Portrait of Jennifer Alexander-Brett, MD, PhD

Jennifer Alexander-Brett, MD, PhD

Associate Professor of Medicine

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Research Interests

I am a physician–scientist dedicated to uncovering the core mechanisms that drive airway diseases, with the goal of enabling earlier diagnosis and precision-based therapies. My research centers on respiratory mucosal immunology, with a particular focus on how epithelial cells and immune cells communicate via cytokines and extracellular vesicles to orchestrate chronic lung inflammation, injury, and repair. My lab studies a spectrum of airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Methodologically, we integrate cellular immunology, epithelial stem cell biology, extracellular vesicle analysis and engineering, protein biochemistry and structural biology. In parallel with leading a translational research program, I am the director of the PCCM biobanking program and maintain an active clinical practice in Lung Transplant and Critical Care Medicine.

Education

  • 1995-1999 BS Chemistry & Biochemistry (High Distinction)University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
  • 1999-2007 MD, PhD Molecular Biophysics Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • 2007-2013 Physician-Scientist Training Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • 2007-2009 Residency, Internal Medicine, ABIM Research Track, Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis MO
  • 2009-2011 Fellowship, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, ABIM Research Track, Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis MO
  • 2011-2013 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
  • 2013-2016 Instructor in Medicine
  • 2016-2025 Assistant Professor of Medicine
  • 2025-present Associate Professor of Medicine

Honors and Awards

  • 1999 Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society
  • 1999 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor’s Scholar Award
  • 2007 Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Medical Scientist Fellow Award
  • 2008 Gregory J Gurnter, MD Internal Medicine Resident Research Award
  • 2011 Barnes Jewish Hospital Knowlton Award for Clinical Excellence 2013 American Thoracic Society Early Career Investigator Award
  • 2015 Burroughs Wellcome Career Award for Medical Scientists
  • 2016   American Thoracic Society International Conference: Rising Star of Research Award
  • 2018   American Federation of Medical Research National Junior Investigator Award
  • 2024   American Thoracic Society Fellow distinction
  • 2024   Dean’s Impact Award for Mentorship, Washington University School of Medicine
  • 2024   ATS Assembly on Allergy Immunology and Inflammation Early Career Investigator Award
  • 2024-2025 President, Central Society for Clinical and Translational Research

Publications

View Jennifer Alexander-Brett’s research publications on PubMed