Welcome to another installment of our featured member profiles where we will continue to introduce you to our members—individuals who work to advance ethical research on a daily basis. Please read on to learn more about their professional experiences, how membership helps connect them to a larger community, and what goes on behind the scenes in their lives! 
 
Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Jonson, regulatory associate, institutional animal care and use committee coordinator, conflict of interest coordinator, scientific review board coordinator, and institutional biosafety committee coordinator at MedStar Health Research Institute in Hyattsville, MD.

When and why did you join the field?
I joined the field when I was looking for a change. I was working in childcare for six years and a parent suggested coming to work for her. I joined her independent institutional review board (IRB) in 2007.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is the fact that I learn something new every day. That is very exciting to me.

What is the last movie you saw? What is your after-hours guilty pleasure? And what do you most value in your friends?
The last movie I saw was American Reunion. My after-hours guilty pleasure is sports, and the quality I value most in my friends is loyalty.

Why did you join PRIM&R?
I joined PRIM&R to learn more about the field and to improve my ability to perform my job responsibilities.

What is your favorite member benefit?
Attending the conferences and making new connections with other research ethics professionals.

What would you say to someone who is considering PRIM&R membership?
The membership is definitely worth it. The wealth of knowledge and information available is incredible. In the last two years, I have learned so much.

What motivates you to maintain your commitment to advancing ethical research?
Finding a way to encourage more young people to take an interest in research ethics, and finding people willing to learn and explore the various types of research taking place.

Thank you for being part of the membership community and sharing your story, Brandon.

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a member, please visit our website today.