By Xoel Cardenas, Sr. Communications Specialist for the Office of the Vice President for Research

Welcome to the U Groundbreakers Podcast, where the people of the University of Utah share their journey from idea to impact—one story at a time.

For many researchers, investigators and innovators, their work begins with something deeply personal: a question, a challenge, or an experience that changes how they see the world.

For Dr. Jakob Jensen, Associate Vice President of Research at the University of Utah, his career-long research in communication and public health — in particular on the subject of cancer — is something very personal to him because he has lived what it’s like to be diagnosed with melanoma.

This episode explores how personal challenge can shape a research mission, and how Dr. Jensen’s work reflects the broader vision of the Office of the Vice President for Research: to connect science-based, human solutions with the people and communities they’re meant to serve.

Click below to listen to the episode! Make sure to subscribe to the U Groundbreakers Podcast as we will share more stories from our incredible U of U research community. Find the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.