Valedictorian Jordan Becker ’25 Researches Malaria Vaccine Columbia University
Major: Forensic Science
Minor: Biology
Cohort Program: Honors Program
Mentors: Nicholas Morano, Ph.D., Biological Sciences Adjunct Assistant Professor; Raymond Patton, Ph.D., Honors and Macaulay Honors Program Faculty Director; Adrienne Fitzgerald, Honors Program Student Support Manager
Fellowships/Internships: Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Research Assistant; Zuckerman Institute, Research Assistant; Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Volunteer
Hometown: New York City
Career Aspiration: Physician/Scientist
Post-graduate Plans: Vaccine Research at Columbia University
What was life like growing up before John Jay College?
I was born in Monroe Township, New Jersey, but I now live in New York City, on the Upper West Side. Growing up in New Jersey, I was one of those kids who did very well in school and could pick up any new subject when I put my mind to it. I loved math, science, even dance, music, and theater.
I have two sisters—one who’s four years older and one who’s my twin—who are very different from me. My twin, Emily, didn’t go to college, but she’s an amazing photographer and very creative. Mich, my older sister, went to cosmetology school and is very wise and street-smart. My dad’s an engineer. He’s logistically smart. And, my mom’s an educator. She’s book smart. Everyone in my family has their own type of intelligence that I appreciate and respect. When they talk, I really try to listen to them because they have lessons that they can teach me. I also feel very supported by my family. They’re my biggest cheerleaders and brag about my accomplishments all the time.
What made you want to attend John Jay College?
When I was a kid, I went to a forensic science camp during the summer. It’s called the National Student Leadership Conference and they have a forensic science division. When I went there, I learned a lot about the field and they always brought up John Jay College. That made me want to take a tour of the school. You know that feeling you get when you know something’s correct? That’s the feeling I got when I came to John Jay. I loved the campus and the city. It was a place where I could do a lot of things and experience a lot of life.
How have your mentors impacted your educational experience and future goals?
I took my introduction to modern biology courses with Dr. Morano. My close friend, Sarah Marks ’25, and I would spend eight hours straight studying for his exams because we really wanted to do well. One day, he pulled me to the side and showed me one of the projects he was working on at the time. Later, he emailed me and offered me a research assistant job at Columbia University. Originally it was only going to be a year-long job, but we extended it twice.
What have you been researching at Columbia University with Dr. Morano?
Most of my research work has been focused on vaccines. I’ve gotten to do work that applies to HIV, the bird flu, and influenza. Now, the main thing that I do is work on malaria vaccine research. I’m trying to improve the vaccine for malaria through a bunch of new techniques. I look at antibodies that are used for vaccination and the structure of the vaccines. The technical term for the work is called “structure-based vaccine design.” I use an electron microscope and take really tiny pictures. Then I use software to turn those pictures into 3D structures. Those protein structures tell you interesting things about the antibodies and antigens involved with the vaccine.
After the first four or five months of working with Dr. Morano in the lab, I started to be more confident. After that, I was left alone in the lab. And later, I began running things on my own. Dr. Morano would ask me to do things in the lab and I’d know exactly how to do what he needed. It felt good that I could problem solve and use my knowledge like a toolbox when something wasn’t going right. I loved it because I built true researcher skills.
Over the years, Dr. Morano has asked me about my goals for the future and he’s guided me in so many ways. He knew I wanted to go to med school, but that I was also interested in research. He was the first person to suggest M.D./Ph.D. programs to me.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ve officially signed on to work full-time in the lab at Columbia University as a research staff assistant. I’ll continue my work on malaria vaccine research, as well as my research on influenza and HIV. During this gap year, I’ll also be putting together my applications for M.D./Ph.D. programs.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to have finished my M.D./Ph.D. program, and if all goes to plan, I’ll possibly be a forensic pathologist who does research. I have so much respect for medical professionals in the field of forensic pathology because they care about what happens to people after they’re gone. I also like that they are able to get justice and closure for the family of the deceased. It’s a field that has such gravity to it.
What does it mean for you and your family to be named valedictorian?
When I found out that I was valedictorian, my heart rate raced up to 175. I was very excited. My mom actually gasped on the phone when I told her. My dad immediately went into the logistics of what I’d have to do as valedictorian. I texted my group of friends that I had some amazing news. Then Sarah called me and said, “I know what you’re going to say.” I thought she was kidding, but she wasn’t. She knew because she was named salutatorian. We were in all the same classes freshman year and did all that studying together, and it paid off. Being named valedictorian felt like proof that I never wasted a single second or opportunity throughout my time at John Jay. Every chance I got, I turned into something bigger. I’m eternally grateful for each of those chances.
Would you finish this sentence? Because of John Jay…
I can see a future that makes sense for me. I can see contentment and purpose. I can see friends, a career, and mentors that I’ve chosen to be in my life forever.
