Jonathan I. Leckenby

Jonathan I. Leckenby is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) and Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He holds joint credentials and is affiliated with the UR Medicine Faculty Group and Accountable Health Partners. His research focuses on peripheral nerve regeneration, facial paralysis reanimation, and vascularized composite allotransplantation. He has been involved in groundbreaking work, including pioneering techniques like free functional platysma transfer for eye closure restoration and using 3D electron microscopy to study nerve regeneration. Dr. Leckenby’s academic journey includes degrees from King's College London and St. George's Hospital Medical School, followed by training in plastic surgery and postdoctoral research at Harvard under Jeff Lichtman.

Education:

• Bachelor's in Basic Medical Science and Advanced Human Anatomy, King's College London
• M.B.B.S., St. George's Hospital Medical School
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience (postdoctoral, Harvard University)

Research Interests: Dr. Leckenby’s lab investigates mechanisms to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration, reduce chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and improve outcomes in facial paralysis surgery. His work integrates advanced imaging (e.g., diffusion MRI for facial nerve pathways) and 3D microscopy to visualize axonal behavior. Key projects include developing standardized outcome measures for facial reanimation and optimizing immunosuppression in transplant patients.

Publications: His 2024 paper on rodent nerve regeneration models highlights advancements in repair techniques. Recent work includes systematic reviews on VCA complications and novel surgical techniques for facial paralysis. His research often bridges clinical practice and laboratory science, aiming to translate findings into patient care.

Awards: Recipient of the CMSR Discovery Award (2021), W.G. Stuber Fellowship (2020), and the Wissenschaftpreis (2016). His contributions span international collaborations, including work in Switzerland and the U.S.

Grants & Advising: Secured a Department of Defense grant for lymphatic system research in transplantation. Advised over a dozen students/postdocs, including Miranda Chacon and Scott Echternacht. His lab collaborates widely, focusing on translational medicine.

Labs/Teams: Lead of the Leckenby Lab, which combines clinical innovation with basic science. Projects include developing an automated facial symmetry index (AFSI) and studying murine models for neuropathy prevention.