About
Dr. Jessica Nelson is a Lecturer and Principal Investigator in Advanced Cell Models at the School of Biological Sciences. She leads the Nelson Lab, where her research focuses on understanding the interplay between tissue regeneration and cancer stem cells (CSCs). In particular, she investigates how CSCs hijack wound-healing mechanisms to drive tumour initiation and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Her work examines the role of secreted factors in mediating communication between CSCs and their microenvironment, and how regenerative pathways are exploited to promote tumour development. By combining advanced organoid models of pancreatic regeneration with transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional approaches, her lab aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that link tissue repair and cancer, ultimately identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for PDAC.
Jessica was appointed in Southampton in September 2025. Her lab is based in Building 85 on Highfield Campus.