Chi Peng is a PhD candidate at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine – which she says also means collaborator, mentor, and believer in the UK College of Medicine’s mission for a healthier Kentucky through groundbreaking research. In the following Q&A, she shares more about how she plans to help the college achieve that mission, her career goals in translational science, and her advice for future PhD candidates who also want to change the world through scientific discovery.
Q: What is your role at the UK College of Medicine?
A: I am a collaborator, mentor, doctoral candidate, and believer at the UK College of Medicine. As a collaborator, I actively engage in discussions with diverse scientific experts and clinicians, facilitating knowledge exchange and gathering valuable insights. These inputs are then synthesized to inform the strategic direction of our research endeavors.
As a mentor, I work closely with other doctoral students and undergraduates, providing them with guidance and imparting my expertise in various experimental techniques I have acquired over the years.
As a doctoral candidate, I am dedicated to the patients we serve in our research. By working with my principal investigator (PI) to hypothesize, develop, and formulate aims that address unanswered questions within the scientific community. My current research project is elucidating the effects of obesity and diabetes on the hemostatic system, utilizing a newly developed obese mouse model.
As a believer, my research goals align with the objectives of the UK College of Medicine. Together, we all share a common mission: to enhance the health of Kentucky through impactful scientific research that thrives on collaboration and transdisciplinary approaches, ultimately leading to groundbreaking discoveries.
Q: Why are you pursuing a PhD in pharmacology?
A: I have always known that I wanted to work in the science and medical field. However, the specific direction and role was unclear to me. What I was certain about was my unwavering passion for research and the desire to unravel the intricate symbiotic interactions between the body and its related diseases. Everything changed during the summer of 2014 when I had my very first research experience at Vanderbilt University.
I still vividly recall the mix of excitement and confusion that overwhelmed me when I was invited to a meeting with a group of scientists and doctors to discuss a new clinical trial. Questions raced through my mind, pondering the role of a data monitoring committee, the possibility of sustaining cells outside of the body, and the profound impact our small experiments could have on the lives of numerous patients. That moment became a turning point, and I realized I wanted to dedicate my life's work to clinical translational research.
Q: What are your career aspirations?
A: During my first year of graduate school, I had the opportunity to meet with a medical science liaison (MSL), and I was instantly captivated by their exceptional abilities to bridge the gap between health care providers and biomedical researchers. The role of an MSL offers me the unique opportunity to translate my scientific knowledge into practical applications that can enhance medical practice. This inspiration to become an MSL has remained unchanged even after five years.
As an MSL, I envision myself serving as a vital link between physicians and leading scientists, enabling me to fully grasp the profound impact of clinical research on patients' lives. What particularly excites me is the prospect of engaging in scientific discussions, analyzing intricate data, and presenting complex findings and ideas in a way that is accessible and comprehensible to diverse audiences—a true passion of mine.
Q: Tell us about yourself – what are your hobbies and interests outside of training?
A: I was born in Taiwan, and my mother moved my sisters and me to New York City when I was 8 years old. From the wafting smells of metal grinding upon metal inside subway stations to the heady mix of rotting garbage and fresh coffee, the basements of New York City were my lairs. Growing up with limited resources in a single-parent household, I spent most afternoons in the jungle they called “the playgrounds,” where we climbed monkey bars and threw the football around. Little did I know my love for the sport would develop and lead to my first position on a women’s professional football team. Playing football has become one of the most significant stress relievers for me while in graduate school. Besides football, I also love to travel, snowboard, hike, and try different types of cuisines and coffee shops. Lastly, my sisters and I really enjoy investing in real estate and providing housing for travel nurses and professional students.
Q: What advice do you have for those interested in pursuing a research degree program?
A: Throughout my time as a graduate student, I have come to embrace three significant lessons. First, I learned the importance of never being afraid to try something new and take risks. Initially, I hesitated to take the lead in my projects, fearing the possibility of being wrong. However, I realized that venturing beyond my comfort zone and suggesting new ideas not only earns appreciation but also yields valuable data through innovative approaches.
Second, I grasped the significance of engaging in extracurricular activities and being part of clubs alongside our coursework and research. These activities enrich our knowledge and skillset, and they may prove beneficial when applying for jobs in the future.
Lastly, and perhaps most crucially, I recognized the value of building a network of connections. The people I met throughout my journey have played an instrumental role in shaping the scientist I aspired to become. Their guidance, support, and influence have been pivotal in my achievements and career aspirations.
These three lessons have been invaluable to my growth as a graduate student, allowing me to evolve both personally and professionally. Embracing new challenges, seeking diverse experiences, and fostering connections have been transformative aspects of my academic and scientific journey.