The Member Spotlight is an ongoing Q&A series focused on getting to know the CASSS community. Today’s spotlight shines on John Kim, Director, Analytical Sciences at Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Q. What was your motivation to volunteer with CASSS?
To hang out with all of the WCBP and CMC thought leaders. And seeing how hard the CASSS staff worked at every conference was very motivating for me to help out where I could.
Q. What do you do to relax? Do you have any hobbies?
I discovered this frustratingly wonderful (or is it wonderfully frustrating?) game called golf. I also love surf fishing which explains why we are a beach family. And I love to cook.
Q. What's your favorite type of food or special dish you cook? Why?
Indian, Cajun, Korean. I guess anything with a lot of garlic.
Q. What is your favorite movie, tv show, music or book?
Spinal Tap still makes me laugh every time. And I enjoy Korean zombie movies/shows.
Q. What famous person (dead or alive) would you choose to have dinner with? Why?
Dead and alive. I would say both Julia Child and Jacques Pépin for a meal they just prepared together. I love French food but cannot cook it well.
Q. What’s your favorite travel experience?
Cambodia. Between the tuktuks, elephants, crossing raging rivers, and the large Cambodian lizard in the rafters of our hut, it was very much an Indiana Jones experience.
Q. What would people be surprised to know about you?
I earned a black belt in TKD later in life only to discover that literally every man in Korea also has a black belt. Maybe getting one after age 40 was unique.
Q. How did you get inspired to go into science/biotech/pharma industry?
Like many of us I made the pre-med to science switch. I think it was because of my first college job in the lab. And pouring my own gels for SDS-PAGE including a reverse gradient for polysaccharides.
Q. If you did anything other than your current occupation, what would it be?
Charter boat fishing captain.