Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 3/1/2026 12:00:00 AM
Sanghoon Kang, PhD, Postdoctoral Student, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
What does being a 2025 Presidential Trainee mean to you?
Being named a 2025 Presidential Trainee is an incredible honor and a meaningful opportunity to represent my research team on an international stage. It signified that the ASCPT community values our contributions and inspires me to keep pushing boundaries in research. This award is both a validation of our efforts and a strong motivation to continue making an impact.
What was your favorite part of attending the Annual Meeting?
The best part of attending the Annual Meeting was being able to participate in a wide range of sessions. I had the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research from leading experts and to appreciate the diverse efforts being made to address various diseases. The experience underscored the importance of academic exchange, and I am truly grateful to ASCPT for organizing such an inspiring event.
What is the most important leadership lesson you have learned the hard way?
I think the most important leadership lesson I have learned is patience. Everyone has different ideas and works at their own pace, so as a leader, it is essential to understand and respect each team member's rhythm. Giving people the time and space they need helps to bring out their best abilities and leads to better results for the whole team. I also learned that patience is essential in research itself. Carefully checking every detail with persistence helps ensure that when you step back to see the bigger picture, there are no critical mistakes.
Who has inspired you in your career?
My postdoctoral PI, Dr. Sarah Kim, has always been a great source of inspiration for me. She encourages scientific curiosity, guides me to develop my own ideas, and skillfully balances attention to both the big picture and the details. Her mentorship and approach to research are truly admirable and have deeply influenced my own growth as a scientist.
What has been the greatest challenge in your career?
The greatest challenge in my career was pivoting into the field of pharmacology and starting my research journey in a new country. Adjusting to a different language and culture while learning how to apply AI to drug development and deepening my understanding of diseases was not easy at first. However, overcoming these challenges not only helped me grow as a researcher but also enriched my perspective and made the experience truly rewarding.
How do you keep focused and motivated?
I stay focused and motivated by following other researchers' activities on LinkedIn. Seeing others share their latest work and achievements inspires me to keep pushing forward with my own research.
Dr. Kang has been a member of ASCPT since 2023.
