Kenneth Yamada

Kenneth Yamada

Kenneth Yamada
kenneth.yamada@nih.gov">Email Kenneth Yamada

Power Words

Power Words: English: 
Excellence, passion for science, dedication, integrity, fairness

Where were you born? 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

What school did you attend? 

Stanford University, followed by Stanford University School of Medicine

What gained you interest in the NIH? 

NIH was then, and still is today, the premier center for biomedical research in the world. Its Intramural Program provides intellectual freedom and unparalleled opportunities to perform ground-breaking research.

What kind of work do you do at the NIH? 

I lead a team of 10 scientists performing fundamental biomedical research. We focus on characterizing the dynamics of normal and diseased cells and tissues, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie these processes. We have been applying a wide range of research tools, including live-cell and live-organ microscopic imaging, biochemistry, and genetic analyses to determine the mechanisms of cell migration and invasion in 3D environments, as well as the mechanisms of organ formation in embryonic development. We emphasize the training and career development of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to become independent leaders in the field.

What message would you like to send to young Asians who are considering going to college? 

College or some other form of advanced training is essential for career success.