Ester Shinhwa Jo
**********@*****.*** 571-***-****
Professional Summary: Incoming Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student with a B.S. in Biology (3.91 GPA, Summa Cum Laude) and multidisciplinary experience spanning clinical research, healthcare administration, data management, and scientific communications. Proven ability to coordinate complex research operations, manage large datasets, streamline administrative workflows, and collaborate across multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Recognized for exceptional organization, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to quickly master new systems in fast-paced academic and clinical environments. EDUCATION
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
University of Maryland School of Pharmacy - Baltimore, MD Expected Graduation: 2030 Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA Aug 2020 - May 2024 GPA: 3.91/4 Honors: Summa Cum Laude, University Honors, Honors in Biology WORK EXPERIENCE
1. Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics (HOPE LAB) Richmond, VA August, 2022 - Present
-Directed day-to-day research operations by maintaining participant databases, validating research records, and ensuring the integrity of study documentation across multiple behavioral health projects.
-Synthesized and analyzed complex research datasets while collaborating with investigators to support regulatory compliance, manuscript development, and peer-reviewed publication.
-Produced scientific reports, participant communications, and outreach materials that translated complex research findings for academic, clinical, and community audiences. 2. Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine - Department of Surgery Richmond, VA August, 2023 - Present
-Managed clinical research datasets supporting multiple liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery investigations while ensuring data accuracy, protocol adherence, and regulatory compliance.
-Collaborated with transplant surgeons, physicians, biomedical engineers, and research scientists to advance innovative cancer therapies and surgical research from data acquisition through publication.
-Authored and edited scientific manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and study documentation while coordinating multiple concurrent research projects.
3. Administrator, Instructor & Program Coordinator DYMA Taekwondo - Purcellville, VA June 2015 - Present
-Direct administrative operations for a multi-program martial arts academy, overseeing enrollment, scheduling, database management, customer relations, and operational logistics.
-Coordinate marketing campaigns, seasonal programs, testing events, competitions, and instructor scheduling while optimizing organizational workflows and administrative efficiency.
-Serve as the primary point of contact for students, families, and staff by resolving inquiries, maintaining accurate records, and delivering exceptional client service. 4. Patient Transporter Technician August 2022-2023
-Coordinated patient transportation across multiple inpatient and procedural units while prioritizing urgent requests to support efficient hospital operations.
-Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to facilitate timely patient movement and continuity of care.
-Maintained accurate transport documentation while ensuring compliance with patient safety standards, confidentiality regulations, and hospital protocols.
5. Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Assistant August 2021- January 2022
-Supported daily clinical and administrative operations within a high-volume post-anesthesia recovery unit by coordinating patient flow and maintaining accurate medical documentation.
-Facilitated communication between nurses, physicians, transport staff, and care teams to improve patient throughput and continuity of care.
Ester Shinhwa Jo
**********@*****.*** 571-***-****
-Maintained strict compliance with patient privacy, safety, and departmental procedures while balancing multiple competing priorities.
6. Enhanced Management Care Intern August 2021- January 2022
-Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to identify healthcare barriers and social determinants affecting patient outcomes.
-Coordinated referrals to medical providers and community-based resources while documenting patient interactions to support care continuity.
-Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to implement patient-centered interventions that improved care coordination.
7. Biochemistry Supplemental Instruction Leader
Virginia Commonwealth University - Campus Learning Center Richmond, VA August 2023 - May 2024
-Designed and facilitated weekly biochemistry review sessions that strengthened student comprehension of complex scientific concepts.
-Developed structured instructional materials and individualized learning strategies tailored to diverse learning styles.
-Collaborated with faculty to monitor student progress while maintaining organized academic records and attendance documentation.
8. Vice President, VCU Virtual Shadowing Executive Board Officer Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA August 2023- Present
-Directed physician shadowing operations by coordinating scheduling, event logistics, and communication among physicians, executive leadership, and university students.
-Managed organizational recruitment initiatives, digital communications, and social media strategy to expand student engagement.
-Served as a liaison between healthcare professionals and student participants to ensure successful program execution. 9. Virginia State Representative Athlete & Coach
Virginia Taekwondo Association (USTA) 2024, 2025, 2026
-Represent Virginia in statewide leadership initiatives that promote athlete development, coaching excellence, and organizational advancement.
