I’m a graduate student in the lab of Stephen Liberles, where we study brain-body interactions. My research focus is on how peripheral immune responses influence the brainstem and conversely, how the brainstem affects immune function. I’m also investigating the cellular and functional diversity of the sympathetic nervous system, as well as how stress affects physiological processes such as gastrointestinal motility and immunity.
I was born and raised in South Korea and earned my Doctor of Medicine degree from the Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine. During my clinical rotations, I saw firsthand how discoveries in basic science could drive advances in patient care and save many lives. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in research, which led me to the U.S. to begin my PhD in biology.
Although I admit that I spend much of my time in the lab with my (many) mice, outside of work I enjoy live music, watching indie films at the Brattle theatre, and exploring lesser-known beaches in New England throughout the year.
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