UF Gator NeuroScholars program inspires first-generation student to pursue stroke research

As the first in his family to attend college, John Aaron Howell, Ph.D., long aspired to pursue a transformative science career. He was often motivated by the work of leading stroke researchers, such as University of Florida neuroscientist Eduardo Candelario-Jalil, Ph.D.

So, when Howell discovered the 2023-founded Gator NeuroScholars program — an enhanced postdoctoral fellowship at UF’s McKnight Brain Institute — he saw an opportunity to become part of the inaugural cohort and study with Candelario-Jalil. Now Howell is collecting data on post-stroke brain inflammation — conducting research with his mentor that may change the outlook for stroke patients.