Jacob Tondreau

Jacob Tondreau has always loved learning biochemical mechanisms and pathways — and he is excited to be forging his own path as a trainee in the doctoral program in physiology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, Tondreau attended Mercer University in nearby Macon for an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, with a focus in philosophy.

He studied the mechanisms of biofilm production and inhibition in bacterial and yeast species and upon graduation applied to the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS) at the Jacobs School.

Tondreau says he first learned about the Jacobs School from a colleague who attended graduate school at UB.

“The PPBS program was competitive and catered to my unique interests — I was interested in several different avenues of research but was indecisive on which particular field to pursue,” he says. “What was most attractive to me about PPBS was the rotation through several departments.”

Ultimately, Tondreau found a home in the lab of Mark D. Parker, PhD, professor of physiology and biophysics.

In the Parker Lab, Tondreau studies the activity of a particular protein (SLC4A11) expressed in the cornea, the front, clear part of the eye. When this protein is dysfunctional, the cornea gets cloudy and causes vision loss.

“We describe this protein’s mechanistic activity on a molecular level: what activates it, how it behaves, how it responds in different conditions,” Tondreau says. “Answering these questions enables us to understand how this protein keeps our eyes clear, and even potentially identify therapeutic strategies for individuals affected by this disease.”

“In Dr. Parker’s lab, I get to continue leaning into my passion of molecular mechanisms while contributing to scientific advances in health and improving the human condition.”

Tondreau says that Parker is everything that he hoped for in a mentor.

“Dr. Parker is a patient and enthusiastic adviser, eager to help on projects and willing to offer advice when I get stuck. He provides a new and unique perspective that I’ve grown to greatly appreciate,” he says. “Dr. Parker is also willing to make connections with other physiologists on my behalf to expand my professional network.”

Earlier this year, Tondreau received the Suk Ki Hong Travel Award through the Department of Physiology and Biophysics to attend the 2025 American Physiological Society (APS) Summit in Baltimore.

At the APS Summit, Tondreau presented his work describing the proton conductance of SLC4A11.

“We characterized the robust current that SLC4A11 is capable of carrying, which is the first step in describing SLC4A11 in a mathematical model of the corneal endothelial pump,” he says. “This model will be used to describe the characteristics of corneal dystrophies.”

Tondreau received the Cell and Molecular Physiology Section Robert Gunn Student Award from APS for his presentation of this work.

He says the conference was an excellent opportunity to connect with other physiologists — both young and experienced.

“I was able to expand my network and interact with physiologists much more experienced than myself; their advice has shaped how I pursue my current projects,” Tondreau says. “Socially, it was a great opportunity to discuss current events and research with fellow young physiologists.”

After graduation, Tondreau is excited to explore all career opportunities, but says he’d like to pursue a career in industry, either drug screening and development or for a biotechnology startup.

In the meantime, along with his research studies, Tondreau also keeps busy as a volunteer student ambassador on the Jacobs School website, helping to answer any questions that prospective graduate students might have about UB and its programs.

Throughout his undergraduate career, Tondreau was employed in offices of higher education facing prospective students and their families and loved connecting prospective students, easing concerns, and facilitating a welcoming environment. So when he learned about the student ambassador position at UB, he leapt at the opportunity to continue that line of work.

“Most prospective students want to know about living in Buffalo — the cost of living, what it’s like, where to live — and that is the kind of thing only a student who lives in Buffalo can answer,” he says. “Students also want to know about some of the labs and faculty members at the Jacobs School, curious about the atmosphere and culture.”

“Even at the graduate level, students are excited to continue their education and delve into their research passion while feeling a part of a welcoming community that wants to see them thrive, something the Jacobs School facilitates very well.”