Women in Medicine & Sciences Feature: Vasanthi Jayaraman, PhD
Each month, the Women Faculty Forum presents its Women in Medicine and Sciences Feature, highlighting the women faculty at McGovern Medical School who are leaders in medicine, research, and education.
This month’s feature is Vasanthi Jayaraman, PhD, professor and John S. Dunn Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
What is your background? When did you join UTHealth Houston?
I was born and raised in Bengaluru and Chennai, cities in South India. I received my bachelor of science at Madras University, and master’s at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. During my master’s, I was encouraged by my mentor, the late P.T. Manoharan, to pursue further studies in the United States. I did my PhD at Princeton University under Thomas G. Spiro’s supervision. Subsequently, I conducted postdoctoral research funded by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research fellowship at Cornell University with George P. Hess. I then joined Marquette University as an assistant professor, before joining The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2002.
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
I really enjoyed hands-on research and formulating and defending my scientific ideas during my graduate work. This, coupled with a childhood fascination with chemistry, guided my decision to pursue a career in science.
What are the primary research interests that drove your career, and what are you pursuing now?
Throughout my career, my primary research interest has centered around understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying physiological processes. This fascination initially drew me to investigate molecular mechanisms by which hemoglobin acts as an efficient oxygen career.
Subsequently, my postdoctoral work focused on studying electrical signaling in membrane proteins. In my independent career, I combined my doctoral and postdoctoral experience to study the molecular mechanisms of proteins involved in neuronal signaling, and how these are altered in disease states.
Who are your role models?
My role models have been my scientific mentors who have provided guidance and support through every step of my scientific journey. They have played crucial roles in instilling confidence in my abilities, particularly as I transitioned into academia.
What do you enjoy most about working at UTHealth Houston?
UTHealth Houston has a supportive environment that encourages both professional growth and collaborative research. This has allowed me to grow my research program and translate my fundamental research to clinically relevant questions.
How do you think UTHealth Houston can further support female faculty?
UTHealth Houston has always been very supportive of female faculty. When Dr. Gurur Biliciler-Denktas and I wanted to start the Women Faculty Forum, Dr. Kevin Morano, who was then VP for faculty affairs provided full support. We were able to start several new initiatives involving networking, sick childcare, and awards to recognize women.
I hope that will continue to grow with further building robust mentorship programs that provide guidance and support to female scientists, such as balancing family responsibilities with career advancement.
If you would like to nominate a faculty member for the Women in Medicine and Sciences Feature, click here.