Jennifer Brockman

Animal Care

 

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, family and pets… anything goes! 

I'm a Texas girl transplanted to California. I have a degree in history and a background in tutoring and inventory management.

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy in your free time?  

I enjoy hiking, gardening, biking, kayaking, and reading. I also enjoy protection dog sports, like IGP and PSA, which I trained for with my German Shepherd, Tyr.

Tell us about someone in your life who inspired you or helped you become who you are today.

Someone who inspires me is my Dad. He was a big influence on my leadership style and he showed me that being a mentor to others is one of the most satisfying jobs in the world.

What motivates you or helps you feel fulfilled?

I am motivated by learning! I am forever signing up for classes, solo traveling, and reading so I can better understand myself and the world.

What do you do really well? Is there anything you wish you could improve?

I am good at organizing. I wish I was a better public speaker.

What’s an accomplishment you are really proud of? Is there something you want to do, but haven't done yet?

I am proud of earning my Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) certification, as well as being nominated for the SVAALAS Technician of the Year Award for 2021. 

Let’s talk about your career journey. What inspired you to go into your current field? What first brought you to JAX? Has your job changed since you joined?

I first came to JAX because I was intrigued by the work described in the Indeed posting! I stayed because of the mission. I lost both parents to heritable diseases, and it is beyond fulfilling to me to work with research animals that are aiding in the search for cures for the diseases that affected my family.

How do explain your current work to others? What’s your favorite thing about it?

I tell people I work with an awesome team dedicated to enriching the scientific community's biomedical understanding through the production of our amazing mice. My favorite thing is working with the people here and knowing that PEOPLE is one of our core values.