Blackwell Research Institute is proud to highlight the exceptional work of Christian Jones, a Fuquay-Varina High School student whose recent research project investigates one of the most complex and urgent scientific questions in modern neuroscience: how a single dysfunctional cellular pathway may drive multiple hallmark features of Alzheimer’s disease.

Through the Blackwell Research Institute, Christian studied how dysregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway can trigger a cascade of biological changes that ultimately lead to synaptic loss, impaired autophagy, mitochondrial failure, and toxic tau buildup - all defining features of Alzheimer’s pathology. His paper integrates findings from molecular biology, neurodegeneration research, and cellular metabolism to uncover how these processes link together at the systems level.

Christian’s research revealed several important and often overlooked insights, including the idea that Alzheimer’s may progress through a self-reinforcing biological cycle. One finding in particular stood out from his analysis: Alzheimer's progression may be driven by a single dysfunctional pathway - hyperactive mTOR - that simultaneously suppresses autophagy, accelerates tau pathology, destabilizes synapses, and poisons mitochondrial energy production.

This insight reflects a growing scientific trend: researchers increasingly believe that Alzheimer’s may not arise from isolated problems in the brain, but instead from a interconnected, mutually amplifying collapse of cellular regulation, with mTOR acting as a central control node. Christian’s work brings clarity to this emerging framework and demonstrates how early intervention in one pathway might slow or even prevent multiple neurodegenerative processes at once.

His paper also highlights promising pre-clinical evidence that rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mTOR pathway, can restore autophagy, reduce amyloid-β and tau accumulation, and protect neurons from early synaptic loss. While these findings come from animal studies, they point toward future therapeutic strategies worth exploring. Christian’s work is an impressive academic achievement for a high school student - showcasing advanced critical thinking, scientific rigor, and a remarkable ability to synthesize complex interdisciplinary research. He is also a finalist for the 2026 Blackwell Impact Award, which recognizes students whose research meaningfully advances scientific understanding and demonstrates potential for long-term community impact.

His work carries particular meaning in North Carolina, which is home to one of the fastest-growing senior populations in the country. As the state continues to see rising rates of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Christian’s research contributes to a broader effort to understand early drivers of disease and ultimately improve outcomes for families across Wake County and the surrounding region.

‍“Christian approached this project with exceptional curiosity and scientific maturity,” said the publishing committee at Blackwell. "His ability to evaluate emerging literature and articulate how mTOR dysfunction creates a self-reinforcing cycle in Alzheimer’s biology is extraordinary for a high school researcher. He exemplifies the caliber of thinking we aim to develop in our scholars.

Christian’s full research paper is available through the Blackwell Research Institute for readers interested in exploring his detailed analysis. His work stands as an inspiring example of how motivated students - when supported with mentorship and high-quality scientific training - can meaningfully contribute to scientific progress long before college.

As Christian continues his academic journey, we look forward to following his growing interest in neuroscience and molecular biology - and to seeing how his insights may help guide future advances in Alzheimer’s research and public health.