Author: [AUTHOR] Published on 11/1/2026 12:00:00 AM
Hyunjae Jeong, BS, Graduate Student, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
What does being a 2026 Presidential Trainee Award Recipient mean to you?
Receiving the ASCPT Presidential Trainee Award is incredibly meaningful to me because it represents not just a personal milestone, but a recognition of the work our entire research team has been pursuing together. I have been fortunate to work with mentors and collaborators who consistently guide me to think rigorously and to connect quantitative methods with real clinical questions. Additionally, this award reminds me why I chose this path in the first place: to contribute, even in a small way, to improving patients' lives. Seeing our research recognized at this level motivates me to continue pushing forward, to be more rigorous, and to stay committed to translating quantitative and computational methods into real clinical impact. I see this recognition as fuel to keep going and to aim higher in my future work.
Who has inspired you in your career?
I would like to say it is my supervisor, Dr. Sarah Kim, who has always been supportive and has guided me not only in my research but also in developing as a researcher, offering valuable advice on both academic growth and the overall journey toward pursuing a PhD. One of the most important things she has taught me is the importance of always being clear about the “why” behind the research and never losing sight of that direction. She consistently reminds me that while innovative methods are important, they should never overshadow the fundamental question of how the research can actually help advance science or improve patients' lives.
Because of her mentorship, I have learned to anchor my work in meaningful scientific and clinical questions, rather than focusing solely on novelty. This perspective has helped me continuously refine my research into work that is not only technically strong but also genuinely useful. Beyond that, her guidance and support have shaped my approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and long-term growth as a scientist.
How do you keep focused and motivated?
The patients who could benefit from this research are my primary source of motivation. There's a quote I always come back to: “Small, precise research can create a future where tens of thousands live another day.” I feel fortunate to contribute, even in a small way, to that future. I am also grateful to have an outstanding research team that provides guidance and support during difficult moments. Beyond that, I find the scientific questions and modeling approaches in Pharmacometrics deeply engaging, which keeps me passionate about this field.
What was your childhood dream job?
My childhood dream job became clear after I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, which is a rare inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune condition, when I was in middle school in 2014. Since then, through my own challenging hospital experiences, I have witnessed many patients around me who long for a normal daily life and endure pain with hope for new treatments. Those experiences solidified my desire to become a researcher developing therapies, and I am always grateful to be able to contribute to that goal now.
Hyunjae has been a member of ASCPT since 2025.
