VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Jia-Ray Yu
Jia-Ray Yu
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VMCVM
Assistant Professor, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
When did you join the veterinary college?
September 2021
The best part of being a faculty is?
A research-focused faculty position is like an owner of a small business. It is exhausting at times but also very rewarding when I see trainees grow and publish their original research work. This feeling of accomplishment is absolutely the best part of being a faculty member.
My hidden talent...
I am a seafood maniac and peel crabs very fast.
A person who has inspired me...
My undergrad research mentor was a true mentor who inspired me to persevere in my scientific journey.
Words of encouragement to a current veterinary college student...
Working in science is a privilege. Cherish and accomplish!
What is the most exciting thing you've been involved in as a researcher?
Designing new approaches to solve a problem that nobody else could.
What would be your dream discovery as a researcher?
A new drug as a silver bullet to treat Diffuse Midline Glioma, a rare childhood cancer that I study.
One misconception that all students seem to have is?
PIs are hiding in their offices doing nothing all day.
Favorite way to end the day...
A cup of iced tea on couch with my cats.
Top of my bucket list...
Sip mojito at an overwater bungalow in Maldives.
My favorite quote...
"Just do it". I am a go-getter — no regrets as long as I tried!
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
My husband and I rescued two sibling tabby cats while I was a postdoc back in NYC. Cats are devils but also angels. Sometimes I feel they own me.