Name: Jessica Zhou
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Lab: Integrative Biology Laboratory of Dr. Graham McVicker
Lab website: http://mcvicker.salk.edu/index.html
Hobbies: reading, yoga, cooking
What do you study? I analyze single-cell sequencing data to study regulatory genomics. Currently, I am using data from rats to study drug addiction.
Why is it important? Understanding how biological processes are controlled can tell us about how different diseases and other phenotypes develop. With this information, we can develop disease treatments or get a better idea of what causes other phenotypes.
How did you become interested in science? Because both of my parents are scientists, I’ve been exposed to it for as long as I can remember. As I grew older, I figured out my own relationship to science and what specific areas of science I enjoyed through extracurricular activities such as Science Olympiad; various science courses I took in high school and college; and research experiences.
What do you like about being a scientist? Science helps me understand the world, which is an empowering feeling. Being a scientist has also introduced me to so many people who are just as curious and interested in science, and that community is a great thing to have in your career. Over the course of my education, my scientific work has also given me various unexpected opportunities such as traveling for various conferences and most recently, living in Berlin to work with and learn from another lab.
What are 5 general vocabulary terms someone should know going into your field of science?
gene, transcription, genetics, statistics, data
What are 5 specific vocabulary terms someone should know about your research?
Genetic variant, enhancer, promoter, expression quantitative trait loci, generalized linear model