Jackson Stewart
Charles Town,USA
Summary
Analytical and detail-oriented scientist with a successful record in designing and executing research projects studying the molecular basis of disease, specifically in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Combines broad didactic knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology principles with rigorous hands-on laboratory investigation to solve research problems. Capable of acquiring and applying new knowledge and skills quickly to meet the demands of a fast-paced work environment.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
08.2021 - 05.2026
- As a graduate research assistant, my responsibilities are independently to design and perform experiments that develop my novel dissertation project and contribute to the scientific field around our lab’s particular interests. My duties include management of laboratory resources, maintenance of equipment, experimental design and troubleshooting, data processing and statistical analysis, manuscript and grant writing, public presentation of findings, animal husbandry, and training of new students to work in the lab.
Lifeguarding Instructor & FLEX Manager
Shepherd University Wellness Center
Shepherdstown, WV
01.2019 - 01.2023
- FLEX Manager: Acted as a primary customer service representative, acted as cashier at the Wellness Center, and performed facility safety checks including measurement and recording of pool chemistry.
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor: Trained students in the required skills necessary to become an American Red Cross Lifeguard including CPR, emergency first aid, aquatic rescues, and surveillance methods.
Education
PhD - Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation & Performance
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV05.2021
Skills
- Research & Analysis: Critical thinking and experimental design, application of scientific rigor and ethics, quantitative & qualitative analysis, data interpretation, literature review and application, and statistical analysis Holistic analysis of complex systems (eg, mitochondrial dysfunction within cardiac physiology) Skilled in identifying key gaps in scientific literature and designing novel experiments to close those gaps, as well as identifying novel points for future therapeutic intervention
- Molecular Biology Expertise and Technical Lab Skills: Detailed knowledge of biochemical and metabolic pathways, including the regulatory role of post-translational modifications in cell function and general cell biology Proficient in molecular biology techniques including tissue and cell sample preparation, Western blot, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and enzymatic activity assays Experienced in animal colony maintenance and animal model development
- Project Management: Organized and coordinated with multiple research groups when planning experimental procedures to ensure efficient sample use and lack of redundancy, maximizing positive outcomes and minimizing waste (animal organ harvest, tissue isolation, and sample preparation for multiple experiments)
- Problem-Solving: Adept at troubleshooting experimental processes, developing novel approaches to overcome research challenges, and validating findings with appropriate controls to ensure scientific rigor
- Scientific Documentation & Communication: Skilled in presenting complex technical information clearly through institutional seminars, national conference presentations, and published manuscripts Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications High attention to detail in all laboratory records and documentation
- Clinical Research Management: 2-month student volunteer in the Center for Clinical Innovation within the Heart & Vascular Institute at Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown, WV) Contributed to the initiation and management of ongoing clinical trials including site initiation visits, patient recruitment, follow-up administration, and data de-identification and reporting Completed WVU HIPAA Training and Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training courses in Human Subject Research and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Accomplishments
- Stephen E. Alway Outstanding Doctor of Philosophy Award, West Virginia University Exercise Physiology Department (2026)
- PhD Student Advisory Board Member, West Virginia University Biomedical Sciences PhD program (2022-2024)
- Travel Award Recipient, Society for Redox Biology and Medicine Conference (2024)
- Presenter, American Heart Association Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Conference (2023)
- McMurran Scholar, Shepherd University (2021)
- West Virginia Promise Scholar (2018-2021)
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America (2018)
Publications
- Stewart JE, Islam R, Meadows E, Mogus J, Hollander J, Velayutham M, Khramtsov V, Scott I, Hollander J, Thapa D. GCN5L1-mediated lysine acetylation regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox homeostasis in the aged heart. MDPI Antioxidants. 2026 Apr 12. doi: 10.3390/antiox15040481.
- Islam R, Stewart JE, Mullen WE, Lin D, Hussain S, Thapa D. Inhalation of Ultrafine Carbon Black-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mouse Heart Through Changes in Acetylation. Cells. 2025 Nov 4. doi: 10.3390/cells14211728.
- Mullen WE*, Stewart JE*, Islam R, Hussain S, Thapa D. Acute inhalation exposure to ultrafine carbon black alters mitochondrial substrate utilization in the heart. Environ Toxicol. 2025 Oct 31. doi: 10.1002/tox.24582. (*Co-first author)
- Eminhizer NN, Lin D, Hanshew A, Stewart JE, Ball S, Lilly C, Prabhu SS, Karelina K, Kelley EE, Bryner RW, Thapa D, Chantler PD. Sex-dependent effects of a high-fat diet-induced obesity model on cerebrovascular health and brain metabolism. Exp Physiol. 2025 Oct 3. doi: 10.1113/EP093187.
- Stewart JE, Crawford JM, Mullen WE, Jacques AA, Stoner MW, Scott I, Thapa D. Cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of GCN5L1 reduces lysine acetylation and attenuates diastolic dysfunction in aged mice by improving cardiac fatty acid oxidation. Biochem J. 2024 Mar 11;481(6):423-436. doi: 10.1042/BCJ20230421.
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
West Virginia University
08.2021 - 05.2026
Lifeguarding Instructor & FLEX Manager
Shepherd University Wellness Center
01.2019 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Shepherd University
PhD - Pathophysiology, Rehabilitation & Performance
West Virginia University