Guim Kwon Teacher Scholar

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The distinctive character of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is defined by the faculty's demonstrated capability to fulfill the values of the Teacher-Scholar Philosophy; a philosophy guided by a serious and continuing commitment to teaching, scholarship and service in the belief that scholarship complements and enriches excellence in teaching and service.

_{Adapted from the Teacher-Scholar Philosophy of SIUE, Teacher-Scholar Philosophy Working Group, 6/2/08}

Dr. Guim Kwon
Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Research Focus:
"My research focus is investigating the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Obesity, caused by sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity, and overeating, is one of the leading causes of T2DM. B-cell failure in obesity-mediated T2D is believed to correlate with ectopic lipid accumulation derived from excess nutrients in the circulation, which contributes to defects in B-cell function and/or B-cell death. My research interests specifically focus on the role of excess nutrients such as high glucose and high FFAs in alteration of B-cell physiology."

Dr. Guim Kwon

Recent Honors / Awards / Recognition:
Awarded 2006-2007 New Investigators Program for Pharmacy Faculty

Sponsored 2006 AFPE Gateway Research Fellowship for Mary Jane Stunson, 3rd year student in the School of Pharmacy

Sponsored 2007 AFPE Gateway Research Fellowship for Phuong Nguyen, 2nd year student in the School of Pharmacy

Primary Courses:
PHPS 700 Principles of Drug Action I

PHPS 701 Principles of Drug Action II

PHPT 724 Integrated Pharmacotherapeutics-Cardiovascular and Renal

PHPT 727 Integrated Pharmacotherapeutics-GI, Rheumatology and Pulmonary

Education:
B.S. Cellular Molecular Biology, University of Michigan (1986)

Ph.D. Pharmacology, University of Michigan (1992)

How does SIUE support your professional growth or activity as a Teacher-Scholar?
"I believe that SIUE provides an excellent environment for my professional growth or activity as a Teacher-Scholar by emphasizing balance between teaching and research. Transition from my former position as a full-time researcher to the present position which allows both teaching and research enabled me to compare and contrast the two different positions. I am extremely pleased with my present position at SIUE and I am delighted to be able to explore both teaching and research."

What is a unique aspect of your professional life that enhances your service to the academic or greater community?
"My research interest is to understand specific molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-mediated type 2 diabetes, especially focusing on pancreatic B-cell physiology. Since I became a faculty member at SIUE, my research goals have slowly changed from interests in pure science focusing on expansion of knowledge in the field of B-cell biology to application of the research findings in therapeutic settings. I believe that this change came about as I emphasize various aspects of drugs in different disease states in classrooms. I believe that I may be able to bring a unique insight into the same question as a teacher and scholar."

Please share how one mentor or event shaped your career decision to become a university professor.
"I was brought up in a culture where a professor was revered, respected, and honored. I aspired to become a professor ever since I pursued graduate study. I was extremely delighted to have the opportunity to become a faculty member at SIUE. It was an occasion for great celebration in my family. I was praised to bring honor to my family by becoming a professor. I personally enjoy working at SIUE tremendously. It is one of the greatest working environments one can have."

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