Snapshot: Jessica Mayeux

Position: Research associate, laboratory of Michael Pollard, California campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), California campus

Area of Research: Mayeux and her colleagues focus on how exposure to environmental factors, such as crystalline silica, can trigger autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as genetic factors that influence susceptibility and resistance.

Background: Mayeux was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and raised in Texas, earning a PhD in Immunology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She plans a career investigating the mechanisms behind complex systemic autoimmune diseases.

Awards/Accomplishments: In the past year at TSRI, Mayeux has published a first-author paper in the Journal of Immunology and has received multiple travel grants from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Arrived at TSRI: September 2014

Thoughts on TSRI: “Being immersed in a community of world-class researchers is a dream come true for a science and nature aficionado,” says Mayeux. She believes TSRI’s highly collaborative, collegial and rigorous environment has sparked the development of multiple novel approaches in the Pollard lab. She notes, “The density of biomedical researchers in both the public and private sectors in the La Jolla area makes it certain that the answer to any scientific question is only a short walk away.”

Professional and Volunteer Groups: Mayeux is president of the Society of Fellows (SoF), having previously served as chair of career development and organizer of last fall’s 2015 Lightning Talk Competition. “The most compelling aspect of SoF is the fact that it is entirely volunteer-based,” she says, pointing out that “SoF is committed to improving the trainee experience at TSRI by offering networking and career events and resources, while also providing an inclusive social environment among trainees, hosting a myriad of events.”

Mayeux also volunteers at San Diego’s interactive Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park, helping with events such as the “Fleet Night of Science,” the “Two Scientists Walk into a Bar” community education program and local science fairs.

Extracurricular Activities: Mayeux enjoys hiking and camping, recently exploring Yellowstone National Park and kayaking among sea caves in the Channel Islands. She is also an avid piano player and likes creating spicy Cajun dishes from New Orleans. A proud owner of two Shiba Inu dogs—Niko and Ember—Mayeux works with an animal rescue group, fostering, transporting and re-homing abandoned dogs.

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