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Jill Fuss
Structural Biologist

What a researcher does

Jill gets to see and learn new things that other people cannot even imagine. Jill purifies and clones proteins and nutrients to understand them better. The process of purifying and crystallizing nutrients helps identify possible cures for many diseases.  At times Jill gets frustrated because proteins are difficult to work with.  Proteins like to move fast so it is hard to know where they are going next.  To figure out their next move, lots of math is used.  Once they find results that can be helpful to patients, the research is later transferred to hospitals and clinics where it is tested.

Why this field

Jill was introduced to medical research by her mother’s friend who got Jill her first internship at a local lab.  Jill enjoyed working in the lab atmosphere so much that she later took classes on structural biology and then went on to get her PhD. “I liked this career because I get to see things that ordinary people don’t get a chance to.” Jill likes helping hospitals and doctors find medicines for illnesses such a cancer.

A day in the life

Jill starts her day by checking her email to see if there is anything new or important. Next, she checks in on her experiments and sees how they are doing. During Jill’s spare time she enjoys being a role model to Techbridge girls and UC Berkeley students who intern in her lab.  Jill loves working in a lab and at the end of the day she presents her findings to her colleagues. 

The best part of being a researcher

Jill likes to be on the cutting edge of research. “We are the first ones to do things no one has done before.”  Her research is used to develop new medicines for tough diseases. Her current project looks at the genetic code of ocean worms and its similarities with human DNA.  These worms might have the answer to finding a cure for skin cancer.  Jill’s research brings a new perspective to science and engineering.

A proud moment              

Jill is proud of what she does every day, like finishing a difficult project on time.  Jill is also proud of completing her dissertation, which she needed to finish her PhD.  Jill says, “It was a good work and creative.”

Challenges along the way

Jill started to take medical classes, but realized her interests were in a different career.  After an internship she figured out that she wanted to work in a lab.  Jill also jokes that to be a great researcher, “You have to be in school until you finish grade 26!” It was a lot of school, but Jill is very happy with her career choice because she feels she helps to make the world a better place.

Life outside of work

Jill has hobbies outside the lab. She is a sporty girl. She likes to ski in the winter and to hike and ride her motorcycle when it is nice outside. In the summer, she rides her bike and goes kayaking. She also enjoys doing things “that girls like to do, like knitting.”

Role models

Jill’s role models were her mother, her mother’s friend, and her father, who all inspired her growing up. Her mom finished college with a math major, which Jill is very proud of.  Her mom’s friend who worked at the hospital was really dedicated to her work, and that was a good example for Jill. Her dad was an electrical engineer, and Jill also looked up to him.

Advice to young women

“Follow your dreams and don’t let anyone put you down!” “Do whatever you want, but be the best at it.” Jill suggests to girls to consider science and math careers because they bring a different perspective to life.