Stephen Farmer, a PhD candidate in the Molecular & Translational Biology and Neuroscience programs, has been awarded the prestigious National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Blueprint and BRAIN Initiative Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience (D-SPAN) F99/K00 fellowship. This grant supports his research on Huntington’s disease, a hereditary and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. Farmer is advised by Sheng Zhang, PhD, associate professor at The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine at McGovern Medical School.

Farmer explains that despite identifying the Huntington’s disease mutation and affected gene over 30 years ago, there are still no treatments or cures to slow or stop the disease, partly due to an incomplete understanding of the normal function of HTT. He adds that one key area of interest is how HTT regulates essential processes in brain cells, including endolysosomal trafficking — a system that manages cellular waste and recycling, which is commonly disrupted in devastating brain disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s.

“My research aims to uncover how HTT helps maintain healthy neurons through endolysosomal trafficking, and how that process becomes disrupted in Huntington’s disease, with the goal of identifying new targets for treatment,” said Farmer.

This project is led under the guidance of Zhang, (sponsor), Hugo Bellen, DVM, PhD (co-sponsor, Baylor College of Medicine), and collaborators Travis Moore, PhD, Qingchun Tong, PhD, and Erin Furr-Stimming, MD.

Research inspired by discovery and guided by translational impact

Farmer said his research project was inspired by Zhang, whose research has led to groundbreaking discoveries for HTT’s normal cellular functions, as well as advisory committee member and fellowship co-mentor Bellen, an eminent geneticist and Distinguished Service Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, and investigator emeritus at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. “Bellen’s mentorship inspires me to pursue rigorous research that contributes meaningfully to society as he has.” Farmer appreciates Bellen’s guidance as he explores HTT’s role in endolysosomal trafficking, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for Huntington’s disease.

Farmer further highlighted how his clinical mentor, Furr-Stimming, professor of neurology and Memorial Hermann Endowed Chair at McGovern Medical School, played a key role in shaping his translational approach to research during his time shadowing her at McGovern Medical School, Huntington’s Disease Society of America Center of Excellence. “Witnessing the devastating impact of Huntington’s disease firsthand, and recognizing the urgent need for effective treatments, motivated me to systematically investigate the functions of HTT that become disrupted in the disease.” This experience, paired with his fascination for how proteins regulate essential cellular processes, led Farmer to focus his research on how HTT regulates the endolysosomal pathway, and how to target that process in Huntington’s disease.

Farmer uses several cutting-edge techniques, including advanced imaging techniques, using super-resolution microscopy, to study HTT’s role in the endolysosomal system. He credits his passion for microscopy to Moore, director of the Center for Advanced Microscopy, Nikon Center of Excellence, at UTHealth Houston, with whom he recently made a groundbreaking discovery using a technique called Structured Illumination Microscopy. “One of the most exciting days in the lab with Moore was when we captured one of the clearest videos of HTT’s impact on endosomes in human neurons, revealing a novel role of HTT in the endolysosomal process that no one had observed before.”

Farmer attributes much of his success to the collaborative environment and supportive faculty in the Graduate School and his department, the Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases (Institute of Molecular Medicine), which have enabled him to tackle research questions from multiple angles under Tong’s guidance. “I’m fortunate to work closely with faculty in my department like Tong, who have elevated my research to a new level through our collaborations, giving it a strong therapeutic potential for Huntington’s disease.”

Farmer’s choice to attend the Graduate School over several prestigious programs, including Stanford and Johns Hopkins, was influenced by its collaborative environment, cutting-edge research facilities, location, and the opportunity to work closely with renowned experts.

Specialization in neurodegenerative disease research on the horizon

After completing his PhD, Farmer plans to pursue postdoctoral training at a prestigious research institute, where he will continue investigating neurodegenerative diseases. “My postdoctoral training will focus on using advanced techniques, such as super-resolution microscopy and cutting-edge disease models, to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration.”

Farmer’s ultimate career goal is to become an independent investigator in academia, leading his own lab focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of devastating brain disorders that continue to present a pressing threat to our society. His vision for the future has been driven by Graduate School faculty mentors, including Jun Wang, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School. “I’m especially grateful to have Wang, who challenges my perspective and strengthens my scientific approach,” said Farmer.

Commitment to mentoring stems from first-generation experience

Farmer’s goals also include his deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. He wants to foster a more inclusive research environment. “As a first-generation college student from a Hispanic and low-income background, I recognize the importance of mentorship and representation in science, and I am dedicated to supporting students who face similar challenges in their academic journeys.”

Navigating academia while balancing multiple jobs, including working as a university janitor and FedEx helper, while pursuing his education required significant resilience and perseverance. “I come from a hardworking blue-collar family; my father works in construction, and my mother is a homemaker, so I’ve always understood the value of hard work and resourcefulness,” Farmer shared. “I honestly had no idea that becoming a scientist was even possible, but I’m incredibly fortunate to have supportive family, colleagues, and mentors who believed in my potential and offered invaluable guidance along the way. Overcoming these obstacles has not only strengthened my determination but also shaped me into a more adaptable and driven scientist.”

Farmer adds that graduate school can be overwhelming for any first-year student, advising, “it’s tempting to compare yourself to others, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique.” Farmer encourages first-year students to focus on their own growth and progress and surround themselves with a supportive community of mentors, peers, and colleagues “who inspire and challenge you.” Also, “don’t wait to apply for fellowships and grants — starting early helps you sharpen your research goals and gain valuable grantsmanship experience.”

Farmer said whether he’s mentoring students or engaging in community outreach, supporting others has been one of the most rewarding parts of his journey. “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive invaluable guidance from incredible mentors, and I believe it’s essential to pay that forward.”

One of Farmer’s biggest successes has been mentoring his first undergraduate student. “Although my research efforts at the Graduate School have led to several awards and multiple co-authorships, my greatest and most meaningful achievement has been seeing Daniela Covarrubias (Rice University) succeed, reinforcing my passion for mentorship and demonstrating the profound impact that effective guidance can have on a student’s future.”

Receiving the prestigious F99/K00 grant supports two years of Farmer’s graduate studies and four years of his postdoctoral training, which will “equip me with the tools and experience necessary for a successful academic career and enable me to leave a lasting impact on the students I mentor along the way.”

Farmer is a former recipient of the NIH-TL1 training grant, Presidents’ Research Excellence Award, Dean’s Research Scholarship Award, Dr. John J. Kopchick Fellowship, and the Gigli Family Endowed Scholarship.