Jacob's goal is to build a field around comparative neurogenetics, advancing understanding of pathological pain and affect in humans and other species. He comes from a family of Angus ranchers in Eastern New Mexico and West Texas and is committed to sustainably feeding the developing world. While earning his Master's degree in molecular biology at the University of Skövde, he developed a Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency-funded humanitarian proposal and has done research in South Africa aimed at preventing famine. He has been a visiting student researcher at Harvard and hosted multiple shows airing on Stanford University Radio on related issues.