Alumni Interview w/

James Januch
Tell us about yourself
I am a former president and member of
the Microphiles, and I graduated with a
Bachelor of Science in Microbiology in
2019.

What have you been doing since you

graduated?
Since graduating from the University of
Washington I have worked as a research
assistant, research coordinator, and am
currently a lead data coordinator at UW’s
Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP)
at SCCA (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance). I
live in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle and How did you end up doing clinical
currently am pursuing a Master of research?
Science in Biomedical Regulatory Affairs I took a job as a research assistant in the
(BRAMS) at UW. In my free time, I enjoy BCRP a few months after graduating, I
exercising, spending time with my had a friend in the group. A
friends and girlfriend, listening to music, background/degree in life sciences was
jamming with friends, and producing my required. On the job I initially trained on
own music. good clinical practices (GLP), human
subject training (HST), etc.

What does an average day look like?

Responding to many emails, entering
data for various clinical trials,
consenting patients onto research
studies, scheduling/attending meetings
with doctors, faculty, medical monitors,
etc.
How did/didn't the microbiology Any other thoughts you'd like to
undergraduate program at UW share?
prepare you for your current job? If you are interested in learning more
The biggest thing that an undergraduate about clinical research or UW’s BCRP,
microbiology degree from UW gave me feel free to send me a message. We hire
was time management skills. Going back many UW alumni!
and forth between tasks and following
deadlines is very useful. Clinical research
isn’t something I ever really learned
about as an undergrad, but all of the
work I did provided a solid foundation.

Do you have any advice for current

microbiology majors?
Exploring your options, I found that I
have a slight preference for
environmental and public health while
taking elective classes. Study with
friends/the club, it builds connections
and helps you learn. Go to office hours! It
can help with learning material and
building connections with UW faculty
and other students. Try and land a
research gig, it will determine if you
enjoy research and doing research
activities.

What are your plans for the future?

Continue working with the BCRP,
graduate with a Master of Science in
Biomedical Regulatory Affairs (BRAMS),
and continue improving my music
production skills.

Where Are They Now? is a Newsletter by the Microphiles at UW featuring a professionals

who graduated with a undergraduate degree in microbiology from UW within the past
couple of year. These are intended to highlight potential jobs or carrer paths current
Microbiology Majors can pursue after they graduate.