Dr. Jenea Adams ’15 Speaks to Health Sciences Honors Program Students

Jenea, who earned her Ph.D. in Genomics and Computational Biology, now serves as a Principal Scientist at GSK. Her work sits at the intersection of data science, computational biology, and bioinformatics, where she helps develop large-scale tools that analyze complex biological data to accelerate drug discovery and identify new therapeutic targets.

 

Driven by a passion for improving human health through research and innovation, Jenea spoke with students about how her curiosity for science and discovery ultimately led her to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in biomedical research. In addition to her work in industry, Jenea is the founder and executive director of the Black Women in Computational Biology Network, a global organization she launched in 2020 to build community and expand opportunities for Black women in the field.

 

During her visit, Jenea shared reflections on choosing a college, balancing academics as a student-athlete and discovering her place in a rapidly evolving scientific field. One of the most meaningful parts of her story came from her time as a student at Saint Joseph Academy. Jenea shared how former theology teacher Ms. Elizabeth Pillari encouraged her during her senior year, offering support that stayed with her long after graduation. The email Ms. Pillari sent meant so much that Jenea printed it out and taped it to her dorm room door in college as a reminder that someone believed in her. She spoke to students about the power of that kind of encouragement and how even one teacher who sees your potential can make a lasting impact.

 

Jenea also encouraged students to embrace the discomfort that often comes with discovering your strengths. Finding your niche does not always mean immediate understanding, she explained. Sometimes the things you want most take persistence, hard work, and the willingness to grow through challenges. Her message served as a powerful reminder that believing in yourself, investing in your passions, and surrounding yourself with people who support your journey can take you further than you ever imagined.

 

Thank you, Jenea, for returning to Saint Joseph Academy and encouraging our students to follow their curiosity and passion for discovery!