Editor’s note: As part of Occupational Health Services’ ongoing workplace wellness program, Poster will be highlighting employees who are committed to health and wellness. Other parts of the series can be found here and here.
James (Jim) Cherry, Ph.D., is the scientific program director for the Office of Scientific Operations under the NCI Office of the Director. He attended Shepherd College on a football scholarship where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He earned a Master of Science in biotechnology from The Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in biology with a concentration in biomedical science from The Catholic University of America. He specializes in molecular biology.
What is your favorite thing to do to stay active?
I train like I still play college football. I work out each morning at 4:30, starting with 45 minutes of cardio and then 45 minutes of weight training.
How often do you exercise and when?
I go to the gym four days a week.
How did you get into physical fitness?
By playing high school and then college football.
What motivates you to stay active?
My why is my family! I want to be around for a long time and be active in my daughter’s life. The only way I can do that is with my health.
What do you do for fun?
I hang out with my family and run around with our German shepherds.
What is your wellness goal?
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza.
Inspiration
I grew up in a middle-class family, where I got the message early in life that education is the key to all your success. My father always reminded me, “Things can be taken away from you, but who you become no one can ever take away.”