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Hi there! I’m Jessie Badley, a fifth-year PhD candidate in Dr. Pamela Lein’s lab at University of California (UC) Davis, where I dive into the fascinating (and often concerning) world of developmental neurotoxicity. My research focuses on polychlorinated biphenyls, otherwise known as PCBs—a group of environmental pollutants that have overstayed their welcome—and how exposure can affect brain development. Recently, I was thrilled to receive the SOT Supplemental Training for Education Program (STEP) award, which opened the door to an incredible opportunity: taking a deep dive into flow cytometry, a cutting-edge technique that’s a bit outside my current dissertation work but perfectly aligned with my future aspirations as a neuroimmunotoxicologist. 

Why Flow Cytometry? 

In my lab, I specialize in studying how toxicants impact the nervous system using in vitro and in vivo models. But over the years, I’ve grown curious about the interplay between the nervous and immune systems. Toxicants don’t affect just one system—they can ripple through the body, causing unexpected effects elsewhere. To truly understand these dynamics, I need to add tools to my research toolkit, and that’s where flow cytometry comes in. Flow cytometry is a powerful technology for analyzing individual cells in high-throughput settings. While it’s traditionally been a darling of immunology, toxicologists are increasingly using it to explore how toxicants affect immune and nervous system interactions. 

The UC Davis Comprehensive Flow Cytometry Course 

The UC Davis Comprehensive Flow Cytometry Course was a game-changer. This five-day intensive course, led by the brilliant Bridget McLaughlin and her team (with over 30 years of experience!), made flow cytometry approachable, practical, and—dare I say—fun. Every day, we kicked things off at 8:30 am and wrapped up at 4:30 pm, diving into a mix of: 

Despite being online, the course was incredibly engaging. The instructors created an environment that felt collaborative and interactive, and I came away with a solid understanding of the theory and practical applications of flow cytometry. 

Putting It into Practice 

After the course, I didn’t waste any time putting my new skills to work. Thanks to a generous lab mate who shared spleen tissue, access to a flow cytometer, and guidance from my committee member and mentor, Dr. Allison Ehrlich, I prepared and ran my first set of samples. The experience was equal parts thrilling and empowering—I now feel ready to integrate flow cytometry into future research endeavors. 

Looking Ahead 

This course and the SOT STEP award have been pivotal in expanding my scientific horizons. As I continue my journey in toxicology, I’m excited to explore how tools like flow cytometry can uncover the complex interplay between the nervous and immune systems. Big thanks to the SOT STEP program for supporting my growth and helping me step into the future of toxicology research. 

Here’s to bridging systems and expanding knowledge—one cell at a time!