We are excited to announce the latest addition to our team at the Bibb Lab in the Department of
Translational Neurosciences, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona - Dr. Jacob
Larson, who is joining the team as a Research Scientist.
A Rich Academic Background
Dr. Larson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our lab. With a Bachelor of Science in
Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico (UNM) and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical
Sciences, focusing on Chemical Biology from UNC Chapel Hill, his academic journey is nothing
short of impressive. His research during his Ph.D. honed his skills in biochemical High
Throughput Screening (HTS) assay development and biophysics, particularly in identifying and
characterizing novel ligands for various protein targets.
A Blend of Science and Strength
Outside the lab, Dr. Larson is just as dynamic. He is an avid powerlifting enthusiast, a testament
to his dedication and discipline - traits that he brings to his scientific work. In addition, his love
for hiking with his dogs and partner showcases his appreciation for nature and a well-rounded
lifestyle.
Pioneering Research at Bibb Lab
In the Bibb Lab, Dr. Larson embarks on a crucial project focusing on CDK5, a protein kinase
with significant implications in the central nervous system (CNS) and oncology. Leveraging his
extensive experience in assay development, he aims to innovate new screening methods in
cellular and in vitro settings. His primary goal? To discover molecules capable of inhibiting
CDK5 activity and disrupting its interaction with its activators, P35 and P25.
A Bright Future Ahead
Dr. Larson's arrival marks a significant milestone for our lab. His unique blend of expertise in
pharmaceutical sciences and passion for exploring the unknown aligns perfectly with our
mission to advance the frontiers of translational neurosciences. We are thrilled to have him on
board and eagerly anticipate the contributions he will make to our ongoing research and the
broader scientific community. Welcome to the team, Dr. Larson!