Jake Romley-Murias
Graduate Student, Wang Lab
You work in a laboratory. What are you currently researching?
I'm a second-year grad student in the Wang Lab, where I study how cells maintain their internal membrane systems, especially under stress. My research examines proteins that help organelles such as the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum work together with autophagy, which is how cells recycle damaged or unneeded parts. I'm especially interested in how these processes affect cancer cell survival, how cells adapt to stress, and what makes them become invasive.
What was it that originally sparked your interest in biology?
I first got interested in biology when I was about 10. I spent a lot of time in hospitals as a child, which made me curious about how living things work on such a tiny scale. I was amazed that things we can't see, like proteins moving, membranes changing shape, and organelles communicating with each other, can shape how a cell acts and even affect our health. The more I learned, the more I saw that biology is both really complex and makes a lot of sense, and that made me want to keep exploring.
What do you enjoy most about working here at the U of R?
What I like most about working at the University of Rochester is the scientific community here. People are always willing to share ideas, help solve problems, and think things through together. I also enjoy being around researchers who look at biology in so many different ways, because it encourages me to think bigger about my own research.
How do you unwind when you’re not in the lab?
When I’m not in the lab, I like to relax by spending time with friends, playing video games, and taking care of my pets. These activities help me unwind after a long day and remind me to enjoy life beyond science. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking and fishing, because it lets me slow down, clear my head, and recharge.
What is one thing about yourself that you’d like more people to know?
One thing I enjoy outside the lab is keeping both saltwater and freshwater aquariums, and I love aquascaping. I spend a lot of my free time taking care of my fish, plants, and corals, and the hobby gives me a lot of creative energy. Lately, I've also started learning about reptiles and amphibians, so if anyone wants to share tips, I’m always happy to talk with others who share those interests.