My overall research theme is the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic response to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The ultimate goals are to identify biomarkers for patient selection and to develop new strategies to enhance ADC efficacy. I completed my medical education in Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, in Hangzhou, China. I moved to the U.S. for graduate school where I learned molecular biology and cancer immunology in the laboratory of Dr. Steven Dubinett at UCLA. Enlighted by the translational research in the lab, I was determined to complete my clinical training following completion of my Ph.D. Currently, I am a 2nd year fellow in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UCLA. Taking advantage of expertise in lipid metabolism in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Tontonoz, I am hoping to gain insights into how cellular lipid composition affect ADC processing.
Aiming to grow to a physician-scientist in cancer research, I encounter immediate challenges, such as navigating a successful transition to a research faculty position after clinical training, balancing research and clinical responsibilities, leveraging clinical work to serve individual research goals, and fostering collaboration between basic scientists and pure clinicians in the broader cancer community. I am fortunate to have unwavering support from peers and mentors throughout my training. As the proverb goes, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ By joining AMC, I am dedicated to extending these values to a broader community.”