Real voices: scientific
Dr Jennifer Rohn, cell biologist
What do you do?
I'm a scientist studying the genetics of cell shape and movement at University College London.
How did you first get into music?
I started piano lessons when I was five years old and guitar lessons when I was eight. I also played trombone in a band and sang in choirs. I had always wanted to be a musician but I was interested in science too, so it was a struggle deciding what to do at university. In the end I wasn't talented enough to be a professional musician, and I loved science more. At university I fell out of music but started to get back into it when I began working as a scientist. I've recently joined a band called Frank-a-delic as the singer. We're a bunch of ageing scientists, ex-scientists and publishers - all in our 40s.
What part does music play in your life?
I use it a lot in work. Science is quite laborious and there's a lot of manual labour in my job - the mindless moving of small amounts of liquid from one tube to another. At those times I really appreciate music. Music is very important to labs and it's hard to find one where there isn't a CD player or radio on.
Who has been the greatest musical influence on you?
I like all kinds of music. Playing the piano, I was raised with classical music, but my dad is very eclectic. He has a huge record collection and loves everything: country and western, jazz, classical. I like most things too, including pop music. The only stuff I don't enjoy is some types of jazz and modern music. Music has to make me want to move around.
Why do we have music?
I think it's a way to bring us together. Other animals vocalise, birds sing. It's all about finding a mate or warning somebody off, communicating really basic emotions. I think we use music to communicate too.
What's your desert island disc?
I'm a romantic; it would have to be 'Woodface' by Crowded House. It's not fashionable, but it makes me smile!
Find out more about Jennifer’s work, including the two novels she has written.
This article is part of the online content for ‘Big Picture: Careers From Biology’">‘Big Picture: Careers From Biology’ and originally appeared in ‘Big Picture: Music, Mind and Medicine’">‘Big Picture: Music, Mind and Medicine’ (2009). Find out more about the ‘Big Picture’ series.">Find out more about the ‘Big Picture’ series.