Jennie Ayer

My degrees are from Rutgers University; a BS in Biology/Physiology and an MS in Cell & Developmental Biology/Neuroscience.  Having been raised in this state by professional artists, my dad employed by Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, I grew a deep respect for “Jersey ingenuity.”  I was a technician in neuroscience labs for many years but working in the crop engineering lab of Joachim Messing, Waksman Institute, R.U., really developed my passion for trouble shooting and applied science.  It is now my pleasure to support Martin Jonikas’ lab.  We have outstanding students and researchers coupled with Princeton University’s resources for collaboration in highly interdisciplinary research, the ultimate goal being increased world crop production. 

Not coincidentally, I love organic gardening and belong to our community garden.  I also enjoy drawing and painting, especially portraits, hiking and biking with my husband, a musician, and spending time with our blended family of six young adult “kids.”  There is always an occasion or birthday at our house and wherever we go, we bring a party with us.