Woo selected for NIH Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology Study Section

The DMPC study section reviews cancer-related applications focused on the discovery, design, identification, isolation and development of new molecular agents that are potentially useful in cancer therapy of solid tumors and leukemias. Agents may combat cancer by slowing cancer cell growth, accelerating cancer cell death, sensitizing cancer cells to other therapies, inhibiting metastasis or angiogenesis or improving side effects.

Panelists are selected based on their achievements in their scientific discipline as determined by the quality of their research accomplishments, publications in scientific journals and other significant scientific activities and honors. Membership on a study section represents a major commitment of professional time and is a unique opportunity to contribute to the national biomedical research effort.

“My appointment to serve on the NIH Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology Study Section is an immense honor and a significant milestone in my career,” says Woo. “It signifies recognition of my expertise and dedication to the field and presents an opportunity to actively shape the future of scientific research in anticancer drug development.”

Woo’s term appointment began on July 1, 2023, and she will serve through June 30, 2027.

“During my term, I aim to promote innovative approaches that have the potential to transform drug discovery and therapeutic development and emphasize the critical importance of translational impact,” Woo adds. “I see this appointment as an opportunity for personal growth and I will use this experience to stay updated on the latest advancements in drug discovery and development, enhancing my own knowledge and expertise.”

Woo earned a BS in Pharmacy from Chungham National University in 1999 followed by her MS degree in pharmacokinetics in 2001. She earned her PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from the University at Buffalo (UB) in 2007 then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in 2010. She joined the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2019 as an associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Her research utilizes pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and systems pharmacology approaches that integrates a systems perspective, mechanistic mathematical modeling and simulation with quantitative experimental lab studies to advance the discovery, development and clinical use of drugs.

Woo has received numerous awards and honors including the Edith Kinney Gaylord Presidential Professorship, University of Oklahoma in 2019, the Research Scholar Award, American Cancer Society in 2016, and the Young Investigator Award in Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Drug Metabolism/Clinical Pharmacology Translational Research, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists in 2013.

“Serving on this study section is a privilege, and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity to advance the frontiers of anticancer drug development and my personal and professional growth,” says Woo.