Lynnette Jackson, PhD
Lynnette Jackson, PhD is a scientist specializing in structural and molecular biology, with expertise in protein and nucleic acid research. She began her career in the Chapu Lab, focusing on synthetic biology and biochemistry to explore therapeutic applications of nucleic acids. This early work sparked her interest in human health and set the foundation for a research trajectory that bridges fundamental biology with translational impact.
She earned her PhD from Stanford University School of Medicine in the Puglisi Lab, where her research focused on understanding HIV replication mechanisms to inform the development of targeted therapeutics. During this time, she gained extensive experience in high-resolution structural studies, protein characterization, and RNA biology, and honed her skills in communicating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
Currently a scientist at Altos Labs, Lynnette applies her expertise to investigate how molecular and cellular processes change with aging, aiming to translate these insights into strategies that promote healthier lifespans. Across her academic and professional journey, she has remained committed to collaborative, data-driven research that connects rigorous science to meaningful human health outcomes.
• Stanford University School of Medicine - PhD
• NSF Graduate Research Fellow
• MARC Fellowship
• IMSD Fellowship
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning and growth. Through formal training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, I’ve honed my skills and developed the confidence to trust my own instincts. Building intuition with guidance from mentors and rigorous practice has been instrumental in shaping the professional I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to trust my instincts and embrace new experiences. Mentors taught me to build intuition and confidence through guidance and practice, which has been invaluable in making decisions and analyzing data. Staying curious led me to discover opportunities—like pursuing a PhD—that I wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give young women entering my industry is to pursue work that truly excites them. It can be tempting to take the “safer” or trending path, but I’ve found that following your genuine interests keeps you motivated and engaged. Trends come and go, but your passions will sustain your growth and make the journey far more rewarding.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that many researchers don’t receive adequate recognition for their contributions. At the same time, there’s a significant opportunity to expand networks and build credibility through third-party validation, which can elevate the impact and visibility of our work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value that matters most to me is continuous learning and growth—both personally and professionally. I’ve realized that staying curious and adaptable is essential, especially in a field where knowledge constantly evolves. I also thrive around others who share this mindset, embracing the idea that what we know today may change tomorrow, and being open to evolving along the way.
Locations
Altos Labs
Foster City, CA 94404