Janelle LeMon's dissertation research focuses on the effects of early life adversity on mast cells—which play a central role in the immune system—and how those effects contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases later in life. The mast cell is a critical driver of immunity, is activated by stress, and is programmed during early life. Her ultimate goal is to identify a target for interventions that could alleviate the impact of early life adversity on diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

LeMon, a fifth-year graduate student in the Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology program at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has received a prestigious Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as a Leukocyte Biology Society Presidential Merit Award. LeMon is mentored by Dr. Adam J. Moeser, director of The Mast Cell Nexus and Gastrointestinal Stress Biology Laboratories and Matilda R. Wilson Endowed Research Chair.

Research with Impact

“These awards reflect the innovative nature and impact of Janelle’s research and her dedication to advancing our understanding of immune responses, with broad implications for human and animal health,” says Moeser.“Janelle’s achievements are a national recognition of her potential as a scientist and of the vibrant research community and mentorship at MSU.”

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award provides an opportunity for doctoral candidates to receive mentored research training while they complete their dissertation research.

The Society for Leukocyte Biology named LeMon a Presidential Merit Finalist for the research abstract, Early Life Adversity Alters the Mast Cell Inflammatory Phenotype and Transcriptome. This honor is given to students whose research demonstrates excellence in leukocyte biology and has garnered attention from the scientific community.

LeMon’s focus on early life stress is animated by its potential for positive social change. Her research has implications for health disparities stemming from historical-systemic conditions that disproportionately contribute to early life adversity and its attending inflammatory and metabolic diseases among Black Americans. The national awards affirm her commitment to advancing our understanding of stress, immune function, developing new approaches to prevent or treat stress-related diseases.