Getting to Know Ramon Sun, PhD
Date Posted: Thursday, December 05, 2024
Ramon Sun, PhD, from the University of Florida will be our visiting speaker on December 12, 2024. Ramon is an Associate Professor and Director of Center For Spatial Biomolecule Research (CASBR) in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
He received his PhD from The Australian National University where he investigated the role of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase in triple negative breast cancer. During his postdoctoral studies he identified novel metabolic dependencies of tumors and the central nervous system, while developing cutting edge in vivo heavy isotope tracing and spatial metabolomic methods. As an independent PI he is the leading expert in the rapidly emerging field of spatial metabolism in the brain and other contexts. Among his many achievements, Ramon is an Anne and Oscar Lackner Endowed Chair, and St Baldricks Scholar and V Scholar.
As per tradition we asked Ramon some science and non-science related questions about him and his research journey.
What are some memorable moments from your research training or as an independent PI?
When I bought my first mass spec and then immediately broke it within 24 hours. I learned how to do nested PCR to find out the gender of my first kid when my wife was 8 weeks pregnant.
Your idea of a perfect relaxing day outside of work
Don't remember the last time I had one of those but maybe renting a boat and going fishing with my family.
A hidden talent most people don'tbknow about you
I'm a really good boxer.
Looking back on your path so far, any advice for trainees?
Be creative, disciplined, and passionate. If you love your job then you dont have to work a day in your life.
What would you do with more free time?
Work on more research projects or learn astrophysics.
What is unique about the Sun lab environment?
We are like one big dysfunctional family. We all support each other every single day. A fun lab tradition is drinking an old fashion and smoking cigars. Yes, our lab of 15 people all love it!
What are your best science-related & non-science habits?
Science, I am consistent. Non-science, I work out six days a week, do cold plunge, and sauna twice a week.
What profession do you think you would have if you weren’t a scientist?
Day trader. I am very good with stock trading.
Favorite all time movie or TV series
Lord of the Rings. Not Amazon or Hobbit, the original Lord of the Rings by Peter Jackson.