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Dong Wang, Ph.D. |
NOTE: This profile is part of a series highlighting the 23 researchers who were named UNMC Distinguished Scientists or New Investigators for 2008. Each of these researchers will be profiled in UNMC Today leading up to a March 16 ceremony to recognize their achievements.
- Name: Dong Wang, Ph.D.
- Title: Associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences
- Joined UNMC: 2005
- Hometown:Beijing
Describe your research in laymen terms, please.
We are interested in using different pharmaceutical tools to improve the diagnosis and treatment of skeletal diseases, e.g. osteoporosis, cancer bone metastasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
What led you to pursue this area of research?
While I was doing my postdoc training at University of Utah under Dr. Jindřich Kopeček, I became interested in bone biology and found that most of the therapies for skeletal diseases do not have tissue specificity. The consequences of this are various toxicity and limited therapeutic effect. As this problem is intellectually challenging and clinically relevant, I started to focus on this area of research.
How do you see your research contributing to science?
I see it as twofold. The research itself certainly would improve our understanding of skeletal diseases and provide better design of therapies for disease prevention and treatment. More importantly, I view the research projects as excellent training media for my students and postdocs. By mentoring them, I think my contribution to science can be greatly amplified.
Why did you become a scientist?
Because it is fun.
What is your hope for the next generation of scientists?
This question makes me feel old. Seriously, I think if they could develop the capability of critical thinking, diligence and integrity, they can be very successful.
Beyond grant funding, how do you measure success?
If one drug or formulation of my design can enter clinical application and help patients, I would be very happy. Also, I would like to see my students become successful.
What would you tell a student interested in a research career?
Make sure that you enjoy it, even the loneliness. Otherwise you are in the wrong place.
Do you have a hero/role model? If so, what do you admire most about this person?
My father. He is an engineer, a perfectionist and also a man of great integrity.
Tell us about your family and hobbies outside of the lab.
My wife Zhulian and I have four boys, Lucas, 9, Thomas, 7, Samuel, 5, and Hyrum, 7 months. We enjoy spending time with them. We are very active in our church. For my hobby/exercise, I have practiced the Chinese marshal art — Taiji — for 17 years.
List three things few people know about you.
- I am a Mormon.
- I cook very well.
- I enjoy singing, but only at home.
Click here to see the UNMC Honors Web site, which features photos of profiles of the medical center’s Distinguished Scientists and New Investigators.