University of Washington Researcher Dr. Jennifer Kong Receives Prestigious Innovator Award for Hydrocephalus Research
Bethesda, MD (12/18/24) – The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) is proud to announce that Jennifer Kong, PhD, an assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of Washington, has been named a recipient of the esteemed 2024 Hydrocephalus Association Innovator Award. This prestigious award supports groundbreaking scientists advancing hydrocephalus research and treatment.
Dr. Kong’s research, titled “Leveraging a Cortical Spheroid System to Understand the Pathogenesis of Hydrocephalus,” aims to shed light on why hydrocephalus occurs and open new possibilities for treatments.
Her research focuses on exploring how gene signaling errors may contribute to the development of hydrocephalus. Her work utilizes an innovative 3D brain model to study a communication system in the brain called the Notch signaling pathway, which plays a key role in brain cell development. Dr. Kong’s research will examine why certain brain cells are more vulnerable to issues in this pathway and identify potential genes that could cause hydrocephalus.
“Dr. Kong’s research exemplifies the type of trailblazing science we aim to foster with the Innovator Awards,” said Dr. Monica Chau, HA’s National Director of Research Programs. “Her work harnessing cutting-edge 3D brain models has the potential to unlock vital knowledge about the origins of hydrocephalus and open up new avenues for treatment.”
Hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by excessive cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in the brain, affects over one million Americans, ranging from infants to the elderly. Despite its prevalence, the condition remains poorly understood, and treatment options are limited. The Hydrocephalus Association Innovator Awards are designed to address critical gaps in research and encourage bold scientific approaches to improve outcomes for individuals living with hydrocephalus.
The Innovator Awards are made possible through the generous support of Team Hydro and the Rudi Schulte Research Institute. Since their inception, the awards have empowered researchers like Dr. Kong to pursue transformative studies, advancing understanding and creating hope for the hydrocephalus community.
For more information on Dr. Kong’s research and the Innovator Awards, visit: https://www.hydroassoc.org/2024-innovator-awards-hydrocephalus-research/.
About the Hydrocephalus Association
Founded in 1983 by parents of children with hydrocephalus, the Hydrocephalus Association (HA) is the largest organization in the U.S. dedicated to hydrocephalus research, education, and advocacy. HA has invested over $16.4 million in research since 2009, with a mission to find a cure and improve the lives of those impacted by hydrocephalus.