Alumni Spotlight on Adam Montgomery

Adam Montgomery was an undergraduate researcher in the Mayo Laboratory for two years. His research focused on the role of Jag1 in activation of notch signaling in the mouse ovary. He is currently a medical assistant at Robert A. Hozman Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Clinic.

Mentor(s): Nisan Hubbard, PhD, and Dr. Kelly Mayo, PhD

Project: “Evaluating The Role Of Jag1 In Activation Of Notch Signaling In The Mouse Ovary”

What is your connection to the CRS community (mentor and poison) and what is your current position?

My mentor was Nisan Hubbard PhD, and I was an undergraduate researcher at The Mayo Laboratory. The lab was lead by Dr. Kelly Mayo. I was in the lab from the end of my sophomore year until my graduation in 2021.

Could you describe your current research/studies?

I am currently a medical assistant at Robert A. Hozman Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Clinic, in Skokie, IL. I am also preparing to apply to medical school.

What aspect(s) of CRS did you find most valuable?

While researching within the field of endocrinology, I was able to learn from the other areas of research done by the CRS community at Northwestern. I found it very helpful to look at my research from different perspectives, as ultimately, each branch of research was interconnected.

What has been the most valuable aspect to your training as a scientist?

Working in a small lab allowed me to work more one-on-one with my mentor and with Dr. Mayo. Researching at The Mayo Lab allowed me to further my critical thinking skills and my ability to be self-sufficient in my research

What would you recommend to junior scientists in order for them succeed in their scientific careers?

Be very open to criticism and ask questions. Everyone around you has a vast wealth of knowledge. Use that to your advantage. No question is bad, and even asking simple questions can aid your research in the most surprising of ways.

What do you think will be the next big contribution in your field or in science in general?

I’ve found that as I’ve transitioned from laboratory science to medical science/ medicine, I’ve began to look more into the physical implications of our research. A large area of research that is done by the CRS community focuses on infertility, and through my path into the medical field I have been able to witness just how crucial our research is. I hope that the next big contribution in our field is to combat the high rates of infertility in women, specifically the fact that Black women are 2x as likely to have fertility problems. I know that the research done by the CRS community will help bridge the gap in racial inequalities within healthcare.

What hobbies do you have outside of the lab?

I love to workout and play basketball/tennis. I also enjoy the relaxation I get from finding new meals to cook each week with my fiancé.