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          About NIAMS
          Jordan Hicks, B.S.





Jordan Hicks, B.S.


Postbaccalaureate Fellow
    Scleroderma Genomics and Health Disparities Unit Image
              Headshot of a young woman with long dark hair. 
            Contact Information

                                                  301-402-6776
                
                                                10 Center Drive
                  
            Building 10, Room 13C217301-402-6776
      
                  
                                   Bethesda MD 20892
                
                                                jordan.hicks@nih.gov 
                Summary
          Jordan Hicks graduated from Villanova University in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in psychology. While at Villanova, Jordan participated in many on-campus organizations. For three years, she was a mentor with the Villanova Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (affiliated with ASBMB) and the biochemistry mentor for SWIS, Society of Women in STEM during its first semester on campus. In her last semester, Jordan co-founded VOICE (Villanovans On Improving Counseling Engagement). It received an honor award from the Department of Peace and Justice Education.Jordan's research background reflects the duality of her education, having lab experience in biochemistry and psychology. She worked in the Palenchar lab at Villanova, investigating the unusual biochemical features of*trypanosomes*, the parasitic organisms responsible for several global diseases. Moreover, Jordan worked as a part of the Childbirth and Development Project. Research in this lab explores the correlation between prenatal/birth experience and subsequent mental well-being using the Basic Psychological Needs framework. Both experiences allowed for exploration into the role of research in medicine through potential downstream therapeutics and clinical experience, respectively.Through her research experiences and hands-on clinical experiences, Jordan has affirmed her passion for medicine while cultivating an appreciation and understanding of every aspect of the healthcare field—from research to clinical work.Before graduating from Villanova University, Jordan became a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, an international pre-medical honor society. She plans to continue her academic endeavors and pursue an M.D. upon completion of her postbaccalaureate fellowship at the NIH.
        
                  Research Statement
          
            As a part of the Scleroderma Genomics and Health Disparities Unit, Jordan focuses on the increased prevalence of scleroderma in African Americans compared to European Americans. Her research investigates disease-associated variants through a genome-wide association study. She aims to stratify genomic data by evaluating autoantibody subsets to identify novel genes in the African American population. 

            Scientific Publications
              Perceived autonomy during childbirth predicts mothers' parental self-efficacy: A prospective cohort study.

    Brand RJ, Gartland CA, Koo G, McMahon JE, Hicks JM, Al-Khayyat R, Jaatinen MM
        

                    J Health Psychol.
        
                    2024 Mar 14;
        
        
                    doi: 10.1177/13591053241236642
                            PMID: 38485734 
          Education
              
            **Villanova University**B.S. in Biochemistry (2019-2023)             
                        Experience
              
            **Undergraduate Researcher**Dr. Jennifer Palenchar Lab, Villanova University Department of Biochemistry (2022)**Undergraduate Researcher**Dr. Rebecca Brand Lab, Villanova University Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (2021-2023)


Last Updated: April 2024


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