2022 RNA Society / Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Award for Research Excellence by an Underrepresented Scientist
Posted on January 29, 2022

The RNA Society / Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press Award for Research Excellence by an Underrepresented Scientist in 2022 is awarded to Dr. Jillian Ramos, a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Kieft Laboratory at the University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus. Jillian has been involved in RNA research since her undergraduate studies at University of California at Santa Cruz where she studied how high-density collagen environments increase both Robo1 receptor mRNA and protein levels in the lab of Dr. Lindsay Hinck. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Rochester under the mentorship of Dr. Dragony Fu where she studied tRNA modifications and published a number of papers including a first author study in RNA describing novel pathogenic mutants of the enzyme responsible for tRNA wobble-position modifications. In the Kieft lab she is developing RNA-centric tools as potential future therapeutics. Dr. Ramos was celebrated for creating a "welcome and inclusive atmosphere in the lab that made it a joy to work with her." In addition to her scientific achievements, Jillian excels in outreach, teaching, and mentoring – showcasing her all-around track-record of excellence.