Making the world a better place: ORISE Research Participant Jake Janssen discusses the importance of asking questions, what drives him, and why he loves his research

One of the earliest questions we ask as toddlers is “why?” For Jake Janssen, who is a research fellow at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), it was no different.

“I just really wanted to understand how the world worked around me,” he said in a recent interview for the ORISE Featurecast. “I just believe this inquisitiveness turned into a focused interest on science, where experiments in class were often fun and intriguing. And I think part of that was great teachers as well. And I became more interested in the medical community when my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and my grandma had pretty severe dementia, and I dealt with my own health challenges. So, all of that slowly started siphoning into truly being interested in the scientific community.”

At the USAMRICD, Janssen and his team conduct research on neuroscience, hazardous chemicals and trauma medicine.

“More specifically, we look at novel polytrauma scenarios involving organophosphates, and other pharmaceutical grade drugs, and traumatic brain injuries,” he explained. “We want to improve upon treatment guidelines and combat casualty care through new polypharmacy methods, and also identify and study chemicals of concern, so that the United States is more prepared for an impending chemical threat from any adversary we may see.”

Janssen also researches industrial uses of chemicals, catastrophe preparedness, and how to improve upon existing treatments, meaning that not all his research is warfare related. When it comes to his work, Janssen is driven by bettering the world around him.

“I just really wanted to prevent that pain and suffering,” he said. “I think the scientific community, what it’s really about one, understanding what's happening around us, and two, being able to better the world with it.”

Since becoming an ORISE participant, Janssen has been thrilled with every opportunity to learn, research and connect.

“My mentor, Dr. Eric Johnson, has definitely been a solid rock for me here,” he said. “He’s helped me really build personally and professionally. He’s an important figure in helping me improve my writing, my presentation quality and more. His focus on professional development through conferences and open-door policy for questions and concerns have just allowed me to grow as a person, and scientist, and make work less of an ‘I'm above you’ aspect, and more of a friendship.”

Janssen attended college during the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented many challenges, but the young researcher ultimately took it in stride.

“I try to use these events as a learning lesson,” he said, “and after getting a bachelor's degree in infectious disease, looking at COVID-19, it was a good learning strategy for myself in understanding what I really want to do in the field moving forward, and looking at public health in general. I think some of these obstacles in the end just provided a greater scope at a faster time than I thought I would have to look at them.”

One of the benefits of Janssen’s placement at the USAMRICD is the ability to attend military training courses. Janssen has taken Medical Chem and Bio Casualties, as well as hospital management, where he has worked with both academic, military, domestic and international personnel.

“These experiences and my background in infectious disease helped really guide what I wanted in the future and make me feel comfortable in what I could do myself,” Janssen said. “That's what pushed me to finally apply for a master's degree. And now I'm getting a Master of Public Health in Disaster Management through Tulane University.”

While Janssen’s journey thus far has already let him accomplish much in the world of science, it’s clear that he’s only just getting started as he continues on his path and helps make the world a better place.

To listen to the full episode of the ORISE Featurecast, click here.