Johnson Ung, Fifth-Year BIMS student
Johnson Ung, a fifth-year Biomedical Sciences graduate student, was recently appointed a member of the Associate Member Council (AMC) within the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). The three-year term on the council involves serving as an advocate for early-career scientists within AACR, participating in planning events including the annual meeting, and becoming involved in member recruitment and engagement.
In addition to this appointment, Ung is currently co-president of the Graduate Biosciences Society and Trainee Ambassador for the Cancer Biology Training Consortium. These roles have emphasized his desire to pursue training and education leadership roles.
“I found the AMC particularly compelling because of its reach, decent term length, and I thought in contributing I could make a difference to improve training opportunities and resources for early-career researchers,” shares Ung.
During his time on the council, Ung hopes to “expand training opportunities and exposure to early-stage scientists from disadvantaged backgrounds and lesser-known institutions to expand the training network” and to “help make cancer research more attainable for those who otherwise didn’t think they would make it.”
Additionally, he wants to generate initiatives to better foster the mental health and wellness of trainees. He aims to create programs that will help trainees expand their knowledge of general coping skills, how to manage stress, and empower them to become champions of their own mental wellbeing.
“Science should be fun and mental health should be emphasized more publicly and without stigmatization,” expressed Ung. Serving on this council will provide excellent networking opportunities with prominent members of the cancer research and training field.
Article by Kendall Bromley and Nicole Kirk.
Filed Under: Education, Honors & Awards