Jordan Kramer
Meet Jordan Kramer, DPhil student in IDRM's Holländer Lab. Jordan studied Biology at Georgetown University in the United States, graduating with first honors in May 2022. Her work in the Holländer Lab focuses on the role of the master transcription factor, FOXN1, in thymic development and regeneration, generously funded by the Clarendon Foundation.
Can you give a brief overview of your career trajectory so far?
I am originally from the United States, where I recently graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Molecular Biology. During my undergraduate career, I worked as a research assistant at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Hospital studying cancer immunotherapies from different perspectives. My research focused on CAR-T cells and checkpoint inhibitor therapies, which sparked my interest in T-cells and my desire to better understand the development of the immune system.
What is your research focus?
My research focuses on the thymus - the organ primarily responsible for the production and maturation of T-cells. The thymus is most active during neonatal and pre-adolescent life, and it atrophies and reduces its T-cell output as we age. The loss of thymic function can cause immunodeficiencies and increased susceptibility to infection, but it is a highly dynamic organ that shrinks and regenerates in response to fluctuations in our environment.
My studies focus on the cellular and molecular pathways that govern normal thymic development, with an emphasis on the role of the master transcription factor, FOXN1, in modulating the involution and regeneration processes. The goal of my research is to identify pathways that can be targeted with molecular therapies to rejuvenate the thymus’s capacity for normal thymopoiesis and boost the body’s ability to respond to infection.
What has been your highlight this past year?
The highlight of my year so far would have to be moving to Oxford. I’ve spent my entire life in the US, and the chance to move somewhere new, especially somewhere as incredible as Oxford, has been a dream come true. I’ve had enormous fun working in the Holländer Lab and attending events at my college.
What do you look forward to most this year?
I’m very excited about furthering my research and developing new skills. The IDRM has excellent core facilities, and the Medical Sciences Division offers many online training classes. I hope to take advantage of these resources and learn as much as possible during my time at Oxford.
What do you do outside of the lab?
Outside of lab, I love running and baking. I recently joined my college choir, and I volunteer with the Helen and Douglas House Children’s Hospice.