Alumni Spotlight on Jenna Mazur

Jenna Mazur is a graduate of the MS-RSM program, Class of 2020. She completed the non-thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Pamela Monahan and Dr. Jessica Hornick. She is currently a molecular technologist for Castle Biosciences, Inc.

Mentor: Dr. Pamela Monahan, PhD and Dr. Jessica Hornick, PhD

Project title: The Role of Condensin in Chromosomal Aneuploidy.

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

I was a graduate of the 2020 MS-RSM class. During my time at Northwestern, I worked with Dr. Monahan, Dr. Hornick and Noelle Ozimek on a project focusing on the condensins, a group of proteins that organize chromosomes during cell division, and their potential role in affecting oocyte ploidy and infertility.

Could you describe your current research/studies?

I currently work in a clinical laboratory as a molecular technologist for Castle Biosciences, Inc. We provide patients with prognostic and diagnostic tests for dermatologic cancers that provide clinically actionable, tumor-specific genomic information to enable more accurate treatment plan decisions.

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

One of my biggest takeaways from my time at CRS was the importance of collaboration. Whether it’s learning about someone else's research, asking another scientist for help troubleshooting, or just to get another perspective, collaboration is essential in all fields of science and research!

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

The most valuable aspect to my training was the hands-on experience. Before CRS, I had very limited laboratory experience. Everyone was very patient and helpful along the way, which truly makes a huge difference to an inexperienced junior scientist!

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

Attend everything you can! Outside of classes, there are roundtables, presentations, and so much more available to trainees. When an opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and go for it!

What do you think will be the next big contribution in the reproductive biology field?

I think the possibilities are endless, but I hope there will be advances in oncofertility care.

 Do you have any notable stories from your time in CRS?

Since I was a part of the 2020 class, I remember enjoying some fun zoom happy hours with my cohort!