Lab Scientists Under the Microscope: Meet Jean Rock

Last spring, in celebration of Lab Week, we published a series of profiles highlighting the lives and work of public health laboratory professionals around the country.

Lab professionals excitedly told us about their favorite lab instruments, spared no details when describing the most “interesting” specimen they ever worked on and just generally gave us a fascinating look at their lives inside and out of the lab. The response to that blog series was so positive, we decided to keep the party going for Public Health Laboratory Appreciation Month (PHLAM) and put more scientists under the microscope. Each week of PHLAM, we’ll highlight another scientist and give you an insider’s glimpse into their lives on the bench—and beyond. What fulfills them? What fuels them? And where do they find fun along the way?

Jean Rock, research scientist, Bloodborne Viruses Laboratory, New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I’ve had an interest in science from a young age (thanks in part to Ms. Frizzle and Bill Nye), and always knew I wanted to do something related to science. I started college with the idea that I would go on to medical school and become a doctor.

If that’s different from what you’re doing now, what made you change course?

I quickly realized that I am a bit squeamish when it comes to blood. For whatever reason, I’m totally OK once the blood is in a tube. However, I realized that to go to med school, I would need to be comfortable with blood. I took an “Intro to Public Health” class in undergrad, and that’s when I knew that I wanted to do something within the world of public health.

What was your first job?

My first-ever job was working in a retirement home as a server/hostess. I really loved chatting with the retirees and hearing their life stories. I worked there from high school through college. The dinner service in the main dining room was fine dining, with white tablecloths and dress codes. I wore a white ruffly tuxedo shirt, black bow tie, black pants, and a black apron adorned with a name tag. This was a great first job because it gave me the experience to then go on and work in a popular brunch spot (where I could earn tips!).

What was your first lab job?

My first lab job was in the New York State Department of Health Vector Ecology lab. During the summer of 2013, I would go out in the field to collect ticks and bring them back to the lab to identify them and test them for various pathogens. I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of field work and wet lab work. I learned a lot!

What’s one thing about lab scientists that you wish everyone else knew?

I find it very important, especially in recent months, to talk to people outside of the science field and stress the importance of public health. Lab scientists play a critical role in diagnostics, disease tracking and improving public health.

Laboratory science is serious work. What do you do to unwind in the lab? How about when you’re not working?

While at work, I love doing the New York Times puzzles (mostly wordle, connections and strands) during break and working with others to figure out the tough ones. I’m also a big proponent of walking to our local Stewart’s for an ice cream cone during lunch. Another way I unwind is to have fun during Lab Week! I co-host a trivia event every year and we have a blast. It’s always great to connect with our colleagues in other labs whom we may not interact with daily. Outside of work, I love going on hiking adventures with my husband and dog, baking and spending time with family and friends.

What’s your favorite non-science item in your lab?

My favorite non-science item at my desk is a Lego minifigure that my husband designed to look like me, complete with a lab coat and pipette!