
Cana Park is a professor in the Department of Biology, and a member of the Models to Medicine Center and the Center for Bioactive Delivery in IALS
IALS: Hi Cana, thank you for speaking with us today. We have a few questions for you so everyone on campus can get to know you better. How long have you been at UMass Amherst?
CP: I joined the Department of Biology as a faculty member and neuroscientist this fall semester, so it’s been about three months now.
IALS: Where did you grow up?
CP: I was born and raised in South Korea, where I completed my PhD in neuroscience. After that, I moved to San Francisco to pursue my postdoctoral studies at UCSF, focusing on cognitive aging.
IALS: Does the love of science run in your family?
CP: While no one else in my family pursued a career in science, their curiosity and encouragement played a big role in shaping my path.
IALS: How long have you been teaching?
CP: I will begin teaching at UMass Amherst next spring semester, and I’m excited to engage with students in the classroom. While I’ve had experience mentoring students during my PhD and postdoctoral training, this will be my first opportunity to design and deliver a full course, and I look forward to fostering curiosity and critical thinking in my students.
IALS: What is more stressful, grant proposals, research, or teaching?
CP: All of the elements are integral parts of an academic job. I tend to focus on one at a time and try to discover the hidden fun part of it. This semester my focus has been on research, and I believe I’ll be able to answer on other elements more precisely a few years down the line. Nothing about academia is easy, but just as the brain adapts and works through challenges, I am confident I’ll navigate through the processes of grant proposals, research, and teaching, continually pushing myself to grow in each area.
IALS: Assuming your research is widely successful, how will it impact society?
CP: I hope that the success of my research will inspire the next generation to explore neuroscience, not just my specific area of focus, but the broader field as a whole. There are still many exciting mysteries to uncover in neuroscience, and I would love for my work to spark curiosity and drive others to dive into solving these fascinating riddles. Additionally, I aim for my research to have a translational impact, eventually leading to the development of products with great safety and efficacy to enhance and restore memory, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals affected by cognitive decline.
IALS: Who do you admire and why?
CP: I value and admire the people around me on a daily basis—those who are curious, persistent, and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in the world. It’s the individuals who consistently strive to learn, overcome challenges, and contribute positively to their communities that inspire me.
IALS: What are your interests when you are not a scientist?
CP: I’m interested in sports like running and swimming. These activities help refine my mind, especially when I focus on my breathing and the sense of solitude they provide. I find that they offer a sense of clarity and balance, allowing me to recharge and strengthen my connection with myself, with people around me, and with my research.
IALS: Thank you so much Cana!