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Jess Bills
Lexington,KY
Summary
Expert in retinal biology and regenerative medicine with a strong background in experimental design and scientific communication. Experienced in leading collaborative projects, securing research funding, and developing advanced methodologies in microscopy and tissue analysis.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Education
Ph.D. - Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
01-2024
- Dissertation: All eyes on the spiny mouse: an investigation into Acomys dimidiatus as a model for retinal biology and regeneration
- Advisor: Dr. Ann C. Morris
M.S. - Biology/Biotechnology
01-2015
B.S. - Biology
01-2010
Work History
Postdoctoral Scholar
University of Kentucky
Lexington, USA
01.2024 - Current
- Design and execute experiments focused on retinal repair, neurobiology, and regenerative signaling pathways
- Investigated retinal injury response and regenerative mechanisms in spiny mouse models to advance understanding of retinal repair
- Analyzed and communicated findings through manuscripts and presentations, contributing to collaborative research initiatives in neurobiology
- Department of Biology
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Kentucky
Lexington, USA
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Developed retinal cell atlases to characterize regenerative responses post-retinal injury, contributing to foundational knowledge in regenerative medicine
- Conducted independent research on retinal regeneration and neurobiology, advancing understanding of spiny mouse models
- Utilized histology, immunofluorescence imaging, and microscopy to conduct quantitative analysis, enhancing data reliability and research outcomes
- Authored peer-reviewed publications and presented research at national scientific conferences
- Secured competitive research funding through fellowships and pilot grants
- Department of Biology
Research Technician Senior
University of Kentucky
Lexington, USA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed daily laboratory operations for vertebrate retinal development and regeneration studies, ensuring experimental integrity
- Coordinated animal care, experimental workflows, and reagent preparation to maintain laboratory organization and support research goals
- Supported collaborative projects in retinal imaging and tissue analysis using molecular biology techniques to advance research findings
- Department of Biology
Primary Research Scientist
DermaGenesis LLC
Pompano Beach, USA
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Developed advanced wound healing technologies and tissue-engineering applications, enhancing treatment options
- Conducted regenerative medicine and wound healing research focused on extracellular matrix and collagen-based biomaterials
- Supported patent development and translational product innovation, facilitating commercialization of research outcomes
Research Study Coordinator
UT Southwestern Medical Center
, USA
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Managed research protocols, data collection, and regulatory documentation while ensuring effective laboratory coordination
- Coordinated translational research studies in wound healing and reconstructive surgery to advance clinical applications
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary clinical and research teams to enhance outcomes in improvement studies
Research Technician II
UTSW Medical Center
Dallas, Texas
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Investigated estrogen signaling's role in metabolic homeostasis and adipose biology, contributing to foundational knowledge in metabolism research.
- Executed molecular biology techniques, advancing metabolism research objectives and supporting experimental integrity.
- Conducted tissue-based laboratory techniques, improving understanding of key metabolic pathways and their implications for health.
Skills
- Regenerative research techniques
- Molecular biology methods
- In vivo experimentation
- Cell culture and stem cell maintenance
- Tissue analysis and processing
- Microscopy and imaging skills
- Bioinformatics analysis
- Experimental design and data analysis
- Scientific writing and presentations
- Grant writing
- Laboratory management and protocol optimization
- Leadership and mentorship
Timeline
Postdoctoral Scholar - University of Kentucky
01.2024 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant - University of Kentucky
01.2019 - 01.2024
Research Technician Senior - University of Kentucky
01.2018 - 01.2019
Primary Research Scientist - DermaGenesis LLC
01.2015 - 01.2017
Research Study Coordinator - UT Southwestern Medical Center
01.2012 - 01.2015
Research Technician II - UTSW Medical Center
01.2011 - 01.2012
University of Kentucky - Ph.D., Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
The University of Texas at Dallas - M.S., Biology/Biotechnology
Texas Woman’s University - B.S., Biology
Certification
- Grad Degree+ - Certificate in Science Communication. University of Kentucky 2023
- Grad Degree+ - Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. University of Kentucky 2022
- Grad Degree+ - Certificate in Leadership. University of Kentucky 2022
- Methods to Promote Data Reproducibility in Laboratory Research Certificate. University of Kentucky 2021
Patents
- Matrix Production Carrier, US20170274562A1
- Matrix Construction, US20180200411A1
