Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 12/1/2024 12:00:00 AM
Sook Wah W. Yee, PhD, Principal Scientist, Transporter Science Group, Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, and Metabolism Department, Pfizer, Groton, CT
What does being the Membrane Transporter (MT) Community Co-Vice Chair mean to you?
Being the MT Community Co-Vice Chair represents an opportunity to bring my passion for transporter biology to a broader community and to foster collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and researchers. It means being able to contribute to shaping the future direction of the MT Community, advocate for important topics in transporter research, and support the growth and engagement of our members.
What are you looking forward to in your role as MT Community Co-Vice Chair?
I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with diverse experts and foster meaningful discussions on the latest advancements in transporter biology. I look forward to facilitating sessions that bridge gaps between different areas of expertise and driving initiatives that bring greater visibility to the critical role of transporters in drug development and personalized medicine.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my work leading the discovery and de-orphaning of solute carrier (SLC) transporters, which has opened new avenues for therapeutic development and biomarker discovery. These efforts have had a significant impact on the field and have contributed to a deeper understanding of how transporters influence drug response and disease.
Who has inspired you in your career?
I have been deeply inspired by Dr. Kathleen Giacomini, whose pioneering work in the field of membrane transporters laid the foundation for many of us. Her mentorship, passion for science, and dedication to advancing knowledge in transporter biology have been invaluable in shaping my career and approach to research.
What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
One of the greatest challenges I have faced has been navigating the transition from academia to industry. Each environment has unique expectations and demands, and adapting to a different pace and style of research while maintaining scientific rigor has been both challenging and rewarding.
When you are not working, how do you spend your free time?
Every morning, I practice qigong to center myself for the day ahead, and I frequently explore various fitness classes at the local gym to stay active and energized. This routine helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance. On weekends, I indulge in British crime dramas, which not only entertaining but also sharpens my problem-solving skills by offering complex scenarios that mirror the analytical challenges we face in the lab and life.
What was your childhood dream job?
My childhood dream was to become an actress, inspired by the creativity and versatility required in the role, much like that of a scientist exploring various hypotheses and solutions. This dream sparked my interest in adopting different perspectives and solving complex problems, traits that I apply in my career as a pharmacist-scientist previously in academia and now in industry. I feel incredibly fortunate to channel this creative energy into my work, where I can innovate and make meaningful contributions to health and well-being.
Dr. Yee has been a member of ASCPT since 2010.
