Today’s post features Jennifer (Jen) Park, awardee of the 2021 Van der Kloot Award for Excellence in Research. The Van der Kloot award is given in recognition of the significant contributions of Dr. William Van der Kloot to the development of the Department of Pharmacological Sciences at Stony Brook. This achievement is a testament to Jen’s strong work ethic and dedication to research.
Jen is a double graduate of Stony Brook University where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During her undergraduate career, she discovered her love for research as well as the lab she currently calls “home” for the duration of her PhD. She decided to stay at Stony Brook University when she received the chance to continue her research in pursuit of a PhD for her work with TIMELESS in Dr. Hyungjin Kim’s lab in Stony Brook University’s Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology Program. Jen is now Vice President of Stony Brook Korean Biologists, as well as an award-winning, fourth-year PhD candidate, with contributions towards 3 publications in the Kim lab (so far), and more on the way.
I asked Jen a few questions about her background, research, work-life balance, and of course–herself! Keep reading to get to know a little more about Jen.
How did you get into research and what’s your story of ending up as a PhD student?
I was working at the pharmacy as a technician for quite some time where I got exposed to different types of medications. It was when I was working with write ups to the insurance company as to why patient A needs medication XYZ that I got interested in pharmacology and decided to apply for lab volunteer work in the pharmacology department. I started off as an undergraduate student in the lab, then Master’s, and then PhD. I wanted to see if I really liked it, and if I am good at it before jumping right into a PhD!
Tell me a little bit about your current research.
The work I currently do is about characterizing the role of the protein of my interest, TIMELESS, in Oncogene-Induced Senescence (OIS) and oncogenic transformation. I want to further carry my research linking factors in DNA replication forks to cancer development. Fun Fact: I actually worked with TIMELESS in the same year it got the Nobel Prize!
Why did this research need to be done and how would you explain the relevance of your research in general applications?
Despite the importance of oncogene-induced senescence as an anticancer barrier in early cancer development, its precise nature of how oncogenic stimuli culminate in aberrant DNA replication and trigger DDR at stalled forks remains poorly understood. Additionally, it’s a stretch– but it could actually be a biomarker for cancer. It has been proven in a few studies that TIMELESS is overexpressed in a lot of cancer subtypes.
What excites you about your work?
I just like research in general! I like basic science research, molecular work…I like working out the little details. For me, it wasn’t about the translational stuff, but rather the process of growing science little by little.
How did you feel when you were awarded the Excellence in Research award?
I didn’t expect it! When Holly mentioned my name, I looked at my lab mates and didn’t respond right away, [..] I had to confirm they called my name!
What is your work ethic like?
“Work hard, play hard!” I love to work, but in order to prevent burnout, I give myself more time for self-care, and spend quality time with family and friends.
What does your workspace look like?
How do you stay motivated & productive?
My motivation comes from my PI (Dr. Hyungjin Kim), because I see him all the time, and he’s a really good role model. Sometimes reality hits, and I feel I can never be like him. His work ethic and care is on a different level. He cares for us and excels in his own work. I also like to plan the week to make sure I stay productive.
What are a few major lessons you have learned in your experience as a PhD student so far?
I cannot be perfect. I had to learn to let go of things. I had to learn how to accept who I am.
In my early years of college, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder I, but coming into lab and meeting Dr. Kim has made a huge difference. He’s helped me to believe in myself.
What do you like to do when you’re not doing research?
My number 1 is spending time with family and friends. Otherwise, I also play guitar and sing for church. I also like to do photography, take walks on crisp days, go on drives, and enjoy sunny days at the beach.
What are 3 words that describe you as a person?
Kind, Understanding, Giving
What is the best advice you’ve received?
During a rough patch, someone said I should imagine myself in a corner, and perceive myself and say “I love you, I care for you”. The Bible saying: “This too shall pass” is also very encouraging.
Is there anything else you’d like to share that I didn’t ask?
Thank you to the Pharmacology department (including faculty, staff, and students). I wouldn’t be here without you.