Jordan Bondrowski was drawn to science from a young age, driven by personal experiences and a passion for making a difference in medical research. She began with early philanthropic efforts, donating to cancer research at just 11 years old, which were deepened by her aunt’s cancer diagnosis about two years later. In high school, Bondrowski’s fascination with science intensified, leading to the realization that she could actively contribute to finding cures for diseases affecting her family and many others.
Bondrowski graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama in 2024 earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and university honors. During her undergraduate studies, she was awarded the UA Scholar Scholarship and the UA Leadership and Achievement Scholarship. She was first introduced to research at Alabama when she joined the Dunkle Lab, where she focused on evaluating the structure and function of the RRAD protein family. Bondrowski pursued research on antibiotic resistance inhibitors by crystalizing ErmE. She also worked in the Neumann Lab at St. Jude as a student in the Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) program in 2023. Her research focused on the development and evaluation of novel compounds aimed at serving as theranostic agents for glioma cell lines.
Her decision to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences at St. Jude reflects her determination to investigate the underlying causes of diseases impacting countless people, driven by a desire to unravel the “why” behind these conditions and contribute to their understanding and treatment.
Hometown: Aston, PA