Meet Jocelyn Salvador

Jocelyn rotated in the lab as we were transitioning to Northwestern. In fact, she was the first person to learn that the lab was relocating. I really wanted her to join, as I quickly recognized her potential, but I knew this was a difficult decision to make for many reasons. Moving required changing graduate programs, taking more courses, coping with delays associated with setting up a new lab, and establishing new personal connections. To my delight (and surprise), she followed us to Chicago. It has been extremely rewarding to guide her scientific efforts and witness her growth, she surprises me time and again! Jocelyn is one of the most fearless and creative trainees I ever met, those features coupled with her determination provide a winning formula for success.

We turned the spotlight on Jocelyn asking some brief questions. Below are her responses.

Can you provide a brief introduction to your topic of research? What are the short term and long-term objectives?

I am a rising 5th year PhD candidate in the Arispe lab. We are a vascular biology lab and my research project is focused on how endothelial cells (the cells that line the inside of all blood vessels!) sense and respond to blood flow which is an important task for maintaining proper vascular function. The short term objective of my research project is to identify how different types of blood flow patterns in the aorta impact endothelial nuclear integrity and chromatin organization. The long-term objectives would be to understand how blood flow and aging dynamically alter chromatin organization.

For background, where did you grow up, where did you study and what circumstances that brought you to your topic of research?

I grew up in Los Angeles, California (Oaxacalifornia!). I studied biomedical engineering at UC Irvine where my undergraduate courses in tissue engineering and my research experiences first sparked my interest in vascular biology. I am very lucky to have encountered amazing mentors (many who are also first-generation students) along the way who have shaped my interests and motivated me to continue along the path of vascular biology.

What do you hope to achieve after getting your degree? What steps are you taking now to help get you there?

This is definitely the toughest question! I am not sure yet, there are so many career options that interest me. I like research and the idea of being involved in research in some aspect, in any sector (industry, academia, or government). Over this next year I will be taking advantage of professional development and networking opportunities from Northwestern and the North American Vascular Biology Organization to refine my interests. For now, I am just happy to be a scientist.

When you are not in the lab, what hobbies/activities draw your attention?

When I am not in the lab I like going out on walks along the lake or in the city. I also love trying new restaurants! My favorite hobby is probably getting together with my labmates and friends from my graduate cohort to commiserate about lab failures (and successes!) over happy hour food and drinks. Please direct me to your favorite happy hour!

Jocelyn is on track to complete her PhD requirements this year. Send her a congratulatory note at jsalvador@u.northwestern.edu