Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 2/1/2025 12:00:00 AM
Mathangi Gopalakrishnan, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
What does being the Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) community vice chair mean to you?
ASCPT promotes the advancement of clinical pharmacology and translational medicine. It provides a great platform for scientists and healthcare professionals to collaborate on research, drug development, and personalized medicine. I am really honored to be part of the leadership team of the MHA Community. Being the Vice Chair of the MHA Community provides me with an opportunity to further the mission of ASCPT in advancing initiatives related to mental health and addiction, guide the Community's efforts in raising awareness, fostering research into novel therapies, and champion diversity within the Society, aligning with the organization's goal of improving patient care.
What are you looking forward to in your role as MHA Community vice chair?
We have a dynamic steering committee and enthusiastic members. Together with the team, I am looking forward to driving meaningful conversations in the field of mental health and addiction, promoting innovative research, and strengthening member engagement. Additionally, the opportunity to engage with experts, guide initiatives to further improve the visibility of MHA, and influence the future of mental health treatment is a key motivation for the role.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I have been working in academia for more than a decade, specifically at the Center for Translational Medicine, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. My favorite and most fulfilling moments are my interactions/discussions/debates with graduate student trainees, mentees, and students. Watching them grow, succeed, and excel in their careers gives me great satisfaction and happiness. Knowing that I have played some part in their academic journey and success is a professional accomplishment I am proud of.
When you are not working, how do you spend your free time?
Spending time with my family, trying out new dishes (mostly Indian), and trying to learn a new language are some things that keep me busy during my free time.
What's one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
As a family, we have been traveling a lot. I have been to five continents, 15 countries, and more than 100 cities. I can also speak, read, and write five languages.
Dr. Gopalakrishnan has been a member of ASCPT since 2016.
