Jonathan Wang
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I would say the best piece of advice given is that: there is never a “perfect” time to start reaching for a goal. It will always be fruitful to start consistent progress towards a target, instead of waiting for a “perfect” scenario. This shifted my mentality to accept difficult times and problems that arise, and recognize it is a normal part of life. The successful ones are the people that just don’t quit on their goals.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
I would say a very recent one, which is obtaining my PhD. I am the first PhD student under my advisor, Professor Eun Ji Chung, so I started my project from scratch and followed it through until publications. I was able to switch from a mechanical engineering focused undergrad into a biomedical engineering topic while learning all new skills and scientific workflows. In the end, I won the “best research assistant in biomedical engineering” award from Viterbi, which demonstrated that my contributions to the lab were recognized by the whole department. It was a great feeling to have that recognition, and put the lab in a position for future success.
What's your favorite impulse purchase from the past 12 months?
Not a very expensive one, but my girlfriend and I wanted to buy some Pokemon cards that were getting popular during COVID. We suddenly decided one weekend to look for them, and we went to 4-5 stores before finding them. A Target had them restricted behind the customer service desk, and we bought all three packs they had left that day.
Please describe a little about your research and what excites you about it.
My research aims to use nanoparticles to treat disease, specifically a genetic condition called polycystic kidney disease. Nanomedicine in general was once very obscure in the eyes of the general public, but now it is reaching more widespread appeal due to the COVID vaccines being nanoparticles. I think many industry research and development roles are now realizing the potential of nanoparticle drug delivery platforms. During my time at USC, I saw the landscape of PKD treatment shift dramatically, which is so exciting to see that my work can directly impact patients receiving treatment in the future.
If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be?
Ideally, (if money weren’t an issue, and I were talented enough), I would want to be on a professional urban dance team. The team I admire the most is called Kinjaz; they are based in Los Angeles so I would strive to make it as a member.
What are some factors that helped you decide to pursue your PhD at USC?
Definitely my advisor, and the energy she brought to all the research topics she presented on. The chance to directly head my own project was a huge draw, as I would be working on the chemistry, cell work, mice work, and all steps in between. It turned out to be true that I gained a huge breadth of skills for my target industry of biologics production.
If you were to recommend to an incoming student 3 places to go in California/Los Angeles, what would they be?
I would recommend: The Grove/Farmers Market for upscale shopping, Little Tokyo for Asian food, and Santa Monica beaches.
What is a memory you'll cherish about your time at USC?
I would say going on each of my academic conferences, particularly the year Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) trips. It would always be fun traveling with other lab members, and touring each new city.
What's one thing about you that might surprise me?
I ride a motorcycle, and think it is one of the most thrilling/liberating feelings I can have.
What are your plans after graduation?
Working in the biologics and pharmaceuticals industry in California, I am currently interviewing with a couple companies.
Hometown (city, country):
San Jose, CA.
Personal Website (if any):
Not personal, but our lab website can be found here: https://chunglaboratory.com/
Faculty Advisor:
Professor Eun Ji Chung
