Featured Graduate Student: Jessica Martin
PhD Student Biological Anthropology
Jessica Martin is a second year PhD student, studying biological anthropology under the advisement of Dr. Christopher Schmitt in the Sensory Morphology and Anthropological Genomics Lab. Her dissertation research focuses on comparing the gut microbiomes of vervet monkeys living in two wild locations in South Africa.
We sat down with her to discuss her research, her day to day, and her transition to BU.
What does your typical day look like? What’s it like being a Grad Student AT BU?
Being a second-year Ph.D. student at BU can be quite exciting but also demanding, especially for those who are simultaneously taking classes and teaching. Here’s a snapshot of what a typical day for me might look like:
7:00 AM: Wake up and prepare for that day with some yoga/ meditation and breakfast.
8:00 AM: Commute to campus via the T or walking.
9:00 AM: Arrive on campus and organize materials for the day’s classes and teaching responsibilities. This might include preparing lab presentations, grading assignments, or setting up any necessary lab materials.
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Teach or attend classes. I’m currently teaching the undergraduate course, Human Biology, Behavior, and Evolution.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Break for lunch, network with peers, or engage in discussions with postdocs or professors.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Participate in research activities, which may involve working in the lab, conducting experiments, analyzing data, or reading scientific articles.
6:00 – 7:00 PM: Commute back home on the T or walk, taking advantage of the travel time to catch up on my personal readings. Currently, I’m reading the novel, “The Children of Men” by P.D. James.
7:00 PM: Wind down for the day, potentially engaging in additional studies, relaxation activities, or social interactions.
Are there any upcoming research projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
My current research project involves investigating the gut microbiomes of wild vervet monkeys living in two locations in South Africa with fundamentally different diets: Soetdoring Nature Reserve, where the monkeys eat natural forage, and private farms near the Gariep Dam where the monkeys regularly supplement their diets with agricultural and human foods. The goal of this work will be to compare the microbial diversity of these two populations, adding in the effects of seasonal dietary variation, as well as establishing how disease conditions, like SIVagm status and parasitic infection, may disrupt the relationship between these dietary shifts over time, population, and gut communities in vervets.
This summer I had my first SMAGL field season in South Africa, which was extremely exciting! I spent most of my time in the field developing our microbiome protocol with our North West University collaborator Prudent Mokgokong using wild vervet vaginal swabs, collected during a previous field season. I’m currently analyzing that data, and plan to present it at a number of upcoming conferences.
I am also working on incorporating a research project that looks at how social networks shape the gut microbial composition in wild vervet monkeys. Direct physical contact among social individuals, possibly from grooming could be aiding in the transmission of either beneficial or harmful gut microbial species.
How do you feel your research and your anthropological interests have evolved throughout your education? You started off studying Neuroscience and Chemistry, how did that inspire your current work in primate evolution & ecology?
In college, I was a neuroscience and chemistry student aiming to go to medical school. However, it was during the pivotal juncture of preparing to submit my medical school applications in the Spring of 2020 that I took a reflective pause to reassess my ultimate goals. This contemplation prompted me to withdraw my medical school applications and embark on a gap year dedicated to self-exploration. It was during this time that I realized my true passion lay within the realm of research focused on the gut microbiome. As a little background during my senior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The diagnosis set in motion the start of many gastroenterology appointments, medication regimens, and food elimination diets. This experience sparked my desire to learn more about the inner workings of the gastrointestinal tract. After digging deep into the scientific literature, I learned about the highly complex and diverse community of microbes living in the gastrointestinal tract and how disturbances in the microbiome interact closely with diet and lifestyle changes. This began my interest in the gut microbiome. Given the difficulty of studying the long-term effects of diet in human beings – self-reported dietary and nutrient intake collected from questionnaires and surveys are typically not comprehensive or standardized – I realized our close phylogenetic relationship to non-human primates makes them a more appropriate model for understanding the mechanisms behind the relationship between diet and the microbiome. In retrospect, this transformative journey has not only enriched my academic pursuits but has also fostered a deep-seated commitment to unraveling the intricacies of the gut microbiome.
I’ve noticed you do a lot of volunteer work both for BU orgs and outside organizations, can you tell me a little more about that?
Certainly! I actively participate in several volunteer programs, both within the Boston University community and external organizations, as a part of my commitment to contributing to various causes. One of my involvements involves a nonprofit organization based in Cambridge called Science Club for Girls. To address inequities in STEM around race, gender, and socioeconomics, Science Club for Girls offers STEM activities for K-12 girls and gender-expensive youth. This semester we are teaching a curriculum centered around evolutionary biology, archaeology, and data analysis. This experience has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to foster a passion for teaching science to young minds, and witnessing their grasp of complex concepts is immensely rewarding. I love seeing the Science Club for Girls participants get that light bulb moment. The moment when something clicks, and they finally understand a concept. Additionally, within the BU community, I hold the position of the Graduate Student Organization secretary, graduate mentor in the Anthro In The Works mentor-mentee program, and recently volunteered to serve as a grant review committee representative. Through these various volunteer engagements, I have had the privilege of contributing to the advancement of educational initiatives, fostering a spirit of community engagement, and nurturing the academic and professional growth of my peers, undergraduate students, and those within the wider community.
How has your transition to BU been? Do you have any favorite spots around campus?
Having previously attended a large public state university, I have really enjoyed transitioning to a smaller private institution like BU. The abundance of resources, amplified research opportunities, and the presence of exceptional professors brimming with knowledge and insight have been some of the defining aspects of my time here. My favorite spots around campus change all the time, usually depending on the weather. I often prefer to immerse myself in work outside, especially when the weather is pleasant. I’ve found that the bustling atmosphere of my office or the anthropology graduate lounge can be a bit too distracting, hindering my productivity. It’s as though I could talk endlessly without making any headway. On gloomier days, I’ve developed a fondness for retreating to the comforting seclusion of Mugar Memorial Library or the Science and Engineering Library.
Any communities you have found particularly welcoming/interesting?
Definitely! I consider myself incredibly privileged to be part of such an extraordinary cohort of individuals. What’s particularly amusing is the composition of our cohort, consisting of five students specializing in biological anthropology and one specializing in archaeology. Typically, one would expect a more even distribution across the subdisciplines, but our dynamic is what makes it truly special. Each member brings something unique to the table, making our interactions even more enriching. Just this past weekend, we organized a “homework party”, which, as expected, turned into a delightful blend of heartfelt conversations and laughter, with slightly less focus on actual homework. I could not have asked for a more supportive and encouraging community!
Can you share any advice for students considering studying anthropology?
If I were to offer advice to any undergraduate student, I would strongly encourage them to venture into other disciplines and explore diverse courses beyond their major. There’s a world of surprises waiting to be discovered, and you might find yourself passionately drawn to an entirely new field of study. As human beings, we are in a constant state of evolution and transformation. Engaging with individuals beyond your major circle, whether they are undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, or professors, can offer invaluable insights and perspectives that enrich your academic journey. Seize every opportunity to delve into external avenues outside of the classroom, such as immersing yourself in a lab environment, participating in fieldwork, or joining various clubs and organizations. Also, remember to pause and take a deep breath; trust that you are making remarkable progress and that everything will eventually fall into place.