Profile by Sanjay Adhikary
GSA would like to highlight the achievements of all UAMS graduates, current and former, to show you just how diverse career paths can be. This edition features Jessica Kelliher, Ph.D, who is currently working as a post-doctoral fellow in the UAMS lab of Brian Koss, Ph.D.
Hometown: Hot Springs, Arkansas
College Major: Biology and Music
Hobbies: Hiking, spending time with my kids and playing the clarinet
Graduate School department: GPiBS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
What would you say is the impact of a graduate degree?
During the process of earning my Ph.D., I learned how to critically solve problems in an independent manner. I also gained confidence and passion for pursuing new ideas in my field.
How similar is your post-Ph.D. work to what you did during your graduate degree?
The techniques I use are mostly different, but the ideas are a natural blend of my Ph.D. work and my postdoctoral laboratories interests.
What do you want to do when you grow up?
I hope that I can obtain a faculty position in a research institution and run my own laboratory.
What advice would you give to new grad students? And for grad students about to graduate?
New graduate students — there is a huge learning curve during the Ph.D. process; don’t ever think you aren’t good enough or smart enough. Experiments will fail more than they succeed, and results will not match your hypothesis. You just have to learn to roll with it and keep moving forward, undeterred. Students about to graduate — apply for the dream job/dream locations. Try and find a place where you will be learning something new — learning does not stop when you earn the Ph.D.
What’s your favorite thing about your lab or department?
I love the BCMB annual gift exchange, with Dr. [Grover] Miller as the announcer!
Do you have a published paper/received a fellowship or award you’d like to shout out?
I recently received a postdoctoral fellowship from the American Cancer Society, which covers my salary for three years and offers some travel money.
Last one; time for a fun question: Who inspires you?
My dad — he always pushed me to pursue my passions and be the best I can be.
Thank you, Jessica, for your participation. Congratulations on your ACS fellowship, and we look forward to seeing more of your accomplishments in the future.