Jen Bohn
Jen Bohn is the Assistant Director of RockEDU Science Outreach. 
From an early age, Jen always loved learning and was one of those kids who was always happier when school was in session and learning was guaranteed every day! In high school, Jen had no idea what she wanted to do, photojournalist for National Geographic? Professional tennis player? Become one of those doctors from Grey’s Anatomy? With a love of chemistry and an awe of the natural world, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Originally with goals of going to medical school, Jen started her biomedical research journey studying structural biology of viral RNAs in Dr. Michael Summers’ lab at UMBC. This was also where her mentoring journey began, not only as a mentee, but as a mentor for other undergrads and high school students. With lingering indecision about where to go next careerwise, and a shifted focus away from medicine and towards bench science, Jen went on to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Michigan, where her love of structural biology and RNAs grew even more!
During her time in graduate school, she became deeply involved in developing mentoring communities, piloting career exploration programs, teaching and tutoring. After completing her PhD in 2019, Jen moved to NYC to do a Postdoctoral Fellowship studying cellular immune systems that defend against viruses. It was during this time that Jen sought out a teaching and mentoring opportunity with RockEDU to co-facilitate the Jumpstart program. This experience illuminated Jen’s passion not just for science, but for facilitating inclusion in STEM and curating spaces for all students to thrive in science.
In her current role, Jen manages the RockEDU Fellows program, where she trains graduate students and postdocs in culturally-relevant mentoring practices with the goal of preparing them to contribute to the scientific community in inclusive and impactful ways, no matter the career path they choose. RockEDU Fellows, in addition to other supporting scientists from Rockefeller and the Tri-I community, build and carry out research projects with high school and college students who are often entering scientific spaces for the first time. Jen is also passionate about the intersection of science and education and is working to infuse our scientific training spaces with the expertise and presence of NYC teachers through the Science+Educator Collaborative.
Ultimately, Jen hopes to work with students, scientist trainees, and educators to ensure that the wonder and joy of scientific exploration is accessible to all.
Outside of Rockefeller, Jen loves playing tennis, reading, doing puzzles, snuggling with her dog and cat (best friends in the making), or adventuring and traveling with friends and loved ones. She also loves teaching and engaging with science curious people through teaching at Genspace, a community biolab!