Juwaan Douglas-Jenkins ’22 will conduct biomedical research

After graduation, Juwaan Douglas-Jenkins ’22 will join the Gisela Storz Lab as part of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) program. IRTAs work side-by-side with leading scientists in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. During his time in the program, Douglas-Jenkins will work to identify and characterize small regulatory proteins.

Douglas-Jenkins credits his accomplishments to Dr. Anne Reid, assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. “As my research mentor for three years, Dr. Reid has truly inspired me,” he said. “Without her insight and guidance, I would not be the researcher I am today.”

He plans to use his time at the NIH to explore possible career paths and determine whether he wants to pursue medical school, graduate school or both. “I am open to seeing where my passions guide me, because you never know what opportunities may present themselves,” Douglas-Jenkins said.

During his time at Salve Regina, Douglas-Jenkins worked one-on-one with Reid to conduct independent research, allowing him to develop his technical skills and improve his critical thinking and scientific communication skills.

“If you want an environment in which you feel like you belong, then Salve is the place for you,” Douglas-Jenkins said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Salve community. My experiences here will help to shape my future, and if anyone asks me where I went to school, I will proudly say Salve Regina University.”

Article written by student writer Taylor Majkowicz ’22