Welcome to another installment of our featured member interviews where we will continue to introduce you to more of 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 Scotty Jenkins, education and quality assurance (QA) analyst assistant at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

When and why did you join the field?
About a year ago, I started working at Emory on the education and quality assurance team for their institutional review board (IRB). When I started I had no experience in human subjects protections, but I was happy to have found a position that provided me with an opportunity to protect research volunteers. Since taking the position, my interest in the field has grown exponentially, and I will be starting a master’s program in bioethics at Emory in August.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the intellectual satisfaction. Working in research ethics requires a certain level of intellectual curiosity that many jobs do not, and my office is filled with people who enjoy engaging with the various ethical concerns that inevitably arise in research.

What are you reading?
The Social Animal, by David Brooks.

Why did you join PRIM&R?
A PRIM&R membership was one of the benefits I received through my position on the IRB at Emory, but I certainly would have joined on my own had my office not paid my membership dues.

What is your favorite member benefit?
I really enjoy the Research Ethics Digest (RED).

What would you say to someone who is considering PRIM&R membership?
Do it.

What motivates you to maintain your commitment to advancing ethical research?
The knowledge that what I do makes a difference.

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

Congratulations on beginning your master’s program in bioethics! Let us know how it goes. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a member, please visit our website today.