Brian Jencik

Research Specialist, Welte Lab

What was it that originally sparked your interest in biology?

I grew up in a neighborhood with wetland trails running through it, and I spent a lot of time there growing up. Being around wilderness like that most of my life led to an interest in life sciences.

What do you enjoy most about working here at the U of R?

The people I work with. Everyone is generally easy to approach and communicate with, whether it be for work purposes or just for fun.

What’s the most important thing that you’ve learned working here and/or studying biology?

Learning how to effectively summarize broad or complex topics. You need to know how to present data in a way that is concise and easy to digest while still covering months or even years of work.

How do you unwind when you’re not in the lab?

Video games and board games are the usual go-to, and in the warmer months I’ll also go hiking or kayaking.

What is one thing about yourself that you’d like more people to know?

I am one of 19 kids in my family. Second oldest.