Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 7/1/2023 12:00:00 AM

Craig R. Lee, PharmD, PhD, Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Who has inspired you in your career?
My mom and dad dedicated their professional lives to K-12 education, and I learned from them at an early age that serving others is important work and can have a positive impact. When my passion for science and pharmacy evolved, my teaching roots inspired me to pursue an academic career. As a professional, I have been inspired by many mentors who have supported me and challenged me to pursue excellence. Dr Kim Brouwer stands out in this regard. She hired me as an assistant professor and has been instrumental in my development as an independent investigator.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick for clinical practice or research that you want to share with fellow members?
This is more advice to our early career members than a tip. It is important to remind yourself that challenges and roadblocks are part of the research process and opportunities to learn, ask more questions, and develop better approaches to solve the problem. When you approach the inevitable challenges with this mindset and persistence, you are more likely to be successful and enjoy the long and winding journey.

What is your favorite Society memory?
It has always been my first Annual Meeting in 2002. Presenting data from my fellowship research project (focused on CYP2C9 pharmacogenetics) at a poster session was a tremendous experience, but more importantly, the meeting opened my eyes to the amazing opportunities in the field of clinical pharmacology and translational medicine. This experience cemented my interest to complete PhD training in clinical/translational pharmaceutical sciences and pursue an academic career. However, the ASCPT 2023 Annual Meeting may have just topped this! It was an absolute joy to reconnect with so many colleagues and former UNC trainees and to learn about all of their exciting and impactful work.

When you aren't working, how do you spend your free time?
I enjoy spending my free time simply hanging out with my wife and daughter (age 8). We love taking walks, cheering on the UNC Tarheels and Pittsburgh Steelers, and immersing ourselves in our daughter's various and evolving interests.

How do you keep focused and motivated?
The privilege of working with such talented and motivated students and fellows is a constant source of energy and motivation. I do my best to try and keep up with them! I also really enjoy strategizing how best to align training and professional development goals with the objectives of my research program.

Craig has been a member of ASCPT since 2002.