Leadership Profile

A Conversation with ASPET Past President Margaret E. Gnegy, PhD

Dr. Margaret E. Gnegy, PhD, is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Gnegy currently serves on the ASPET Council as Chairperson of the Nominating Committee and Chair of the Council of Division Chairs. Dr. Gnegy has been a member of ASPET for decades. She was elected as a Councilor in 2014 and as Secretary/ Treasurer-Elect in 2017 before being elected as President-Elect in 2021. Meet Dr. Gnegy.

How did you get started in pharmacology?

As is still true of many, I had no idea what pharmacology was when I was an undergraduate student. I learned something about pharmacology as I was working on my doctoral thesis in biochemistry in a medical school. As I neared completion of my thesis, a professor in the Department of Pharmacology made me aware of biochemical and pharmacological research in the brain. Fascinated, I embarked upon an entirely new line of research for my postdoctoral studies and joined the Laboratory of Preclinical Pharmacology at NIMH in the laboratory of Dr. Erminio Costa. I fell in love with neuropharmacology during those years. When it came time to look for a job, my connections from Dr. Costa’s lab led me to pharmacology departments. Having never taken a pharmacology class, I had to learn a lot of pharmacology rather quickly. Pharmacology and I were a happy pairing; I truly love it. Nearly 50 years later, I am as enthusiastic about the discipline now as when I entered it.

How did you first get involved with ASPET?

My postdoctoral work was in the area of pharmacology and ASPET was the primary meeting for the laboratory. At that time, ASPET had two meetings a year, a smaller fall meeting and the larger Experimental Biology meeting in the spring. Members of my laboratory would attend both. When I became an Assistant Professor in Pharmacology at the University of Michigan, it was natural to keep attending ASPET meetings. My students always thoroughly enjoyed ASPET meetings; they especially enjoyed the exposure to and approachability of the scientists at the meetings. I was asked at some point to be on a nominating committee, which was structured totally differently from the nominating that exists at present. I wanted to keep involved in ASPET but in naivete, I thought I needed to be asked. At some point, I was disabused of that notion and ran for Council. I have very much enjoyed serving on ASPET committees and having a leadership position in the Society. I encourage everyone to do so. ASPET loves volunteers, so step up and don’t be shy. It’s very rewarding and the camaraderie with peers is wonderful. Plus, you can help craft the future of pharmacology.

What do you want the ASPET membership to know about you and your ideas on how to move the organization forward during your term?

I am very proud of the changes that ASPET underwent during my term. If one would look back to the platform on which I ran, one would see that definite progress in the areas I felt were keenly important. One of my main messages was the need for diversity and inclusivity with those terms defined quite broadly. We now have a DEI task force which I anticipate will be reformulated into a standing committee, the head of which will sit on Council. As part of inclusivity, I have always been interested in expanding ASPET membership beyond academia; new attention is being focused on recruiting those in pharma, biotech, government and various types of consulting and providing programming in those areas.

ASPET underwent a large sea change during my presidency. A new Executive Officer was hired to replace the retiring EO, and more staff was hired as well. New leadership brings new ideas and our current EO, David Jackson, has approached his job with vigor and initiative. The staff is energized as well and is working to increase the value of ASPET and service to our members. We have a new strategic plan that will move ASPET forward in exciting ways and establish its leadership in the discipline of pharmacology. The real success of the mission, however, depends on the members as well as staff. So, I reiterate my call (above) for volunteers and for many of you to move on to ASPET leadership. I found it totally worthwhile.

What has been your proudest accomplishment in your career so far?

I absolutely loved doing research and am proud of my scientific contributions. However, my proudest accomplishment has been successful mentoring of my students. I realized this, of course, as my career progressed. I was blessed with many wonderful students, and it’s been my pleasure and privilege to shepherd them in their careers. I have tried to do my best as a mentor and send them off with skills and understanding that would lead to successful careers, with a few life skills in addition. I think I have done this. I’ve also mentored young faculty. I’m very proud of my mentees.

What advice would you give young scientists who are just starting out in their careers?

The obvious piece of advice seems trite, but it is true. Have a passion for what you want to do. That makes working so much easier and more fun. I had many frustrating times in academia but I always realized I loved the career. I knew I wanted to be a Professor from the time I was 14 and I have not doubted that it was what I was meant to do. The other key piece of advice is to listen. Listen to the advice that your mentors and colleagues give to you, whether you are a student or working in a job. Intellect will carry you only so far; you need to understand the workings of your environment. What is the best way to advance in your career? What are the intangibles that will assure your success? Keep your hubris in check; listen and learn. I’ve seen many people fail in the workplace because they didn’t listen.