ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Jocelyne Dates is an author on ‘ Voltage-gated ion channel TRP/Painless regulates the excretory function of the Malpighian tubules in larval lepidopterans’, published in JEB. Jocelyne conducted the research described in this article while a master’s student in Dr Dennis Kolosov's lab at California State University San Marcos, USA. Jocelyne is now a PhD student in the lab of Dr Marie Suver at Vanderbilt University, USA, investigating the neural basis of active sensing and how the auditory and motor systems interact during courtship and flight.
Jocelyne Dates
How did you become interested in biology?
I've always been drawn to complexity, not just to understand it but to decode and reimagine it. Biology offered a space where curiosity could be turned into discovery and where small details could explain big ideas. It was during my master's research that biology moved from being an academic interest to a driving passion. Immersed in the physiology of ion transport, I discovered how even the most microscopic processes could shape the survival of an organism. What began as a technical project evolved into something much larger – a fascination with how living systems solve problems, adapt under pressure and maintain internal order with remarkable precision. I found myself drawn not only to the questions biology could answer but also to the creativity required to ask better ones.
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
My path to science was anything but linear. As a Black, single mother who entered academia later in life, I carried responsibilities that extended far beyond coursework. Yet, these very experiences sharpened my creativity, resilience and drive. During my master's research, I uncovered novel roles of voltage-gated ion channels in insect excretory systems. This work pushed me to redesign traditional protocols and develop entirely new visual tools. Now, as a PhD student at Vanderbilt University, I study the neural basis of active sensing in Drosophila, blending physiology with behavior to explore how auditory and motor systems interact during courtship and flight. My goal is not just to uncover new biology but to reimagine how we approach questions, especially when limited resources demand creative solutions.
How would you explain the main findings of your paper to a member of the public?
Insects may not have kidneys like we do, but they still need a way to get rid of waste and balance water and salts. My research focused on how a specific protein, called TRP/Painless, helps caterpillars manage this task using a tiny organ called the Malpighian tubule. Think of it like a microscopic filtration tube that keeps the caterpillar's internal systems running smoothly. By turning this protein on and off, I was able to show that it plays a key role in how waste is removed. Understanding this could help us find better ways to control pest species or explore new avenues in biotechnology.
What do you enjoy most about research, and why?
I love building something from nothing – especially when it comes to method development. I redesigned the traditional Ramsay assay and created a novel morphometric analysis from scratch. I even taught myself 3D modeling software to visualize my data when no commercial options existed. The joy lies in turning limitations into innovation, crafting protocols that open doors to entirely new questions. I love the challenge of trying to figure out a way to answer scientific questions. I am curious by nature, so biology is a perfect fit. I had an amazing advisor who really encouraged me to use my strengths to my advantage, and to not be afraid to try something new.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced in the course of your research and how did you overcome it?
Balancing single motherhood with academic research was difficult and, at times, research felt like a distant luxury. I had to really change my mindset and remind myself not to count yourself out before the race begins. I had to learn to believe that I belonged in the lab I was in, even though I was older, underrepresented and carried a little more life on my shoulders. I also needed to value that my perspective and life experience were my superpowers. I leaned into the very skills I'd acquired as a mother like time management, patience and grit. Science eventually became a sanctuary and a triumph, once I changed the way I thought about science and myself.
What is your favourite animal, and why?
The meerkat. They are the cutest! I admire how they look out for one another – taking turns standing guard and protecting their group. Their instinct to serve and protect reminds me of my role as a mother and mentor. I watched every episode of ‘Meerkat Manor’ when it originally aired. I cheered for my favorite meerkats much like a football fan would root for their favorite players. They look so petite and unassuming, but they tackle scorpions with ease. They are really remarkable little animals.
What is one thing about you that others might find surprising?
Despite completing both my master's and now PhD research in insect physiology labs, I still get squeamish around bugs. Squeamish is actually putting it lightly. I'm still terrified of bugs, especially spiders! I've unfortunately passed this fear along to my kids, so when there's a spider in our house, none of us are brave enough to catch it. I'm okay with very slow-moving bugs, like caterpillars, but that's about it. If it jumps, buzzes or bites, I'm not a fan, but I've learned to respect them as scientific marvels.
Jocelyne Dates's contact details: Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
