Jan grew up in the greater-Seattle area, went to college in southern CA, and traveled and worked for a year before starting graduate school in CT. After receiving her PhD, Jan returned to Seattle and is currently employed by Amgen Corporation at their Seattle branch. She does basic biological research in molecular biology and immunology, studying genes which encode proteins involved in regulating the immune system. On the side, she is involved in numerous science education activities with local high school science teachers and students.