Name: Justin Mojgani
Hometown: Born in Houston, Texas; grew up in Virginia and West Virginia; high school and college in Philadelphia; moved on to Massachusetts and New Hampshire; then San Diego in June 2014.
Hobbies: Surfing, hiking, antiquing, vinyl records, camping, travel, and reading.
What is your background?
– Associates Degree in Liberal Arts of Science.
– Taught Herpetology and an Introduction to Small Mammals for an Animal Science program at North Shore Community College in North Boston.
– Animal husbandry performed for research animals at Novartis Institure for Bio-Medical Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
– Over 2,500 hours of lecture experience speaking to the general public about animals.
– Owned an exotic animal business educating the public about proper husbandry, conservation, rehabilitation and proper pet ownership.
Why is it important? By studying animal models, humans can learn about the natural biology of animals and apply that knowledge to better understand health, behavior, psychology, relationships, chemistry, ecology and disease in both animals and humans.
What do you like about being a scientist?
My daily job is certainly not boring! I get to learn about new research theories by caring for the animals that provide valuable information for studies. The people employed within the animal care industry are very compassionate about animals. We enjoy understanding about the natural world and helping others with detrimental ailments. We care about the welfare of animals and the general wellbeing of our planet.