Come for the Conference, Stay for the Gnomes
Tom Pham presenting poster at ASPET Conference.
As our plane touched down in Portland, Oregon, I gazed out the window and marveled at the natural beauty of the city. I quickly pinched myself, realizing that in less than 24 hours, I will be at ASPET 2025, my first professional conference since I embarked on my undergraduate research journey.
Tom Pham in Portland for ASPET Conference.
More than 1,000 attendees gathered for this year's annual meeting, where the latest advancements in pharmacology and innovative therapeutics were discussed. It was an electrifying feeling to be on the forefront of research and absorb all the incredible discoveries that each scientist had worked hard to come here to present.
I came to ASPET with a mission of my own: to share the potential of drug-based ionic liquids in drug delivery. My project, which focuses on developing an ocular antibiotic using a drug-based ionic liquid, offers just a glimpse into the capabilities of this emerging technology. Moxifloxacin, one of the world’s most important antibiotics, is widely used but struggles in its eye drop form due to poor ocular penetration and rapid elimination by the eye’s tear film. This results in a high dosage frequency of three times per day, which often leads to low patient compliance and contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
By transforming moxifloxacin into a liquid salt—created by combining the drug with safe, FDA-approved counterions—we improve its ability to penetrate the eye’s lipid membranes, thereby increasing ocular absorption. This technology has the potential to enhance drug delivery across various therapeutic classes and could lower regulatory barriers, ultimately leading to faster and more effective treatments for patients.
Presenting my research at the poster session was a rewarding experience. I was able to pitch my project to curious minds, sharing this exciting idea with as many people as possible. The interest I received, coupled with thought-provoking questions, reaffirmed my confidence in my scientific communication skills—skills I’ve honed through my time as a UBRP student. Even more exciting were the collaboration proposals we received from industry leaders, an unexpected but welcomed result!
Tom Pham at ASPET Conference with Arpita Gulati, Britt Gratreak, & Sage Crosby.
Now, about those gnomes. After the first day of ASPET, we attended an opening reception dinner, which was designed for networking regardless of career stage. To everyone’s surprise, several people dressed as gnomes appeared, striking up conversations about odd topics and breaking the ice among awkward scientists. Their antics set the tone for the remainder of the trip, reminding me to approach every experience with an open mind and embrace the unexpected. Can’t forget about Portland’s famous motto: "Keep Portland Weird!"
Overall, the conference was an unforgettable experience. The sessions were informative and diverse, and I even had the chance to witness an exciting version of Shark Tank, where trainee scientists competed to give the winning pitch. ASPET was an enriching opportunity that helped me envision the kind of scientist I strive to become: one who can distill complex research into something accessible and captivating for any audience. I’m incredibly grateful to UBRP for the Travel Award that made this experience possible, and I encourage all future UBRP students to seize this incredible opportunity to advance their own research journeys!