Jessica Blackburn

Jessica Blackburn, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky. She holds dual appointments as Member of the Markey Cancer Center/Cancer Research Priority Initiative and Member of the Molecular and Cellular Oncology Research Program.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy, Dartmouth College (2009)
• Bachelor of Science, Centre College (2001)

Dr. Blackburn's research program focuses on identifying therapeutic targets for pediatric cancers using zebrafish models, leveraging their 70% genetic homology with humans. Her laboratory employs transgenic and transplantation approaches to study oncogenic drivers in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and pediatric brain tumors, conducting high-throughput in vivo drug screens to investigate therapy resistance mechanisms. The scalability of zebrafish models enables statistically robust studies using hundreds to thousands of specimens.

Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal concentrated efforts in mitochondrial targeting for leukemia treatment, magnesium transport networks in disease, arsenic carcinogenesis epigenetics, and advanced phosphatase imaging techniques. A unifying theme across her work is the application of zebrafish systems to model pediatric cancer progression and therapeutic response.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2017)
• V Scholar Grant (2016)
• Career Transition Award (K99/R00) (2014)
• MERIT Award (R37) (2019)
• Young Investigator Grants (2013)

Dr. Blackburn actively mentors trainees including Mariam Yaacoub (studying p53-mediated immune regulation in pediatric glioma), Colin Williams (discovering DIPG radiosensitizers), and Oza (harnessing extracellular vesicles for radiation resistance). Her $2.3M+ active portfolio includes NCI-funded projects targeting mitochondrial function in leukemia stem cells, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation initiatives on pediatric brain tumors, and St. Baldrick's Foundation fellowships for DIPG research.

She leads a specialized zebrafish cancer modeling team within the Markey Cancer Center, collaborating extensively with the Molecular and Cellular Oncology Research Program. Her work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through pediatric cancer therapeutic development.