Graduate Student Spotlight: Fredette-Roman

 

For November’s student spotlight we are showcasing Jacob Fredette-Roman. Jacob is an Integrative Biology PhD Student. He is a part of the Sharp lab in the Genetics-Biotechnology Center. Jacob’s spotlight highlights his current research, his dream job, and much more.

1. Explain your research so that your grandparent or a 5-year old would understand it?

My research aims to improve our knowledge of mutations–how mutation rates vary across the tree of life, how specific types of DNA replication are prone to causing mutations, and the degree to which reactive oxygen species, which are generated during respiration, change the types of mutations that get passed from one generation to the next. Since mutations are the major source of genetic diversity in populations, understanding more about the dynamics of mutations can change how we think about adaptation and evolution overall.

 

2. What inspired you to pursue that research?

I first got interested in this research when I was working with the zooplankton Eurytemora affinis in Carol Lee’s lab. I realized that we didn’t have a good estimate of the mutation rate in this species, which is an important piece of information for modeling adaptive evolution. After some reading, I discovered that we had the resources and ability to conduct an experiment to measure the mutation rate in the species. This interest eventually led me to Nathaniel Sharp’s lab, where I’ve been able to further investigate the dynamics of mutation rate evolution.

3. What are your hobbies or interests outside of school?

When I’m not working on my research or TAing, I’m most likely exploring one of Madison’s amazing dog parks with my dog Archie or rock climbing with my partner! We typically sport climb at Petenwell Bluff near Necedah, WI and we’ve also been to Grandad Bluff in La Crosse. These places offer a lot of bolted climbing routes for us, and in the fall you get amazing views of the autumn leaves from the top of the bluffs. We also enjoy playing board games when we’re stuck inside during the winter months.

4. What are your favorite places/things to do in Madison?

The Mason Lounge and the I/O arcade bar are my favorite places for a night out in Madison, and I love going to the farmers market by the capitol building on Saturdays.

5. What is a pleasant surprise you’ve encountered while being a graduate student here?

Most people probably wouldn’t consider this a “pleasant” surprise, but coming from the scorching weather of Phoenix, Arizona, I find the frigid temperatures here in Madison to be quite nice! My partner and I love ice skating at Tenney park and we’ve gotten to try cross country skiing since moving here.

6. What is your dream job?

My dream job is to do evolutionary biology research for an environmental agency like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).