Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 8/1/2026 12:00:00 AM
Moataz Mohamed, MSc, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
What does being the 2026 David Goldstein Award and a 2026 Presidential Trainee Award Recipient mean to you?
Receiving the 2026 David Goldstein Award and being a Presidential Trainee is a tremendous honor and means a great deal to me. The project for which I received this recognition represents years of preparation and effort, from designing the study and acquiring samples to conducting wet lab work, curating and analyzing the data, and ultimately completing the analysis. These awards are both humbling and motivating, and they inspire me to continue pursuing impactful research.
What was the best thing about attending the ASCPT 2026 Annual Meeting?
Attending the ASCPT 2026 Annual Meeting was especially meaningful for me, as it was my first time participating in this conference, which I had long hoped to attend. One of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity to connect and engage with peers and experts in the field, exchange ideas, and learn from the innovative conference sessions. I also greatly appreciated the chance to receive constructive feedback, which made the experience both enriching and motivating.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
One of my proudest professional accomplishments is receiving a fully funded Egyptian government scholarship to complete a research semester in the US. During this 3-month experience, I wrote a manuscript that was later published in the American Journal of Transplantation. This milestone sparked my long-term interest in precision medicine, particularly pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics. Additionally, I have published seven first-authored papers during my doctoral training to date.
How do you keep focused and motivated?
Seeing the real-world impact of my research is what keeps me focused and motivated. I try to stay mindful of how my work can contribute to improving patients' lives while also advancing scientific knowledge.
What was your childhood dream job?
Like many children, I dreamed of becoming an astronaut, as I was fascinated by the universe. However, as I grew older, my interests shifted toward health care, and I decided to pursue a career in pharmacy. I joined the School of Pharmacy as my first choice, with a clear goal of specializing in clinical and translational research.
When you are not working, how do you spend your free time?
When I am not working, I enjoy playing with my two wonderful daughters. In my free time, I also like to play video games and watch anime.
Moataz has been a member of ASCPT since 2022.
