Chun Ju Chang: A Career Devoted to Cancer Research and Education
- Brainz Magazine
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
Chun Ju Chang grew up in Taiwan, where her early interest in science set her on a path toward advanced study and research. Determined to push the boundaries of cancer biology, she pursued her Ph.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During her time there, she earned multiple distinctions, including the Graduate Student Representative Award, recognizing both her academic achievements and her leadership within the graduate community.
Training at the Frontlines of Cancer Science
Following her doctoral studies, Chang completed postdoctoral training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the leading institutions in oncology research. Her productivity and innovation during this period were recognized with a series of honors, such as the Amgen Award in Basic Science Research, the AACR Women in Cancer Research Scholar Award, and the Lupe C. Garcia Fellowship in Cancer Research. She also earned the Heath Memorial Fund Outstanding Research Publication Award and a Recognition Award for Outstanding Scientific Productivity at UT MD Anderson, underscoring her impact in the scientific community.
Advancing Research and Mentorship
Chang went on to serve as an Associate Professor at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York, where she contributed to pioneering research while also mentoring young scientists. Her ability to bridge deep technical expertise with teaching shaped her reputation as both a leading researcher and a dedicated educator.
Today, Chang is a Professor at China Medical University in Taiwan, where she continues to build an impressive research portfolio while training the next generation of scientists. Her work emphasizes the importance of collaboration across borders, and she has been active in international research partnerships aimed at tackling cancer on a global scale.
Professional Affiliations and Influence
As a former AACR Women in Cancer Research awardee, Chang is part of a community dedicated to advancing opportunities for women in science. Her career, marked by awards, publications, and educational leadership, reflects both her commitment to excellence and her belief in lifting others along the way.
Lasting Impact
With expertise spanning cancer biology, laboratory research, and academic teaching, Chun Ju Chang embodies the qualities of a scientist devoted to progress and mentorship. She has contributed not only to advancing cancer science but also to creating opportunities for the next generation of researchers.
Her journey from Taiwan to the United States and back again highlights the value of international collaboration, persistence, and vision in shaping a meaningful scientific career.
