Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 9/1/2026 12:00:00 AM
Caroline Grant, PhD, Senior Clinical Pharmacologist, AbbVie, North Chicago, Illinois
What is your favorite part of being an ASCPT 2026 Session Chair?
Working with such an outstanding group of speakers – Drs. Nadia Terranova, Kristin Bigos, Matt Rizk, and Ben Weber – and my co-chair, Mohamed Shahin, was my favorite part. I gained a great deal not only from their insights on the role of AI/ML in drug development, but also from the creativity they brought to the debate session format. Debating in front of a crowd, especially with limited time, can be challenging, but they handled it with ease and made it fun.
Who has inspired you in your career?
My graduate school PI, Arjun Athreya, PhD, inspires me with his dedication towards advancing AI/ML in healthcare, and the above-and-beyond investment that he makes towards helping trainees learn. The dedication that he puts towards making his AI/ML in healthcare course open to not only his institution (Mayo Clinic), but any learner anywhere, speaks volumes about his commitment to education. I also learned from his positive example how to listen better and how to truly value the perspectives and contributions of everyone in a room.
What's one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Winter is my favorite season. I take an annual trip to northern Minnesota every winter to enjoy the snow with friends and sometimes jump into Lake Superior.
What was your favorite thing about attending the ASCPT 2026 Annual Meeting?
Meeting with friends, old and new. It is really an incredible experience to connect with so many people in the field, and to learn from others who are working on similar issues from different geographic locations, perspectives, and settings (industry, academic, regulatory, etc.). Through volunteering on the TI and ST steering committees throughout the year, and through the Leadership Accelerator program, I have made many “virtual” friendships, so it is awesome getting to see people in person at the meeting.
How do you keep focused and motivated?
I take notes throughout the day and set 15 minutes aside to review them at the end. This second reminder of things I have learned is always helpful to solidify them and organize my thoughts.
Dr. Grant has been a member of ASCPT since 2020.