- Methods of Producing Extracellular Matrix Useable in Breast Implant and Other Matrix Production, US20180236133A1
Teaching Leadership
- Graduate Mentor for undergraduate STEM researchers and NSF S-STEM scholars
- Teaching Assistant, Genetics Laboratory and Introductory Biology Laboratory, University of Kentucky
- Former President and Vice President, UK Biology Graduate Student Association
- Faculty Search Committee Member and DEI Committee Founding Member, UK Biology Department
Community Outreach
- Science fair judge for Kentucky regional and state science fairs
- Volunteer for NerdSquad STEM outreach and science education initiatives
- Long-term volunteer with the Lexington Humane Society
Selected Publications
- Regeneration in Sight: Repair and regenerative potential in the spiny mouse retina., In preparation
- Retinal Neuroanatomy of Two Emerging Model Organisms, the Spiny Mouse and the Mongolian Gerbil., Experimental Eye Research, 05/24
- Chromatin Remodeler Chd7 Regulates Photoreceptor Development and Outer Segment Length., Experimental Eye Research, 05/23
- Ultraviolet-A Light and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy to Accelerate Wound Healing and Reduce Bacterial Proliferation., Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 05/21
- Her9/Hes4 Is Required for Retinal Photoreceptor Development, Maintenance, and Survival., Scientific Reports, 05/20
Grants Fellowships Awards
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, 05/20-05/25
- Morgan Fellowship, University of Kentucky, 05/23
- Ribble Pilot Grant, University of Kentucky, 05/20, 05/22, 05/23
- ARVO Foundation Travel Award, 05/24
- Knights Templar Eye Foundation Travel Award, 05/21
- George Scherr Graduate Fellowship for Excellence in Research, 05/19
- Gertrude Flora Ribble Research Fellowship, 05/19
- Marine Biological Laboratory Frontiers in Stem Cell and Regeneration Financial Aid Award, 05/19
Patents
- Matrix Production Carrier, US20170274562A1
- Matrix Construction, US20180200411A1
- Methods of Producing Extracellular Matrix Useable in Breast Implant and Other Matrix Production, US20180236133A1
Teaching Leadership
- Graduate Mentor for undergraduate STEM researchers and NSF S-STEM scholars
- Teaching Assistant, Genetics Laboratory and Introductory Biology Laboratory, University of Kentucky
- Former President and Vice President, UK Biology Graduate Student Association
- Faculty Search Committee Member and DEI Committee Member, University of Kentucky Biology Department
Community Outreach
- Science fair judge for Kentucky regional and state science fairs
- Volunteer for STEM outreach and science education initiatives
- Long-term volunteer with the Lexington Humane Society
Presentations
- Oral and poster presentations at major scientific conferences including:
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
- Gordon Research Conference for Vision System Development
- Society for Developmental Biology Annual Meeting
Selected Publications
- Regeneration in Sight: Repair and regenerative potential in the spiny mouse retina., Bills JD, Buendia Castillo D, Eskut KI, et al., In preparation, 2026
- Retinal Neuroanatomy of Two Emerging Model Organisms, the Spiny Mouse and the Mongolian Gerbil., Bills JD, Seifert AW, Morris AC., Experimental Eye Research, 2024
- Chromatin Remodeler Chd7 Regulates Photoreceptor Development and Outer Segment Length., Krueger LA, Bills JD, Lim ZY, et al., Experimental Eye Research, 2023
- Ultraviolet-A Light and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy to Accelerate Wound Healing and Reduce Bacterial Proliferation., Davis KE, Bills JD, Noble D, et al., Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 2021
- Her9/Hes4 Is Required for Retinal Photoreceptor Development, Maintenance, and Survival., Coomer CE, Wilson SG, Titialii-Torres KF, Bills JD, et al., Scientific Reports, 2020
- Pilot Study to Evaluate a Novel Three-Dimensional Wound Measurement Device., Bills, Jessica D, Sandra J. Berriman, Debby L. Noble, Lawrence A. Lavery, and Kathryn E. Davis., International Wound Journal, 2016, 13, 6, 1372–77
- The Role of Estrogen in the Modulation of Autologous Fat Graft Outcomes., Bills, Jessica D., Christopher Derderian, Jenny Barker, Alysia Lowe, Lawrence A. Lavery, and Kathryn E. Davis., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2015, 135, 1, 103e – 113e
Grants Fellowships Awards
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, 2020–2025
- Morgan Fellowship, University of Kentucky, 2023
- Ribble Pilot Grant, University of Kentucky, 2020, 2022, 2023
- ARVO Foundation Travel Award, 2024
- Knights Templar Eye Foundation Travel Award, 2021
- George Scherr Graduate Fellowship for Excellence in Research, 2019
- Gertrude Flora Ribble Research Fellowship, 2019
Patents
- Matrix Production Carrier, US20170274562A1
- Matrix Construction, US20180200411A1
- Methods of Producing Extracellular Matrix Useable in Breast Implant and Other Matrix Production, US20180236133A1
Teaching Leadership
- Graduate Mentor for undergraduate STEM researchers and NSF S-STEM scholars
- Teaching Assistant, Genetics Laboratory and Introductory Biology Laboratory, University of Kentucky
- Former President and Vice President, UK Biology Graduate Student Association
- Faculty Search Committee Member and DEI Committee Founding Member, UK Biology Department
Community Outreach
- Science fair judge for Kentucky regional and state science fairs
- Volunteer for NerdSquad STEM outreach and science education initiatives
- Long-term volunteer with the Lexington Humane Society