On October 31, Dr. Kim Doo-ry, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, received the ‘2018 Future Talent Prize’ from ‘Korea Federation of Women’s Science & Technology Associations (KOFWST).’ The prize was awarded to ten female scientists under the age of 40 who have excellent research achievements and have passed a doctoral degree at least five years ago.

Q. How did you feel after receiving the ‘2018 Future Talent Prize’?
A. I recognize this award as a form of praise for my past studies and for me to work hard as an independent scientific research director and professor. Additionally, this award, given by KOFWST, means a lot to me. Until now, I have regarded other female scientists as my role models, and from now on I believe that I should become a role model for other female scientists.

Q. What do you think is the reason for your award, and what are the efforts you have made in your studies before receiving this award?
A. I studied spectroscopy in my master’s degree. For my doctorate, my advisor developed STORM, a technology related to super-resolution microcopy, so that everybody could see what consists of a single molecule. Later, I developed the world’s first correlative super-resolution microscopic by improving STORM. As a post-doctoral degree, I went on to do my first research on monomolecular spectroscopy, using a spectroscope and super-resolution microscopic together. I do not think I have done a lot of research on my own, but I am determined that I have tried to do something new and outstanding, rather than just writing a lot of papers. I think the judges appreciated the fact that I did a new and high level of research, rather than just focusing on inflating the volume. 

Q. In the past, science has been largely regarded as a male domain, so it is true that female scientists still have a relatively narrower field in the scientific world than men. What would you like to say to the female scientists working in various fields of science?
A. I do not think there are many visible social barriers left. However, it seems like it is difficult for women to stay in the academia due to their role and responsibility for the family. Even though there are a lot of girls in college, such responsibilities often prevent them from continuing their careers. I hope that we will be able to work together to achieve our dreams as society is changing a lot and institutional improvements are being made.

Q. What is your advice to students of Hanyang University (HYU)?
A. Actually, I had no information about HYU because I graduated from another school and became a professor for the first time this year. When I started teaching here, I felt that there were many students who could become more excellent if I gave them courage and resources. I hope everyone dreams big and keeps trying harder in their fields.