Dr. Hwang completed her Ph.D. at HHP in the Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology

Q&A

What is the name of your lab?

I am a postdoctoral fellow working in the Exercise, Research and Technology Vascular Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

What is your research focus?

My research focuses on the cardiovascular responses to exercise, diet, and alcohol in humans.

What is one exciting thing you are currently working on?

I am currently investigating the adverse vascular effects of excessive alcohol use in young and middle-aged adults. This work is funded by an NIH K99/R00 award, American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship, and American College of Sports Medicine Foundation Award. Drinking is a widespread and deep-seated feature of American life. Over 80% of adults aged 18 years or older reported that they had consumed alcohol in their lifetime. Excessive drinking can have several negative health effects, including an increase in risk for cardiovascular disease. One of the possible mechanisms underlying the negative effects of alcohol use on cardiovascular risk is the impact on vascular function, which is not fully understood. My research aims to solve this question and to develop interventions to ameliorate the adverse vascular effects of excessive alcohol use across the lifespan. Although my research progress has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are gradually resuming research and expecting to have some exciting initial findings in the near future.   

What about your work are you passionate about?

I am passionate about preserving/enhancing human health by addressing problems that lie at the intersection of cardiovascular physiology and lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise, diet, alcohol use) across the lifespan.

What inspired you to work in your chosen field?

Before pursuing my career in research, I was a practicing physical therapist. During my time working in cardiac rehabilitation, I developed a passion for evidence-based practice and scientific research for cardiovascular disease prevention.

How did you reach your level of success given you were entering a male-dominated profession?

I have been fortunate to have people who supported, guided, and encouraged me to pursue my career goals of becoming an independent investigator. These people included my mentors and lab mates at different career stages, as well as people I met outside of my research lab. I have also been actively identifying training opportunities and participated in career development activities, such as serving on the executive board for a postdoctoral association or attending a K grant coaching group. These experiences helped me network with people who have similar career goals as mine or who are established investigators.

What has been the most significant barrier in your career?

During my first year at the University of Florida as an international student from Taiwan, I experienced culture shock and encountered a language barrier. Initially, communication with other people was difficult, but I was fortunate to have a wonderful PhD mentor and work in a team-oriented, friendly laboratory with members from around the world, including the U.S., Chile, Ecuador, Korea, and Turkey. I was supported and motivated to learn how to connect and work with others. This experience allowed me to adapt to the new environment quickly and smoothly when I moved to Chicago for my postdoctoral training.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women in STEM?

Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who have similar dreams as yours or who believe in you and encourage you to pursue your dreams. Never be discouraged if you feel you are treated differently or you are overlooked. Always trust, listen to, and love yourself. 

Who is one of you female heroes and why?

My Ph.D. mentor, Dr. Demetra Christou, is one of my female heroes. Dr. Christou grew up in Cyprus and embarked at the age of 17 on her pursuit for higher education in the US. She is currently an associate professor in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida (UF). Her research focuses on building the foundation for personalized exercise prescription to optimize cardiovascular health and prevent cardiovascular disease in aging and clinical populations. During my Ph.D. training, Dr. Christou genuinely supported and guided me at both the professional and personal level. She understands the experience, knowledge, and skills that an independent investigator in the field of cardiovascular physiology needs to possess. She also understands the difficulties, barriers, and biases that international students and female scholars may encounter. Dr. Christou helped facilitate my progress towards achieving my career goals of becoming an independent investigator. She supported my transformation into a more open-minded, patient, accepting, and independent person whom I love. Because of her extensive experience, positive attitude, and dynamic personality, even after graduating from UF, I continue to reach out to Dr. Christou to discuss my research projects and life challenges. To me, Dr. Christou is not only a mentor in my academic life, but also a friend, who will always be there anytime I need her in my personal life. I believe that Dr. Christou serves as a role model for women in science and I seek to become a research scientist and mentor like her.

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