Dr. Kanika Jain

Associate Professor

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Biography

Dr. Kanika Jain’s research focuses on proteostasis and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in maintaining proteome fidelity, especially in non-transcriptionally active cells like platelets. Given platelets' anucleate nature, they are particularly sensitive to circulating stressors. Dr. Jain investigates the complex roles of UPR in cardiovascular conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as aging-related cerebrovascular diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Her postdoctoral research at Yale revealed that platelets possess a highly functional selective UPR despite lacking a nucleus. This work has established a new paradigm in anucleate cell biology and has opened significant avenues for understanding platelet dysfunction associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, her research has uncovered nonlinear changes in platelet antioxidant capacity throughout biological lifespan, with implications for antiplatelet therapy in the elderly. Her work has been published in leading journals including Circulation Research and Nature Cardiovascular Research. Dr. Jain is an award recipient of the AHA Career Development Award and the Transformational Project Award, and she actively participates in scientific service and mentoring.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Research Scientist

— Present

Yale School of Medicine • New Haven, CT

Conducts research on the role of platelets in cardiovascular diseases and aging.

Awards

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AHA Career Development Award

2023-04-01
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AHA Transformational Project Award

2025-07-01
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J.H. Milstone Award

2025-07-01
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Brinkhous Early Career Investigator Award Finalist

2025-04-25

Requirements for Yale University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
TOEFL
Listening
Required:25
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Speaking
Required:7.5
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or Mathematics
Application Checklist
  • Statement of academic purpose
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Application fee ($105)
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Administered via the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). GRE General is optional for PhD.