Adam McLean

JAX Genomic Education

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, family and pets… anything goes!

I grew up near Cleveland, Ohio and gradually made my way East, attending college in Saratoga Springs, NY and graduate school in Boston, MA. I now live in Somesville with my wife, two children, and three cats!

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy in your free time?

I am a musician. I primarily play percussion, but as a former school music teacher, I play a little bit of a lot of different instruments. In particular, I love playing my harp and songwriting/composing! I also enjoy playing badminton at the Mount Desert Island YMCA and hiking/biking in Acadia.

Tell us about someone in your life who inspired you or helped you become who you are today.

My mother was also a musician. She studied at the Eastman School of Music and was the Principal Second Violinist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Later in her life, she decided to transition to a different career as a fiction writer, earned her MA in English, and successfully published several works. She showed me what it means to be a life-long learner and how to go about achieving your goals.

What motivates you or helps you feel fulfilled?

I enjoy problem-solving and learning new things! Working in the education field always presents new and varied opportunities for growth.

What do you do really well? Is there anything you wish you could improve?

I am creative and innovative in my approach to my work. I constantly ask myself, "is there a different way to think about this?" I wish there were more time in the day to learn everything I want to learn!

What’s an accomplishment you are really proud of? Is there something you want to do, but haven't done yet?

Before starting in JAX Genomic Education, I helped design a new approach to music listening curricula called the Musician of the Month Project.

Let’s talk about your career journey. What inspired you to go into your current field? What first brought you to JAX? Has your job changed since you joined?

I've worked in public education for 13 years. I first started in the field because of the great impact that educators have on society. As my career has evolved, I have become interested in professional development leadership, curriculum writing, and instructional design. In 2021, I enrolled in UMaine's Instructional Design certificate program, and shortly afterward, applied to my position at JAX.

How do explain your current work to others? What’s your favorite thing about it?

I support the JAX Genomic Education Online & Digital team on a variety of projects, most notably the Online MicroLessons and MiniCourses. My favorite thing is working with the other folks on my team!