Biography
- Division:
- Division of Basic and Integrative Biological Sciences – DBIB
- Review Branch:
- Bioengineering, Biodata, and Biomodeling Technologies – BBBT
- Study Section:
- Biomaterials and Biointerfaces – BMBI
Dr. Jennifer Fiori O’Connell received her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine investigating the dysregulation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), a devastating genetic condition in which bone forms in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue, resulting in complete immobilization. She then joined the National Institute on Aging (NIA) as a postdoctoral fellowperforming molecular studies to examine the transactivation, kinase activation, and intracellular trafficking of epidermal growth factor receptor in cancer cells. Prior to coming to CSR, Dr. O’Connell continued her career at NIA, becoming a Senior Staff Scientist in the Diabetes Section, where her research was focused on ways to prevent insulin resistance, increase insulin sensitivity and secretion, and preserve beta-cells, ultimately preventing pre-diabetes from becoming diabetes. She has served as an Associate Investigator on IRB approved human protocols and the Chair of the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) at NIA.
