Senior Success: Juwaan Douglas-Jenkins ’22 will be conducting biomedical research

Following his graduation, Douglas-Jenkins will join the Gisela Storz Lab as part of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) program. Postbac IRTAs work side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. During his time with this program, Douglas-Jenkins will be working to identify and characterize small regulatory proteins.

While Douglas-Jenkins acknowledges all the support he has received from various faculty members throughout his time at Salve, he accredits the greatest impact to Dr. Anna Reid, assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Biomedical Science.

“As my research mentor for three years, Dr. Reid has truly inspired me,” explained Douglas-Jenkins. “Without her insight and guidance, I would not be the researcher I am today.”

As of right now, Douglas-Jenkins has not decided what he wishes to do in the future, but he is going to use his time working at the NIH to determine his passions. Through his research experience, he will figure out if 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,” said Douglas-Jenkins.

During his time at Salve Regina, the memorable and useful part of Douglas-Jenkins’ education was working one-on-one with Dr. Reid on independent research. The research experiences he had at Salve Regina aided Douglas-Jenkins in the development of his technical skills on the bench, and they also improved his critical thinking and scientific communication skills.

For prospective and current students, Douglas-Jenkins advocates for the idea that it is okay not knowing exactly want a person wants to do with their life. He believes that the professors at Salve Regina help navigate students through all the possibilities that life and education have to offer, and that the faculty will do everything they can to help students on their journey. The Salve Regina community is one that will continue to encourage students to follow their dreams.

“If you want an environment in which you feel like you belong, then Salve is the place for you,” explained Douglas-Jenkins as he looks back on the close-knit group of faculty, staff and students who have become like a family. “I am grateful for having the opportunity to be part of the Salve community,” expressed Douglas-Jenkins. “ 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

Senior Success is part of Salve Success — a series of student success stories periodically featured on SALVEtoday. Check out the tag Salve Success for more stories.