Jing-Qiong (Katty) Kang
Dr. Jing-Qiong (Katty) Kang is a distinguished figure in the field of epilepsy research, holding the position of associate professor at Vanderbilt University Department of Neurology since September 2016. Her academic affiliations extend to the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, and the Pharmacology department at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, highlighting her extensive involvement in various research and academic institutions.
Dr. Kang's expertise in epilepsy research has earned her invitations to present her work at numerous national and international institutes and conferences. Some of the notable events where she has shared her research include the American Epilepsy Meeting (AES), Fukuoka University Medical School, Case Western Reserve University, and the Beijing Tiantan Neurosurgery Summit. Her role as the chair for the Basic Mechanisms and Neuroscience symposium at the AES meeting from 2015 to 2018 further underscores her leadership and influence in the field.
Dr. Kang's contributions to epilepsy research have been recognized through awards from esteemed organizations such as Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), Dravet.org (formerly known as IDEA-League), Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF), and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing our understanding of epilepsy and her commitment to finding effective treatments.
One of her current major undertakings is leading a significant effort aimed at developing treatment options for epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders associated with GABA transporter 1 encoding SLC6A1. This work holds the potential to make a substantial impact on the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.
Dr. Kang's academic journey includes earning an MD/PhD degree from Tongji Medical University in China. Before her current role, she worked at Tongji Hospital and subsequently joined Dr. Kenneth Maiese's lab at Wayne State University Department of Neurology in August 2001, focusing on neurodegeneration. Her tenure at Vanderbilt University Medical Center began in 2003 when she joined Dr. Robert Macdonald's lab, where she has continued her groundbreaking research in epilepsy.
Dr. Jing-Qiong Kang's impressive academic background, extensive research contributions, and leadership in the field of epilepsy make her a highly respected and influential figure in the scientific community. Her work has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of epilepsy and improve the lives of individuals affected by this condition.