I recently had the opportunity to chat with Kellie Ann Jurado, an Assistant Professor in the Microbiology Department. Kellie’s group is interested in antiviral immunity and is particularly focused on recently discovered or newly emerging pathogenic threats. Below is a paraphrased transcript of our discussion of some of the challenges academics at all career levels are currently experiencing.
JG: The pandemic has pretty much turned the typical university structure on its head. How have you and your lab fared with the challenging transition to remote work and staggered schedules?
KAJ: Unfortunately, being a new lab that mostly does wet lab research, remote work was almost impossible! So, as with a lot of groups, this pandemic really impacted our progress. But, since I work on emerging viruses, I decided to come into lab about a month into the pandemic to help out. Then with time our group started our own small SARS-CoV-2 project, so we have continued to be in lab for a bit now. Staggering schedules isn’t so bad given that we are still quite small and are lucky enough to be surrounded by some extra space that we can stretch into.
JG: This is certainly a trying and potentially traumatizing time for both trainees and mentors. What are some ways that you think faculty can support trainees (and vice versa) in the current context?
KAJ: I think it is super important for faculty to recognize and to go as far as to directly state that a trainees physical and mental safety are top priority right now. We all need to be flexible and to accept that most things are going to have delays and that the new normal is still going to be quite peculiar.
JG: What is your take on virtual rotations - love them or leave them?
KAJ: I wish it was so clear-cut. I think virtual rotations are what you make out of. For my lab, a virtual rotation is tough because we primarily do wet lab research and have not gotten to the point of having enough data where data analysis/mining is an option. But with that said, I had a rotation student during the pandemic, and we made the most of the situation. We met weekly and came up with thesis projects and experiments. We read and discussed. It was great. So, I really think it is what you make out of it and we were able to work together to make it fruitful.
JG: Do you think the process of selecting rotation (or thesis) labs will be fundamentally different for 2020 matriculates? For future classes?
KAJ: Oh absolutely. Honestly it is uncharted grounds all around, but I think that is why it is so important to do some deep digging into what about a lab environment is important to you and make sure that the lab you are interested in joining has those qualities. This will likely necessitate virtually interacting with both the PI and current lab members, and potentially asking some difficult questions to each party.
JG: Pandemic or not, what do you think are some characteristics that are important for graduate students to be successful during their PhD?
KAJ: Perseverance for sure. Everyone’s project tends to require a lot of optimization, so it’s important to continue to show up and maintain enthusiasm during some of the more tedious steps. It’s also important to maintain an open mind: negative data can still lead to interesting conclusions, so we can’t get too married to one particular hypothesis. Another important thing to consider is that, of course you should be working on a project that is interesting to you, but the mentorship you experience during your PhD is potentially even more important than your project itself. You’re learning how to develop and answer scientific questions, not necessarily determining exactly what you will study for the rest of your life. Your PhD mentor is going to be a critical connection for the rest of your career, so you need to find someone who will advocate for you.
JG: What qualities did you look for in your thesis mentor?
KAJ: Everyone is different and needs different things from their environment in order to thrive. For me it was important to have an advisor who was involved, inclusive, supported my outreach activities, and pushed me to grow.
JG: Given the current nationwide reckoning with institutionalized racism, I think we can all agree that inclusivity is an important discussion right now. What exactly does inclusivity mean to you?
KAJ: Many people think diversity and inclusion mean the same thing. But they don't. Diversity is about representation, whereas inclusion is about involvement. So, in essence, diversity means getting invited, but inclusion means being encouraged to participate. This encouragement can come in many forms. It could be as intentional as being asked to lead a project or contribute to a discussion, but it can even be as simple as a smile.
JG: One of the obstacles to an inclusive environment is a general tolerance of ‘normalized’ forms of discrimination like microaggressions, which have been a subject of discussion in academia of late. Have you experienced microaggressions and how did these instances impact you?
KAJ: Yes, I am very familiar with microaggressions and the weight that comes with them. Microaggressions are tough. They are situations that can be “justified” by changing the context and because of this it is often easier to do just that. But, even when one can try to protect themselves in this way, over time, these events become very heavy. The best way to deal with microaggressions is to share them. Respectfully call out the individual who made the comment; maybe they did not recognize the weight of their comment. Make sure they do. If unable or uncomfortable, then share with an ally who can. Inaction only allows it to happen again. As a community, we need to do a better job of disrupting and disarming microaggressions through educating/enlightening, promoting bystander intervention, and increasing dialogue. But if action feels like too much, then that is okay too. Self-care and coping should be your central value, so at minimum seek social support to share and don't let microaggressions weigh you down.
JG: Could you please elaborate on bystander intervention?
CF: I did my undergraduate studies and master’s in biotechnology/bioengineering in Spain, then I did my PhD in microbiology and immunology at the University of British Colombia in Vancouver. Then I went to MIT for a post-doc to expand my knowledge of synthetic biology and computer science. After that I was hired here. Now my lab works to incorporate concepts from microbiology, synthetic biology, and computer science into our research approach.
JG: Would you say that traveling so far from home for your training added any extra hurdles to your academic journey?
KAJ: Want to be an ally? Want to make a difference? Step in and speak up for someone when you recognize a microaggression. Make the invisible visible and educate the offender. Bystander intervention can be an ally’s most supportive action because they take the work off of the wounded and initiate dialogue about and/or enlightenment regarding offensive words and actions.
JG: On a lighter note, one of the silver linings of my quarantine experience has been trying lots of different local take-out places with housemates. Do you have a favorite pandemic take-out meal?
KAJ: Hands-down: Love and Honey Fried chicken (with honey mustard).
JG: Let’s say you’re back in February 2020. What is one thing you should have done pre-pandemic?
KAJ: Took a vacation to visit my parents, and I should have bought all of the good-smelling hand sanitizer at the last semi-annual Bath and Body Works sale.
Kellie's lab is located in Stemmler Hall. Any trainees interested in learning more about her work can contact her at kellie.jurado@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.