Robert Freeborn, PhD

Robert Freeborn, PhD has a diverse work experience in scientific research and academia. Robert started their career as a Learning Assistant at California Polytechnic State University, where they enriched the classroom and lab environment for general chemistry courses. During this time, they worked alongside faculty members, answered student questions, graded exams and homework, and led experimental demos.

After completing their undergraduate degree, Robert worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at California Polytechnic State University. Under the supervision of Dr. Greg Scott, their research focused on the protein-folding dynamics of a fast-folding protein. This work resulted in the publication of two papers describing the folding process of the protein.

Robert then pursued their PhD at Michigan State University, where they served as a Graduate Assistant. In this role, they conducted various studies to investigate the effects of a food additive and a transcription factor on the immune response to influenza virus infection, with a particular focus on CD4 and CD8 T cells. Robert also collaborated on multiple research projects and contributed to several publications.

Following their PhD, Robert gained industry experience as an Immunology Discovery Intern at Genentech. During this internship, they conducted in vitro mechanistic experiments to understand novel functions of a protein linked to Cystic Fibrosis. Robert also collaborated with team members to optimize in vivo methodology for assessing the efficacy of a pre-clinical therapeutic molecule.

Most recently, Robert worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University. In the laboratory of Dr. Maria Grazia Roncarolo, they studied the biology of type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1 cells) using clinically relevant models. Their research aimed to enhance understanding of the differentiation and function of Tr1 cells.

Currently, Robert holds the position of Scientist II at Tr1X, starting in 2023, where they continue to contribute their scientific expertise.

Robert Freeborn, PhD, completed their education in a variety of fields. Robert obtained their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biochemistry from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, where they studied from 2011 to 2015. Subsequently, they pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology and another PhD degree in Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences from Michigan State University. Their doctoral studies at Michigan State University took place from 2015 to 2020. Additionally, in March 2022, Robert obtained a certification in R Programming in Data Science: Setup and Start from LinkedIn.