John Ritter

Senior Research Scientist
Department of Biochemistry

First UTSW job: Research Technician I in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, testing hormone levels for infertility patients.

Best part about my job: Learning the quickly evolving techniques for gene editing using CRISPR.

What energizes me at work: Immersing myself in a challenging experiment.

How co-workers describe me: A good teacher because I’m good at explaining things in simple but accurate terms.

Recipe for success: A positive attitude and hard work.

Best UTSW memory: Conducting presentations for local high school teachers and students through the STARS (Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern) program.

I wish I were an instant expert at: Learning a new language, so I can better get around when traveling.

I’m really good at: Baseball facts. Go, Texas Rangers!

Hobby: Woodworking with my son and daughter.

Surprising fact: I’m a twin, and my awesome twin brother, Joe, recently retired as a Colonel after 35 years in the Army. I served in the Army Reserve for 32 years and retired as a Major.

Claim to fame: Being husband to Jill for 30 years as well as the father of two wonderful children, Justin and Jordan.