The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) is training the next generation of cancer researchers. We offer this Q&A series “Get to Know a Cancer Scholar” to provide readers a connection with the amazing trainees who comprise the CCIL’s cohort of student-researchers. This is the second installment.
Cancer Scholar: Alex Kim
Major: Chemistry
What interested you in the Cancer Scholars Program?
I wanted a structured program to help guide me in the various aspects of cancer research beyond just the lab work, including mentorship, scientific communication, and a better idea about the work going on across and beyond campus.
What have you learned during your time in the Cancer Scholars Program?
I’ve become better at communicating my research and talking to my peers involved in completely different fields with the same mission.
Why is doing cancer research personally meaningful to you?
I have several family members who passed from various types of cancer, and it remains one of the greatest medical and biological mysteries that I want to solve.
How would you explain your research project to a friend outside science?
I am developing a modular class of drugs that comprises three parts: a drug delivery part, a target binding part, and a protein-degrading part. Each of these can be swapped depending on the organ system and disease of interest.
What are your future career goals and how has Cancer Scholars influenced these goals?
I seek to pursue an MD/PhD post-graduation to become a physician-scientist with a research focus in cancer therapeutic drug delivery. The Cancer Scholars Program directly helped me grow an interest in research that motivated me to pursue it as a career.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in doing cancer research?
Don’t be afraid to reach out. PIs, graduate students, and senior undergraduates are all friendly and committed to fighting cancer, and as long as you share that mission with passion and curiosity, they will welcome you with open arms.
What hobby or interest helps you recharge after a long week?
Playing violin in the Film Score Orchestra or rock climbing!
What is your favorite study spot on campus?
My favorite study spot on campus is a table on the bridge between Roger Adams Laboratory and the Chemical and Life Sciences Laboratory.
Stay tuned for more weekly installments in our “Get to Know a Cancer Scholar” series.
Editor’s notes:
This story was written by Craig Richard, CCIL Educational Engagement Postdoctoral Scholar.