This is the first post in our “Meet a Scientist” series. First up is Lina Jamis, a graduate student in the Anatomy program at Penn State College of Medicine. If you’re a regular reader here, you’ve probably read many of her posts — most recently, her piece on virtual reality for the blog award.

Without further ado, meet Lina Jamis:

Let’s get to know you a bit! Where are you from, what did you study in college, and what is your role at Penn State College of Medicine?

I hail from Potomac MD, which is a suburb very near Washington, D.C. I grew up with the best of both worlds. I went to Georgetown University (Hoya Saxa!) where I studied Neurobiology. After graduating, I decided to pursue a Masters degree and I ended up at Penn State’s College of Medicine, where I study anatomy and physiology, and work in a molecular motors lab, studying the role of unconventional myosins in human sensory systems.

Why did you decide to become a scientist?

I think my feelings on science can be best summarized by Eugene P. Kennedy, who wrote an article in the Annual Review of Biochemistry in 1992:

“The anonymity that is the fate of nearly every scientist as the work of one generation blends almost without a trace into that of the next is a small price to pay for its unending progress, the great long march of human reason…To feel that one has contributed to this splendid enterprise, on however small a scale, is reward enough for labor at the end of the day.”

What do you research at Penn State, and why is it important?

I study the role of an unconventional class III myosin protein that has been localized to neurosensory epithelia; specifically, the stereocilia of the inner and outer hair cells of the ear. Its presence and function are critical to the process of hearing; without it, deafness ensues.

What are some of your hobbies outside the lab?

• Crossfit
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Reading multiple books at the same time
• Writing poetry

Tell us three random facts about yourself!

• I’m an identical triplet (we’re all ladies)
• I own four direwolves
• I’m actually an old woman in the body of a 25 year-old

 

Stay tuned for a new interview next week! And if you’re a Penn State College of Medicine scientist interested in participating, e-mail Lions-Talk-Science@psu.edu for details!