsen stroke outcome in 3-month-old male and female mouse offspring. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.28.509960v1
- Purvaja Marella, B.S. - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student (KAS Fellow)
- Marella P, Yahn GB, Kang J, Jadavji NM. (2022) The impact of homocysteine on ischemic stroke and dementia: an updated review of clinical studies and mechanisms in Advances in Health and Disease. Nova Science Publishers Inc.
- Clementson M, Hurley L, Coonrod S, Bennett C, Marella P, Pascual AS, Pull K, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Malysheva O, Caudill M, Jadavji NM (2022) Maternal dietary deficiencies in folates or choline during pregnancy and lactation worsen stroke outcome in 3-month-old male and female mouse offspring. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.28.509960v1
- Gyllian Yahn, MBS - Master of Biomedical Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine Student
- 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.
- Yahn GB, Leoncio J, Jadavji NM (2021) The role of dietary supplementation of one-carbon metabolism on stroke outcome. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care: doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000743 (invited)
- Yahn GB, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Malysheva O, Caudill MA, Jadavji NM. (2021) A dietary vitamin B12 deficiency impairs motor function and changes neuronal survival and choline metabolism after ischemic stroke to the sensorimotor cortex in middle aged male and female mice. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.17.456684v3
- Marella P, Yahn GB, Kang J, Jadavji NM. (2022) The impact of homocysteine on ischemic stroke and dementia: an updated review of clinical studies and mechanisms in Advances in Health and Disease. Nova Science Publishers Inc.
- Sapna Viridi, MBS - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
- Virdi S, Jadavji NM* The impact of maternal folates on brain development and function after birth. Metabolites 12(9): 876
- Jesse Jauhal, B.S. - Master of Biomedical Sciences Student
- Clementson M, Jauhal J, Jadavji NM* Dietary B-vitamins deficiencies and maternal over supplementation on neurodevelopment: an updated narrative. Vitamins and Minerals in Neurological Disorders. Editor: Colin Martin, Vinood Patel, and Victor Preedy. Elsevier. (invited).
- Jeemin Kang, MA - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
- Marella P, Yahn GB, Kang J, Jadavji NM. The impact of homocysteine on ischemic stroke and dementia: an updated review of clinical studies and mechanisms in Advances in Health and Disease. Nova Science Publishers Inc.
- Pull K, Folk R, Kang J, Jackson S, Gusek B, Esfandiarei M, Jadavji NM. Maternal dietary choline deficiencies during pregnancy and lactation reduce cerebral blood flow in 3-month-old female mice offspring following ischemic stroke to the sensorimotor cortex. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.23.505040v1
- Sarah Coonrod, BSc. - College Veterinary Medicine Fellow
- Clementson M, Hurley L, Coonrod S, Bennett C, Marella P, Pascual AS, Pull K, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Malysheva O, Caudill M, Jadavji NM (2022) Maternal dietary deficiencies in folates or choline during pregnancy and lactation worsen stroke outcome in 3-month-old male and female mouse offspring. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.28.509960v1
- Agnes S. Pascual, M.S. – Senior Research Specialist
- Poole J, Jasbi J, Pascual AS, North S, Kwatra N, Weissig V, Gu H, Bottiglieri T, Jadavji NM. (2022) Ischemic stroke and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency in old-aged females impaired motor function, increased ischemic damage size, and changed metabolite profiles in brain and cecum tissue. Nutrients, 14(14), 2960; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142960
- PREPRINT: Poole J, Jasbi J, Pascual AS, North S, Kwatra N, Weissig V, Gu H, Bottiglieri T, Jadavji NM. Ischemic stroke and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency in old-aged females impaired motor function, increased ischemic damage size, and changed metabolite profiles in brain and cecum tissue. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.04.487028v2
- Clementson M, Hurley L, Coonrod S, Bennett C, Marella P, Pascual AS, Pull K, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Malysheva O, Caudill M, Jadavji NM (2022) Maternal dietary deficiencies in folates or choline during pregnancy and lactation worsen stroke outcome in 3-month-old male and female mouse offspring. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.28.509960v1
- McCoy Clementson, B.S. - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student
(KAS Fellow)
- Clementson M, Jauhal J, Jadavji NM* Dietary B-vitamins deficiencies and maternal over supplementation on neurodevelopment: an updated narrative. Vitamins and Minerals in Neurological Disorders. Editor: Colin Martin, Vinood Patel, and Victor Preedy. Elsevier. (invited).
