Immune Booster 29: Immune regulation and science communication with Nicholas Jackson

Nick Jackson, a PhD candidate at St. Louis University, bridges the gap between complex immunology and public engagement through his work as "Nick the Immunologist." His research focuses on a novel therapeutic that modulates regulatory T cells to suppress autoimmune diseases like gastritis, utilizing a fusion molecule of IL-2 and TGF-beta to achieve targeted immune suppression. Beyond his laboratory contributions, Jackson leverages his significant social media presence to demystify science for marginalized communities and inspire the next generation of researchers. He credits his academic trajectory to the Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD) program, which provided the essential resources and mentorship needed to navigate a career in STEM. By consistently engaging with a broad audience, he has developed professional confidence and networking opportunities that extend well beyond traditional academic pathways, demonstrating the transformative potential of science communication for early-career scientists.