I’m a PhD research scientist who uses computers to try to cure diseases like cancer, African sleeping sickness, malaria, and pandemic influenza. <!– Though I’m secretly conflicted by the fact that the recent bird-flu scare was great for my career, I absolutely love my job. My dad jokes with his friends that I’m "trying to save the world." It doesn’t feel that way most days, but the work is really interesting.
![brazil_kids](http://jacobdurrant.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/brazil_kids-300x225.jpg)
I’m also passionate about humanitarian work. Over the years I’ve maintained ties to Brazil, where I once lived for two years. I helped start a non-profit organization that funded an education initiative there; recently, a number of the low-income students we sponsored have been accepted into the local University. More recent projects have included work for a free medical clinic and an autism-advocacy organization.
I love music and even published a book of piano arrangements a few years ago. I recently started practicing regularly again, working on a Rachmaninoff piece that is really fun to play. <!– I’m also a direct descendent of Alfonso II 'The Fat' King of Portugal.
Work colleagues may be interested in my professional site. Additionally, volunteer collaborators might wish to visit the Autism-Advocacy and Free-Clinic websites I help administer.