Q&A: Meet James Ross, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience
At the intersection of cancer biology, immunology, and neuroscience, James Ross is working to better understand how the immune system influences the progression of pediatric brain tumors. Through a combination of systems immunology, neuroscience, and translational research approaches, his lab aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies.
In this Q&A, James Ross shares insights into his research, his path to science, and what drew him to UVA.
Briefly describe your current research projects and interests.
Our lab studies anti-tumor immunity in pediatric high-grade glioma and are specifically interested in tumor-associated macrophages. Ongoing work in our lab is focused on determining when, where, and how macrophages become reprogrammed during tumor progression and finding novel therapeutic strategies to eliminate or reprogram these immune suppressive macrophages. We are taking both a systems immunology and neuroscience approach for our studies. We utilize a combination of immune competent mouse models of glioma, in vitro co culture systems, and patient samples to perform clinical translational research.
How does your research connect with the field of neuroscience?
Our research is at the intersection of cancer biology, immunology, and neuroscience. Due to the origin of gliomas within the brain, their biology is intricately intertwined with neuroscience. Some of our work is directly examining how neurons and macrophages communicate with tumor cells and how these relationships shape anti-tumor immunity and tumor progression.
Why did you decide to come to UVA?
The community at UVA is what resonated the most with me during my interviews. It is very collegial and personal, and everyone is excited to talk science whether it benefits them or not. The neuroscience department here is also very strong, and I wanted to land in a place where I could not only contribute to but also learn from others as well and apply what I learn to my own projects. The surrounding area is beautiful and there is also significantly less traffic than Atlanta where I came from previously!
What’s the best part about your job?
Working with trainees and seeing their progression as they become more confident with their projects and skills. Second to that, getting new exciting data that makes you think and brainstorm experiments!
What led you to a career in science and neuroscience?
I grew up in an economically disadvantaged household and realized academics was my strength and only way to build my future how I wanted it. I am also an extremely competitive person and love solving problems, which is what drew me specifically to brain tumor research, as treating these tumors is notoriously difficult. This is exciting to me, as there is much to be discovered and the potential to impact patient lives is high.
What advice do you have for trainees?
Be extremely persistent, dedicated, and hard-working. Do not let failures or obstacles get in between you and your goals. You are also your own biggest salesman; you have to be able to believe in yourself and sell your science to others if you expect them to believe in you and your work.
What’s something new that you’ve learned recently (at work or outside of work)?
I love learning about astronomy and astrophysics. One recent thing I have learned about is Laniakea, a superstructure in the universe composed of hundreds of thousands of galaxies flowing through space in an organized manner that measures over 500 million light years across.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in southern Ohio and went to high school, college, and graduate school in Georgia.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
With my family getting coffee and bagels and spending time outside!
What is a surefire way to make you laugh?
Anything that my kids do is usually pretty funny and refreshing! Any interactions with John Lukens also makes me laugh!