Society of Toxicology (SOT) Student member Joseph L. Jilek, MS, is a fourth-year PhD candidate at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). He is pictured with his UC Davis colleagues and fellow SOT Student members Brad Hobson (far left) and Frances Shaffo (middle).
What is your area of research?
My background is in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics; my research focuses on microRNA regulation of ADME genes using recombinant microRNA agents as a research tool. We also are interested in investigating recombinant microRNA agents as novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
How did you become interested in toxicology?
I discovered toxicology in an undergraduate course. After graduating, I worked for a contract research organization (CRO) briefly and learned about the important role of toxicology in preclinical drug development. Having this work experience, I initially pursued an MS in toxicology to advance my credentials and return to the CRO world. However, I got hooked on research and decided to pursue my PhD in pharmacology and toxicology.
What has been your favorite moment or experience while pursuing your scientific career?
Scientific meetings are always the best for many reasons: presenting the big picture of your work, catching up with past colleagues, and spending time with current colleagues. This year, SOT was special for me as the paper I lead-authored as part of my master’s thesis won the Toxicological Sciences Paper of the Year Award, so being part of the awards ceremony was a huge honor.
If you were not a scientist, what would you be and why?
I would be a pilot—aviation has always fascinated me. My cousin is a pilot, and I’m pretty jealous of all the cool places he travels to “on the clock.”
Through #YouTox, the Graduate Student Leadership Committee (GSLC) invites individuals, labs, communities, and organizations to share stories, images, videos, and other media that help shed a light on toxicology and toxicologists. To join the campaign, use #YouTox on social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) or email your submission to Ashley Black, SOT GSLC staff liaison.