Jennifer Pickens

Director, Infectious Disease Research at Southern Research Institute, Inc.

Jennifer Pickens has a diverse work experience in the field of infectious diseases and biomedical research. Jennifer is currently working as the Director of Infectious Disease Research at Southern Research, a position they started in March 2023. Prior to this, they were the Associate Director of Client Services at the same company from August 2022 to March 2023. Jennifer also worked as a Biologist at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from August 2021 to August 2022. Earlier in their career, Jennifer held various roles at Southern Research, including Senior Scientist, PI, and Virology SME from May 2019 to August 2021. Jennifer has also worked as the Hematology Program Manager at Sarah Cannon in 2018, where they managed lymphoma and HSCT programs and acted as a liaison between different lines of business. Jennifer gained research experience as a Lead Researcher and Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of Georgia, where they managed antiviral and vaccine studies and investigated respiratory syncytial virus and influenza. Jennifer has also worked as a Visiting Assistant Professor at The University of the South, teaching microbiology and cellular biology courses. Jennifer's earlier experience includes the role of Lead Virologist and Post-doctoral Fellow at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where they focused on RSV and human metapneumovirus research, and Infectious Diseases-Doctoral Student at the University of Georgia, where they studied avian influenza viruses. Jennifer began their career as a Research Technician at the University of Georgia and as a Graduate Researcher at Georgia State University. Jennifer's work experience highlights their expertise in virology, infectious diseases, program management, and academic teaching.

Jennifer Pickens completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry at Georgia State University from 1996 to 2003. Jennifer then pursued further education at Georgia State University from 2003 to 2005, obtaining a Master of Science degree in Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry. After that, they went on to complete their Ph.D in Infectious Diseases at The University of Georgia from 2006 to 2011.

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