Heather Jamieson

Where are you from?

Ashland, Ohio

What is your major and how did you choose it?

My majors are biology with a specialization in cellular and molecular biology and genetics (CMG), and psychology. I’ve known for as long as I can remember that I’ve wanted to go into biology, and in high school I found that I loved looking at how the body works and genetics, which lead me to choosing to specialize in CMG. My senior year of high school, I took a psychology class at my local university and my professor would constantly tie in psychology to many other fields of study, showing us how it can add to whatever you wanted to study. That class helped me decide to pursue a double major, which I am ecstatic I have been able to complete in addition to biology.

What’s your favorite Biology course & why? 

BI 311: Microbiology! The content of the class was fascinating, especially since microbiology can relate to so many different areas of science (my favorite being the gut brain axis and how the human microbiome can influence mental health). I loved that the professor would tie in what we were learning in the class to what was going on in the world (such as outbreaks of West Nile virus, or what EEE is), and that the class was catered to what the students wanted to learn more about (microbiology in the context of a medical environment, ecology, etc.). Additionally, I loved the lab, especially since we spent the majority of it identifying a true unknown microbe we picked from a soil sample in Boston. This class helped me figure out what I want to do post-graduation.

What kind of research do you do?

I do Alzheimer’s research with Dr. Mellott on BU’s Medical campus, and clinical research with Erin Work at MGH. For the Alzheimer’s research, the lab studies the therapeutic effects of dietary choline mediated by IGF2 in AD mouse models. Through this lab I have been able to develop my skills in animal research, specifically in running animal behavior tests, and in a lot of wet lab processes such as western blots, protein assays, and staining and imaging. At MGH, I work in the HOPE Clinic, where I do chart review on women who are pregnant and have an opioid or substance use disorder.

How did you get your research position?

I got my research position at MGH by responding to a Facebook research position posting, and through a subsequent phone interview. My position at BU’s medical campus was recommended to me through a friend.

How has your research tied into your classroom learning?

My research has tied into my classroom learning by having in lab experiences for what I’m learning about in classes. For example, I’ve taken classes that have discussed neurodegenerative disorders, and have been able to connect what I’m learning with what I’ve seen in the lab. Additionally, my classes that have talked about different classes of drugs have been helpful in my chart review.

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in?

I am a College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Host, and a member of the Tri Delta sorority. Additionally, I am a peer-mentor for biology, and have participated in FYSOP (as both a first year and a staff leader) for the past 4 years, as well as going on an Alternative Service Break (ASB) trip in 2019. I was also a member of the Howard Thurman Center’s Book club for 3 semesters (Fall 2018 through Fall 2019).

What’s your favorite dining spot on or around campus?

Of the 3 dining halls, Bay State is my favorite, but outside of BU, I love going to Trident Booksellers and Cafe.

What’s the best place on campus to study or relax?

I love going to Starbucks (particularly the one in Kenmore Square), or when I lived in East Campus I would study outside of the kitchen in Myles, but recently I’ve been going to 10 Buick Street.

What’s your favorite BU memory?

My favorite BU memory was going to New Orleans on an Alternative Service Break (ASB) through BU’s Community Service Center (CSC). I went with a group of about 10 students and a chaperone, and we all became incredibly close through the long drive down and back and throughout the week. We volunteered in an animal shelter, where we were able to work with many adorable cats and dogs, and got to explore a city in a way I would not have been able to otherwise. This trip also brought me some of my closest friends, and many incredible memories.

What’s one BU tip you wish you knew sooner?

Talk to professors! Everyone says this, but making these connections are genuinely helpful in figuring out what you want to do after graduation. Not only can professors help with course material, but they can tell you more about what they do outside of the classroom and how they got to be where they are. Additionally, they may have previous research experience that relates to what you want to do, and could help give you first-hand knowledge about what working in that field is like. They can also provide recommendations on ways to get more involved, or other faculty to contact if you’re really interested in a specific topic.

What are your post-graduation plans? 

I hope to attend graduate school, where I want to study microbiology (and specifically the human microbiome).