Researchers Unplugged: Meet Julia Billups, PhD, a Researcher Studying How Brain Fats May Shape Parkinson’s Disease
Mass General Brigham is home to a research community of thousands of individuals working to understand disease and develop solutions to medicine’s most pressing challenges.
But who are they? And what do they do when they’re not conducting research? Learn more about them in the Researchers Unplugged series!
From clinical research coordinators to postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students and principal investigators—they are all part of research at Mass General Brigham.
Our next guest in the series is Julia Billups, PhD
1. What lab do you work in and what is your role?
Julia Billups, PhD
I am a postdoctoral research fellow in the laboratory of Saranna Fanning, PhD(opens in new tab), in the Department of Neurology at Mass General Brigham.
The Fanning Lab(opens in new tab) studies how problems in the way cells make and process fats in the brain contribute to Parkinson's disease (PD) and impact the PD protein alpha-synuclein.
Our goal is to develop disease-modifying treatments and new biomarkers for Parkinson's, which is the fastest-growing and second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide.
2. Can you explain your research in layperson's terms?
Saranna Fanning, PhD, and Julia Billups, PhD
Parkinson’s is a devasting disease that causes progressive brain cell death that disrupts how someone moves, sleeps and functions in their daily life.
There is currently no treatment available to slow down or stop Parkinson’s disease progression, but we are working hard to change this.
Even though fats make up a significant portion of the brain, we are only just beginning to understand how fat metabolism is dysregulated in Parkinson’s!
I’m very interested in how we can target the highly complex pathways that make and break down fats in the brain to find new disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson’s.
3. When and why did you get interested in this work?
I have always wanted to spend my life serving others.
Initially, I was on a clinical career trajectory and, though I absolutely love working directly with patients, I fell in love with research along the way and haven’t looked back since!
I am truly thrilled by new data, and eagerly look forward to coming to work each day to see what I can discover that could make a real difference in the life of someone with Parkinson’s.
4. What do you do outside of the lab?
Outside of lab, you are most likely to find me at church or on a mountain. My husband and I are very involved in our church, and we cherish our time with our church family.
Otherwise, we enjoy hiking with our energetic pup Cody and spending time with extended family.
5. What is your favorite TV show, podcast, book or movie?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite book! I would have to say Beloved(opens in new tab) by Francis Chan. This book is completely life-changing and I highly recommend it.
6. What's a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve gone bungee jumping!
7. What do you like most about conducting research at Mass General Brigham?
Having the privilege to do research at MGB is remarkable. From working alongside world leaders in research to having access to the latest and greatest technologies and resources to support our ground-breaking research, we are given the best opportunity to find a cure for Parkinson’s.
I am additionally grateful to work with a phenomenal lab team that is driven, talented and kind.
8. If you had to compare your Principal Investigator to a fictional character, who would it be?
Our fearless leader Saranna would definitely be Superwoman!
She flawlessly flies between never-ending meetings and goes above and beyond each second with superhuman strength to drive our research forward and share our exciting lab findings with others.
Somehow, she also prioritizes making time every day to make each of us in the lab feel appreciated and valued.
9. If you could only eat one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’d probably have to say this amazing salad that my husband and I make, which is comprised of romaine lettuce, walnuts, dried cranberries, pickled red onion, different cheeses, a vinaigrette dressing and topped with baked chicken breast.
It is so delicious and refreshing every time!
10. What's your favorite way to spend a Sunday?
Worshiping Jesus Christ! There is nothing better than worshiping and spending time with my Lord and Savior who sustains me.
It's Your Turn to Shine!(opens in new tab)
Do you work in research at Mass General Brigham? Are you willing to provide short written answers to 10-ish fun questions about you and your science? Then you (yes, you) could be the next star of Researchers Unplugged.