The Pang Lab Mentoring Philosophy
My commitment to education and mentorship is a driving force rooted in a sincere desire to foster the professional growth and scientific development of my mentees. I believe that nurturing talent and potential across diverse backgrounds and career stages is essential for creating a thriving scientific community.
My mentoring philosophy is built upon a holistic approach to scientific inquiry, grounded in three fundamental principles: “Why,” “How,” and “What.” I customize my mentorship to cater to the unique needs and career stages of each of my trainees, as detailed below:
For Medical Students and Clinical Fellows:
My philosophy of teaching has evolved significantly during my tenure, particularly when guiding a diverse group of medical students. I’ve come to recognize that two crucial factors—compassion and unwavering commitment—are pivotal in medical education. To promote inclusivity, I make a deliberate effort to remember each individual by name. I bridge the gap between seemingly “dry” medical facts and contemporary research, offering them insights into the “Why” while emphasizing ethical considerations surrounding modern technologies. Furthermore, I open the doors of my laboratory to those enthusiastic about research, offering medical students and clinical fellows the opportunity to infuse a diverse clinical perspective into scientific endeavors.
For Graduate Students:
I firmly believe that establishing a robust scientific and technical foundation is fundamental for a successful scientific career. I challenge my graduate students to cultivate critical thinking skills while prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being. My mentorship extends to supporting them in discovering a career path aligned with their passion. Many of my students have secured independent fellowships for their graduate studies and have authored their research papers. The diverse composition of our graduate students, stemming from various socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, and training histories, enriches our laboratory culture and cultivates a vibrant, mutually supportive environment.
For Postdoctoral Fellows:
My approach to postdoctoral fellows centers on empowering academic freedom, fostering independence, and nurturing ambitious scientific visions. Our postdoctoral fellows hail from diverse backgrounds, including African Americans, Hispanics, Chinese, and Americans, each making invaluable contributions to the scientific advancement of our laboratory. I acknowledge and respect the individualized career paths that each pursues, equally valuing those who opt for non-academic careers and those who dedicate themselves to academic research. Today, my former postdocs occupy positions as independent principal investigators in academic settings and as senior scientists in prominent pharmaceutical companies.
To conclude, my mentoring philosophy revolves around nurturing the potential in each of my mentees, irrespective of their background or career stage. My unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia serves as the cornerstone of my mentorship. I am devoted to empowering the next generation of scientists to excel and contribute profoundly to the realm of biomedicine. This commitment extends to creating a dynamic and inclusive research community where diversity is celebrated and every individual is afforded the opportunity to thrive.
Pang Lab 