Inside Promega
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Today we’ll meet Rohaizah James, a Product Manager in the Genetic Identity team.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
It is something that came as a fortune in a cookie – The biggest mistake you can make is to be afraid of making one. I had the fortune taped on my office wall for many years, but I must have thrown it out when we started working at home during the COVID pandemic. Or maybe I decided I didn’t need that reminder anymore. My colleagues at Promega have, maybe unwittingly, helped me continue learning that lesson by being patient, kind, and supportive through more than my share of mistakes. This lesson also helps me respond better to mistakes made by others, because maybe they are also trying to learn the same lesson.
Tell us a little bit about what your role is at Promega.
I have been a Product Manager in the Genetic Identity team since 2011. In this role, I help create products used for human DNA genotyping. I bring the needs of forensic DNA laboratories to Promega teams to help shape and support products used for DNA analysis by forensic laboratories. This role combines my technical background in biochemistry with my interest in the business and commercialization side of science.
What does a typical day for you look like?
As part of a global team, I start my day by responding to colleagues in Europe, so that they get the information they need to make their workday productive before it ends. I end my day with correspondence with colleagues in Asia, so that they get their information at the beginning of their following day. In between, I work with colleagues in the Americas on new product developments, resolving any product complaints, and contributing to marketing and sales activities.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Knowing that the products that I help create contribute to the long process of ensuring justice. I play a tiny part in it, but if our products make it easier for those directly involved with the justice system to do their jobs, I am fulfilled.
Where do you want to travel to, but have never been?
Central Asia – I want to sleep in a yurt and drink yak milk, or do I? I’ve read that you need at least 3 weeks to make the best of a trip there. Maybe after I retire.
Describe your “perfect” day. Who are you with? What are you doing?
I would be on one of the Hawaiian islands with my husband Pat. I would start with yoga on the beach, followed with a little hike – as long as it’s not too muddy. Then we will have some poke for lunch on the beach. Do some cliff diving – just kidding. Then go whale-watching on a catamaran at sunset. End the day at a slack key guitar concert.
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Stephen Colbert. Watching his late-night shows helped me make it through the COVID years. He pre—digested daily events and presented them in a way that I could understand. I want to see if he is as nice and smart as he appears on TV. And if he could bring along Bradley Cooper, it would be great.
When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?
Practice ukelele – and I’m using “practice” in the loosest sense of the word. Sometimes I’m just watching videos of other people playing, while just holding the uke. Does that explain why I can only play 3 songs?
What is your favorite sport to watch?
On TV – cliff diving. In person – ice hockey. I don’t do either sport since I can’t swim or ice-skate. I did play recreational field hockey in high school, though.
If you could have any one skill or talent you don’t already have, what would it be and why?
Singing. I love live music, and singing is the most accessible live performance. Plus I would have a good reason to wear sequined dresses and headgear with feathers.
Thanks Rohaizah for this little insight! If you have questions for Rohaizah or about Promega, please ask!
