Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 2/1/2026 12:00:00 AM
Ziran Li, PhD, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
What does being a 2025 Presidential Trainee mean to you?
Being named a 2025 Presidential Trainee is a great honor. It means that our research has been recognized by the broader scientific and clinical community, highlighting its value and potential impact. This recognition not only validates the work we have done but it also inspires me to continue exploring and pushing boundaries in our field. It is both a milestone and a strong motivation to keep moving forward.
What is the most important leadership lesson you have learned the hard way?
The most important leadership lesson I have learned is the value of planning ahead and staying organized, especially during critical stages of a project. Setting clear milestones early, maintaining open communication, and checking in regularly have helped us identify issues early and keep the team aligned. This approach has greatly improved our efficiency and helped ensure steady progress.
Who has inspired you in your career?
I have been inspired by my great mentors. Professor Zheng Jiao introduced me to pharmacometrics and played a key role in developing my scientific thinking during my PhD training. Professor Rada Savic taught me to focus on clinical problems and broaden my research vision. Her guidance has helped me learn how to conduct more impactful research. Together, they have significantly shaped both my skills and perspective as a researcher.
Do you have a favorite tip or trick that you want to share with fellow members?
Don’t overthink—just try. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in clinical research is to avoid paralysis. Whether it is designing a model, choosing an end point, or starting a new method, it is better to take a thoughtful first step and refine along the way than to wait for a “perfect” plan. Most progress happens through trial, error, and iteration. So my favorite tip is: be brave, test ideas early, and learn fast.
Dr. Li has been a member of ASCPT since 2024.