-Coordinate statewide seminars, technical workshops, and training events while mentoring athletes and fostering collaborative leadership across the Virginia Taekwondo community Publications:
1.Jo E, Savsani K, Alfonso A, Park A, Lee SD, Sakar D, Kinsey N, Sambommatsu Y, Imaid D, Khan A, Sharma A, Saeed M, Kumaran V, Cotterell A, Levy M, Bruno D. "Photodynamic effect of indocyanine green and its application to hepatocellular carcinoma treatment." J Cancer Metastasis Treat. 2024;10:16. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2024.18
2.Park A, Savsani K, Alfonso A, Jo E, Hatfield B, Imai D, Khan A, Sharma A, Saeed I, Kumaran V, Cotterell A, Bruno D, Sambommatsu Y, Lee S. "Robotic management of huge hepatic angiomyolipoma: A case report and literature review." Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. 2024;[Epub ahead of print]. https://doi.org/10.14701/ahbps.24-033 3.Savsani K, Alfonso A, Jo E, Park A, Lee SD. "A Novel Bile Duct-Saving Portal Ligation Technique for Subtotal Hepatectomy Survival Operations in Rats." Livers. 2024;4:521-533. https://doi.org/10.3390/livers4040037 4.Nguyen, J. L., Wall, C., Jo, E., Allen, L., Wheeler, N., Baumer, N., D’Aguilar, A., York, T. P., Capone, G., Jackson-Cook, C., Amstadter, A. B., & Brown, R. C. Caregiving burden and depression symptoms among caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome. Manuscript submitted for publication to Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.20.26353699 5.“Predicting Functional Decline in Down Syndrome Post-COVID-19: The Role of Social Determinants of Health and Previous Mental Health Conditions.” https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.19.26353577 6.Savsani, K., Alfonso, A., Jo, E., Park, A., Wang, S., Lee, S., Sambommatsu, Y., Imai, D., Khan, A., Saeed, I., Sharma, A., Kumaran, V., Cotterell, A., Levy, M., Bruno, D. (under review). Analysis of beyond Milan transplant efficacy for Ester Shinhwa Jo
**********@*****.*** 571-***-****
hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a single center analysis. Manuscript submitted for publication to the SOI (Surgical Outcomes and Innovations) Research Journal.
Posters & Presentations
1.“The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Cognitive Functioning of Individuals with Down Syndrome” &
“Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Parental Depression of Children with Down Syndrome.” 2023 VCU Res Symposium.
2.“A novel bile duct saving portal ligation technique for acute hepatectomy survival operations in rats.” 2024. VCU Res Symposium & Dep of Surgery (DoS) Conference.
3.“Analysis of Beyond Milan Transplant Efficacy for HCC Patients,” “Robotic vs Open Mini Incision Living Donor Nephrectomy,” “Comparison of open surgery versus minimally invasive resection outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a single center analysis.” 2024. Department of Surgery Conference. 4."Long-term outcome of open vs invasive hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.” 2023. UVA Cancer Res. Technical Skills:
Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar)
Data Entry & Database Management
Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
Research Data Collection & Management
Documentation & Record Keeping
Scheduling & Calendar Coordination
Customer Service
Administrative Support
Medical Terminology
Data Analysis
Scientific Writing
Social Media Management
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Compassion International Dominican Republic July-Sep 2019
-Served as Mission Secretary, facilitated classroom activities as well as organized meal preparation and distribution to the local churches and schools we visited
Open Door Presbyterian Church Herndon, VA 2017-2020
-Packed food for children through the Feed My Starving Children Organization every year 2017-2019
-Taught elementary - middle schoolers taekwondo & self defense every Saturday through the Korean School Program from 2017-2019
-Supervised 10+ toddlers every Sunday through the Fruitful Vineyard Ministry from 2018-2020 Grace Chinese Baptist Church of Richmond Richmond, VA Oct 2021-2022
-Weekly teacher assistant for the Children’s ministry, volunteered at church activities and community events. Mobile Hope Leesburg, VA Dec 2024-Present
-Deliver targeted support to homeless and at-risk youth, aged 24 and under, through evidence-based initiatives aimed at addressing immediate needs and fostering long-term stability. HONORS & AWARDS
2024 Virginia State Representative Athlete United States Taekwondo Association Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award Americorps 2023
-Recognized for contributing over 250+ hours of community service. 4x USA Taekwondo National Team Member 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 4x VA Taekwondo State Champion 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 2020 World Taekwondo Championships National Ranking: 1st World Ranking: 7th Bronze Medallist at the 2020 World Taekwondo Poomsae Virtual Test Event Ester Shinhwa Jo
**********@*****.*** 571-***-****
2x US Open Taekwondo Champion 2017, 2018
2x Silver, 1x Gold Medallist at Pan American Championships 2017 Official USA Taekwondo Referee 2017 - Present
Woodgrove High School GPA: 4.1 Purcellville, VA
-National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National French Honor Society, Elected Student Leader 2018 - 2020