Jessica Green [Biologist]

By: Editor | June 21, 2011 | Ten by Ten

University of Oregon biologist Jessica Green’s induction as one of 12 Senior Fellows to the nonprofit fellowship TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design), which encourages Ideas Worth Spreading, comes as no surprise. Green’s enthusiastic pursuits in microbial diversity, which were initially funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in New York City in the form of a $1.8 million grant, made possible the university’s Biology and the Built Environment Center and Green’s exploration in the biota of indoor air project. Her eco-friendly — and, better yet, eco-inventive — plans center on the betterment of human health through modifications in basic architectural design to minimize the spread of disease and maximize energy efficiency. Because of her pioneering achievements, Green is one of the top brains behind the bulk of ecological discovery — and through her vast and reputable work, she has certainly secured a place as one of the most renowned members in her field.

What do you consider your most marked characteristic?
My will.

What historic event do you find most interesting and why?
Amelia Earhart’s attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 1937. She was sampling microorganisms in the atmosphere using a “sky hook” designed by Charles Lindbergh, which trapped microbes onto an oiled glass slide during the course of flight. Earhart’s collections, had she not perished during her voyage, would have been an invaluable sample set that spanned the circumference of the globe over massive bodies of water where little sampling had been previously conducted.

What natural gift would you most like to possess?
The ability to put others at ease.

What is your present state of mind?
Amused.

So far this year, what is your favorite …
Book: Climate Capitalism: Capitalism in the Age of Climate Change by L. Hunter Lovins and Boyd Cohen
Film: The Runner, directed by Saeed Taji Farouky. I saw preview footage, and it was unforgettable.
Song: “You Fuckin’ Did It” by Jason Mraz
Restaurant: Ping in Portland, Ore.
TV show: Anticipating the fourth season of True Blood.

What cause do you most identify with?
Gender empowerment.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Letting kids down.

Who are your favorite characters in literature?
I’m a sucker for brainy heroines.

What do you consider your greatest career achievement?
Co-founding the Biology and Built Environment (BioBE) Center.

What do you value most about your friends?
My friends are funny and nice — at the same time.

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