Service to the public—through critical thinking, communication, and community building—remains at the center of Jacob R. Maxon’s career as he pursues a neuroscience doctorate. Previously, J.R. worked in broadcast journalism in Providence, Rhode Island and the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute (SCI). At the SCI, he studied potential therapies for spinal cord injury under the mentorship of Dr. James R. Dutton, PhD and Dr. Ann M. Parr, MD, PhD. At the Minnesota State Senate, Governor’s Office, and Office of Medical Cannabis, Jacob's work helped grow funding for regenerative-medicine research and expand therapeutic options for people living with post-traumatic stress disorder. At the White House and local government in Minneapolis, he engaged communities whom HIV hits hardest to collaboratively build services that stop the spread of infectious disease.

Jacob is a recipient of the 2022 Karen Cooper Memorial Scholarship from the Mensa Education and Research Foundation. He is also a predoctoral fellow of the NIH T32 Training Grant.

In his free time, Jacob studies operant conditioning with his German Shepherd Dog.