Jennifer Deger is a medical scientist in training at Baylor College of Medicine, pursuing an MD-PhD with a primary research focus on uncovering the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Her work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and neuroscience to better understand neuronal degeneration and identify therapeutic targets for neurological disorders. Under the mentorship of Hugo Bellen and Joshua Shulman, she investigates genetic risk factors and molecular pathways that contribute to brain aging and cognitive decline. With a strong foundation in neuroscience and writing from The University of Texas at Austin, she combines analytical precision with effective scientific communication. Her research experience spans model organism studies and translational approaches linking molecular findings to clinical relevance. Jennifer’s contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the BRASS Scholarship and the Sharon E. Plot Mentorship Award for outstanding scientific promise and leadership. Her creative and technical excellence was highlighted when her immunofluorescence images were featured on the BCM MSTP symposium abstract book cover. She has earned top presentation and poster awards at institutional and national symposia, demonstrating her clarity and impact as a communicator of science. Dedicated to mentorship and service, Jennifer plays an active role in fostering collaboration and inclusivity within the scientific community. Her leadership has been acknowledged through awards for community service and educational contributions. She continues to pursue research that bridges discovery and clinical practice, aiming to advance therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disease. Through her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to scientific progress, she represents the next generation of physician-scientists transforming neuroscience and precision medicine.
Featured Publications
Deger, J. M., Hannan, S. B., Gu, M., Strohlein, C. E., Goodman, L. D., Pasupuleti, S., Shaik, Z., Ma, L., Li, Y., Li, J., et al. (2025). Revealing the nervous system requirements of Alzheimer disease risk genes in Drosophila. The American Journal of Human Genetics.
Deger, J. M., Hannan, S. B., Gu, M., Strohlein, C. E., Goodman, L. D., Pasupuleti, S., Shaik, Z., Ma, L., Li, Y., Li, J., et al. (2025, July 30). Revealing the nervous system requirements of Alzheimer’s disease risk genes in Drosophila.
Hill, E. J., Robak, L. A., Al-Ouran, R., Deger, J., Fong, J. C., Vandeventer, P. J., Schulman, E., Rao, S., Saade, H., Savitt, J. M., et al. (2022). Genome sequencing in the Parkinson disease clinic. Neurology Genetics.
Deger, J., Goethe, E. A., LoPresti, M. A., & Lam, S. (2021). Intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants: A historical review. World Neurosurgery.
Deger, J. (2018). A druggable genome screen identifies modifiers of alpha-synuclein levels via a tiered cross-species validation approach. Journal of Neuroscience.
Deger, J. (2015). The interrelationship of proteasome impairment and oligomeric intermediates in neurodegeneration. Undergraduate Research Symposium, University of Texas at Austin.