Aikeen Jones
About Aikeen Jones
Aikeen Jones is an Animal Facility Specialist at the National Institutes of Health, where he has worked since 2021. He has a background in animal care and research, having held various positions at USDA, Johns Hopkins University, and Priority One Services.
Current Role at National Institutes of Health
Aikeen Jones currently serves as an Animal Facility Specialist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he collaborates with supervisors to allocate facility resources, space, equipment, and manpower to meet the demands of ongoing research projects. He is responsible for maintaining automated animal information systems and databases, which include animal census information and breeding data spreadsheets. Additionally, he recommends new procedures to ensure that animals are maintained under proper environmental conditions at the National Institute of Mental Health.
Previous Experience at USDA
Aikeen Jones has significant experience with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), where he worked in various capacities. He served as an Animal Caretaker from 2016 to 2017 for one year in Beltsville, MD. Prior to that, he was a Veterinary Assistant for two months in 2009 and worked as a Biological Science Aide for two months in 2008 at the Agricultural Research Services - Nematology Lab. His roles at USDA provided him with foundational skills in animal care and research support.
Experience at Johns Hopkins University
Jones worked as a Veterinary Research Technician at Johns Hopkins University from 2014 to 2016, where he gained valuable experience in veterinary research. His role involved supporting research initiatives and contributing to the care of research animals. This position helped him develop skills that are essential for his current role at NIH.
Educational Background in Animal Sciences
Aikeen Jones holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Animal Sciences from the University of Maryland College Park, which he completed from 2009 to 2013. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biotechnology from the University of Maryland Global Campus, studying from 2015 to 2019. His educational background provides him with a strong foundation in animal care and biotechnology, which supports his professional roles.
Research Support Specialist Roles
Jones has held multiple positions as a Research Support Specialist at Priority One Services. He worked as a Research Support Specialist II from 2017 to 2018 and then as a Research Support Specialist III (Marmoset Colony Breeding Manager) from 2018 to 2021. In these roles, he managed breeding programs and supported research initiatives, contributing to the development of animal care protocols and research methodologies.