- Clementson M, Hurley L, Coonrod S, Bennett C, Marella P, Pascual AS, Pull K, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Malysheva O, Caudill M, Jadavji NM (2022) Maternal dietary deficiencies in folates or choline during pregnancy and lactation worsen stroke outcome in 3-month-old male and female mouse offspring. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.28.509960v1
- Joshua Poole, B.S. - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student (KAS Fellow)
- Poole J, Jasbi J, Pascual AS, North S, Kwatra N, Weissig V, Gu H, Bottiglieri T, Jadavji NM. (2022) Ischemic stroke and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency in old-aged females impaired motor function, increased ischemic damage size, and changed metabolite profiles in brain and cecum tissue. Nutrients, 14(14), 2960; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142960
- PREPRINT: Poole J, Jasbi J, Pascual AS, North S, Kwatra N, Weissig V, Gu H, Bottiglieri T, Jadavji NM. Ischemic stroke and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency in old-aged females impaired motor function, increased ischemic damage size, and changed metabolite profiles in brain and cecum tissue. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.04.487028v2
- Shaley Jackson, B.Sc. - Research Assistant
- Pull K, Folk R, Kang J, Jackson S, Gusek B, Esfandiarei M, Jadavji NM. Maternal dietary choline deficiencies during pregnancy and lactation reduce cerebral blood flow in 3-month-old female mice offspring following ischemic stroke to the sensorimotor cortex. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.23.505040v1
- Sean North, B.Sc. - Research Assistant
- Poole J, Jasbi J, Pascual AS, North S, Kwatra N, Weissig V, Gu H, Bottiglieri T, Jadavji NM. (2022) Ischemic stroke and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency in old-aged females impaired motor function, increased ischemic damage size, and changed metabolite profiles in brain and cecum tissue. Nutrients, 14(14), 2960; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142960
- PREPRINT: Poole J, Jasbi J, Pascual AS, North S, Kwatra N, Weissig V, Gu H, Bottiglieri T, Jadavji NM. Ischemic stroke and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency in old-aged females impaired motor function, increased ischemic damage size, and changed metabolite profiles in brain and cecum tissue. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.04.487028v2
- Neha Kwatra, B.Sc. - Research Assistant
- 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)
- Bennett C, Green J, Ciancio M, Goral J, Pitstick L, Pytynia M, Meyer A, Kwatra N, Jadavji NM*. (2021) Dietary folic acid deficiency impacts hippocampal morphology and cortical acetylcholine metabolism in adult male and female mice. Nutritional Neuroscience: In Press (IF = 4.281)
- Poole J, Jasbi J, Pascual AS, North S, Kwatra N, Weissig V, Gu H, Bottiglieri T, Jadavji NM. Ischemic stroke and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency in old-aged females impaired motor function, increased ischemic damage size, and changed metabolite profiles in brain and cecum tissue. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.04.487028v2
- Poole J, Jasbi J, Pascual AS, North S, Kwarta N, Weissig V, Gu H, Bottiglieri T, Jadavji NM. (2022) Ischemic stroke and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency in old-aged females impaired motor function, increased ischemic damage size, and changed metabolite profiles in brain and cecum tissue. Nutrients, 14(14), 2960; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142960
- Jeannine Leoncio, B.S. - Research Assistant
1. Yahn GB, Leoncio J, Jadavji NM The role of dietary supplementation of one-carbon metabolism on stroke
outcome. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care: doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000743 (invited)
- Calli Bennett, B.Sc. - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student (KAS Fellow)
- Publications
- 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 (invited)
- Bennett C, Green J, Ciancio M, Goral J, Pitstick L, Pytynia M, Meyer A, Kwatra N, Jadavji NM*. (2021) Dietaryfolic acid deficiency impacts hippocampal morphology and cortical acetylcholine metabolism in adult male and female mice. Nutritional Neuroscience: In Press (IF = 4.281)
- Clementson M, Hurley L, Coonrod S, Bennett C, Marella P, Pascual AS, Pull K, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Malysheva O, Caudill M, Jadavji NM (2022) Maternal dietary deficiencies in folates or choline during pregnancy and lactation worsen stroke outcome in 3-month-old male and female mouse offspring. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.09.28.509960v1
- Kassidy Burgess, BS - College of Veterinary Medicine Fellow
1. 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 (invited)
- Forrest Bethel, MSc - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Student (KAS Fellow)
1. 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 (invited)
- Chelsea Adamson, MPH – Research Assistant
1. Al Rubaye H, Adamson C, Jadavji NM (2020) The role of maternal diet on offspring gut microbiota
development. Journal of Neuroscience Research. PMID: 32112450
- 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.