Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 8/1/2026 12:00:00 AM
Sarah Kim, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Florida, Orlando, FL
What does being the 2026 Darrell Abernethy Early-Stage Investigator Award Recipient mean to you?
I am truly honored to receive the Darrell Abernethy Early-Stage Investigator Award. Dr Abernethy was a brilliant scientist, a trusted advisor and colleague, and a beloved member of the clinical pharmacology community who dedicated his career to serving the public good. This award is deeply encouraging and serves as a reminder of the responsibility to continue his inspiring legacy for the next generation of scientists.
What is your favorite part of being the 2026 Darrell Abernethy Early-Stage Investigator Award Recipient?
During the opening ceremony, I had the opportunity to share my remarks, in which I said, “Becoming a faculty member in academia has been my dream job, but at the same time, it came with the fear that I might fall. It has been a challenge. So today, standing in front of my mentors and colleagues, whom I deeply respect, I want to say to myself: you are in the perfect place. Rejoice in His grace. … This award, named in honor of Dr. Abernethy, reflects a commitment to the next generation. I am honored to carry that legacy forward.”
After the ceremony, several people shared that my remarks were encouraging to them as well, which I deeply appreciate. I also received many warm and supportive messages from those who have been part of my journey and celebrated this achievement with me. This has been the most meaningful part of this award.
What is your favorite Society memory?
One of my favorite Society memories was the ASCPT 2025 Trainee Award ceremony. There, I had the joy of reconnecting with a friend who, like me, was a postdoctoral trainee when we both received trainee awards together at ASCPT 2017. In 2025, it was especially meaningful to see that his student and my student were now the ones receiving trainee awards. Witnessing this progression across generations was deeply rewarding and reminded me of the continuity and impact of mentorship within the scientific community.
What was your childhood dream job?
When I was a teenager, I had many dream jobs that were quite diverse and not obviously connected. One of them was becoming a news anchor. These days, as a course instructor who regularly records lectures, I often add a short closing greeting–just like a news anchor–so in a small way, I feel like that dream has been fulfilled.
Dr. Kim has been a member of ASCPT since 2016.
