Jennifer King

Assistant Professor of Biology

As a scientific researcher and scholar Dr. King has found great pleasure in all aspects of discovery she has explored. As a post-baccalaureate at Virginia Tech she aided in the design of baby formula using a piglet model of inflammatory bowel disorder! From there at Meharry Medical College her doctoral research focused on Parkinson’s disease therapy in 2005. Dr. King then combined her immunological and neuroscience background to engage in neuroimmune pharmacology in 2011 at the University of Pennsylvania. Along the way she has taught several classes in Biology and Neuroscience and loves having the ability to combine two of her passions, teaching and science.

Department

Biology

Teaching

  • General Biology Lecture
  • General Biology Lab
  • Neuropharmacology
  • The Brain and Its Mind Lab

Research Interests

  • Neuropharmacology
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Biology

Recent Work

My current research focuses on the immunological effects of antiretroviral therapy on the central nervous system as well as alternative pharmacological approaches to HIV associated neurocognitive disease.

Our lab focuses on molecular mechanisms involved in the role of key brain immune cells in the neuroinflammatory process. We are examining the structural and functional changes of microglial cells caused by inflammation and their indirect effect on neuronal survival in neurodegenerative diseases.

Jennifer King

Related News

Jennifer King
Inclusion and Equity Awards Presented Tuesday, April 26
Assistant Professor of Biology Jennifer King, Assistant Director of Residence Life Michael Thompkins, and Sophie Louis ’24, receives the annual Inclusion and Equity Awards. The presentation took place during the Spring Awards event in the Myrin Library Lounge on Tuesday, April 26. The celebratory event also included the All Campus Awards, Faculty Publication Party, and the annual Beardwood Toast. 
Sophie Louis '24 Wins 2022 Inclusion & Equity Award
Neuroscience Professor & Psychology Major Win Inclusion & Equity Awards
The Division of Inclusion & Community Engagement awarded the 2022 Inclusion & Equity Award to Dr. Jennifer King and Sophie Louis ’24.
Research in Brief: Understanding Neurogenerative Disorders
Medical researchers know relatively little about the brain’s response to inflammation. Prof. Jennifer King studies the inflammatory protein mediators associated with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Play the video to learn more about her research.