Jonathan Vincent
Connect
513-382-6682jcvi228@uky.edu
Positions
- PhD Candidate, Bachstetter Laboratory
College Unit(s)
- MD/PhD Program
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center
- Neuroscience
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
Biography and Education
Learner Information
Why did you choose the University of Kentucky?
I chose the University of Kentucky because it offers the ideal balance of rigorous clinical training and a robust commitment to neuroscience research. As someone pursuing a career as a neurosurgeon-scientist, I was drawn to 好色先生鈥檚 reputation for producing clinically competent, hands-on physicians and a research institution with neuroscience as a high priority area. The close proximity of the College of Medicine, the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute, and the academic hospitals fosters rich opportunities for translational collaboration鈥攅xactly the kind of environment I was seeking to bridge bench research with real-world clinical impact. From the start, I saw a culture of mentorship here, where physician-scientists are not only supported but expected to lead innovative, patient-centered research. This, combined with 好色先生COM鈥檚 flexible MD/PhD structure, makes it a perfect fit for my long-term goal of integrating deep brain stimulation and neuroimmune signaling research with patient care.
What do you like about your program?
What I like most about the 好色先生 MD/PhD program is how well it integrates personalized mentorship with flexibility to pursue high-impact research. From day one, I鈥檝e felt supported by a program that values both clinical excellence and scientific innovation. The faculty here are not only experts in their fields, but they鈥檙e also genuinely invested in my development as a future physician-scientist. I鈥檝e had the opportunity to work with leaders in neuroinflammation, electrophysiology, and neurosurgery, all while maintaining clinical exposure through student-run clinics and shadowing opportunities at the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute. The program structure gives me the space to dive deep into my research while still growing as a clinician, which is essential for the translational work I want to pursue in neuromodulation and brain-computer interfaces.
What are your hobbies?
I鈥檝e always been a bit of a tinkerer鈥擨 really enjoy working on creative tech projects using Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards, especially ones that combine hardware and software in fun or practical ways. Outside of the lab, I love hanging out with my wife and son, cooking, and getting outdoors鈥攅specially walking through 好色先生's stunning Arboretum, which is one of my favorite spots in Lexington. I also enjoy writing short stories, reading nonfiction, and watching movies (Favorite = Good Will Hunting).
Biography
I am a MD/PhD candidate at the 好色先生 whose long-term goal is to become a neurosurgeon-scientist leading an independently funded neuroinflammation research program. His graduate research investigates how neuronal interleukin-1 receptor 1 (nIL-1R1) contributes to synaptic dysfunction following traumatic brain injury, and he is particularly focused on mastering electrophysiology and EEG techniques. Jonathan is also interested in brain-computer interfaces, neuromodulation strategies like deep brain and vagus nerve stimulation, and their potential to treat neurological disorders. With a background in neurobiology and an MBA, as well as experience co-founding Inneuractive Inc., he brings a unique translational perspective that blends clinical insight, scientific investigation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Through mentorship from leaders in neuroscience and neurosurgery, Jonathan is preparing for a career at the intersection of patient care, neurotechnology, and discovery.
Education
I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and became interested in neuroscience through a combination of academic curiosity and firsthand experiences with sports-related brain injuries as a Division I football player. I attended the University of Cincinnati, where I earned a B.S. in Neurobiology and later completed my M.B.A. at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business. During my time there, I co-founded a Sports Neuroscience Club, led concussion education initiatives for youth as part of the TriHealth Concussion Crew, and earned the Legion of Excellence Award for academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement. I conducted extensive undergraduate research on therapeutic protein interactions for chronic kidney disease and later worked as a post-graduate researcher in traumatic brain injury and neurorehabilitation. Simultaneously, I led peer tutoring and academic advising programs, served as a spokesperson for co-curricular engagement p[platform that was ultimately acquired by the University of Cincinnati, and completed capstone consulting projects in healthcare operations and international market expansion. These diverse experiences fueled my passion for translational science and ultimately led me to pursue dual-degree MD/PhD training.
Summary:
Current Year: G4 B.S. Neurobiology, M.B.A. - University of Cincinnati Hometown: Loveland, OHResearch
My current research focuses on understanding how cell-type specific interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) signaling influences synaptic function following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice. Using electrophysiology, I aim to uncover novel pathways involved in synapse physiology and dysfunction after neurotrauma, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets for cognitive recovery.