Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Sook Jeon's research lab focuses on the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a particular emphasis on pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, glucose variability, and the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and environmental toxicants in disease progression. The lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic complications, especially in bone cells (MC3T3-E1), exploring the protective effects of natural compounds like glabridin against methylglyoxal and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)-induced cytotoxicity. Their work integrates clinical diabetes management with cellular and molecular toxicology, aiming to improve long-term glycemic control and β-cell preservation through early intensive therapies and novel therapeutic agents. The lab also evaluates biomarkers such as 1,5-anhydroglucitol and fructosamine to better assess postprandial hyperglycemia and glycemic variability beyond HbA1c.
Professor Seong Su Kim's research lab specializes in the design and synthesis of advanced functional materials, with a strong focus on mesoporous silica and polymer-based nanomaterials. The lab explores supramolecular assembly strategies to create materials with hierarchical structures, exceptional thermal and chemical stability, and tailored porosity for applications in catalysis, adsorption, and energy storage. Key research directions include the development of high-performance piezoelectric nanofibers through wet spinning and electrospinning techniques, as well as innovative processing methods such as microwave treatment to enhance mechanical and functional properties. The lab also investigates structure-property relationships in polymers like PVDF and meta-aramid nanofibers to enable next-generation applications in flexible electronics and structural composites.
Professor Jeong Han-sin's research lab specializes in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, with a focus on improving diagnostic accuracy in thyroid cancer and lymph node metastasis. The lab investigates advanced imaging techniques such as 18F-FDG PET/CT, ultrasonography, and contrast-enhanced CT for early detection and staging of head and neck cancers. Additionally, the lab explores the biological mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis using innovative animal models, such as the chronic lymph node window, to study the vascular dynamics of metastatic lymph nodes. The integration of clinical imaging with translational research on cancer progression defines the lab’s multidisciplinary approach.
Professor Hye Jin Yoo's research lab specializes in the development and characterization of advanced polymer nanocomposites, with a focus on enhancing mechanical, thermal, and functional properties through nanofillers such as carbon nanotubes and graphene derivatives. The lab investigates in-situ polymerization and melt-processing techniques to achieve uniform dispersion of nanomaterials in polymer matrices, particularly polyurethanes and polyesters, for applications in biomedical devices, shape memory materials, and structural composites. Additionally, the lab contributes to medical imaging research, exploring MRI techniques such as modified Dixon sequences and whole-body MR/PET imaging to improve the diagnosis and differentiation of bone and soft tissue pathologies.
Professor Jeong-Hyun Park's research lab focuses on regenerative medicine and molecular oncology, with a strong emphasis on stem cell biology, epigenetic regulation, and tissue engineering. The lab investigates the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived conditioned media and reprogramming factors in promoting tissue regeneration, particularly in hair follicle regeneration and mandibular/tmjoint reconstruction. Additionally, the lab explores epigenetic modulators, such as synthetic HDAC inhibitors, for their antitumor effects and mechanisms in cancer cells. The integration of biomaterials, including 3D-printed titanium implants, further supports the lab’s mission in developing innovative solutions for craniofacial and musculoskeletal reconstruction.
Professor Wan-Yun Jung's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression, particularly in breast and oral squamous cell carcinomas, with an emphasis on metastasis, invasion, and tumor microenvironment interactions. The lab investigates natural compounds and bioactive molecules—such as xanthorrhizol, licorice extracts, licochalcone A, and kalopanaxsaponin A—for their chemopreventive and chemosensitizing effects, especially in reducing tumor growth, inflammation, and toxicity during chemotherapy. Key research directions include the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), transcription factors like HuR, and chemokine signaling (e.g., CCL28, CCL20) in cancer cell migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and bone metastasis. The lab also explores the role of signaling pathways involving RARβ, RANKL, and RUNX3 in modulating tumor-bone interactions and therapeutic resistance.
Professor Sumin Ahn's research lab specializes in molecular oncology and translational pathology, with a focus on identifying and validating predictive biomarkers in various cancers. The lab investigates the role of immune checkpoint molecules such as PD-L1 and HER2 in guiding targeted and immunotherapies, particularly in breast, thyroid, biliary tract, and neuroendocrine cancers. Their work integrates molecular profiling with clinical outcomes to improve diagnostic accuracy and personalize cancer treatment. The lab also explores the pathological features and molecular characteristics of rare tumors, including thymic neuroendocrine carcinomas and salivary gland neoplasms.
Professor Jong-Ahm Kim's research lab specializes in computational fluid dynamics, multiphase flows, and advanced numerical methods for fluid-structure interaction and energy systems. The lab focuses on developing physics-based models for cavitation and thermal effects in fluids, innovative finite volume methods for complex flow networks, and gas-kinetic schemes for accurate Riemann solver alternatives. Recent work also extends into high-performance computing and distributed deep learning for scientific computing, emphasizing efficiency and scalability on heterogeneous GPU architectures. The lab integrates fundamental fluid mechanics with cutting-edge computational techniques to solve real-world engineering challenges.
Professor Tae-young Yoon's research lab specializes in single-molecule biophysics, focusing on the dynamic mechanisms of membrane fusion, SNARE and synaptotagmin-mediated exocytosis, and the mechanical folding of membrane proteins. The lab employs advanced single-molecule techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy, magnetic tweezers, and force microscopy to dissect real-time protein–protein and protein–membrane interactions with high temporal and spatial resolution. Their work reveals fundamental principles of cellular trafficking, synaptic vesicle fusion, and DNA mechanics at the nanoscale.
Professor Sungmin Hwang's research lab specializes in the theoretical and applied study of complex systems, with a focus on stochastic processes in networked systems and neuromorphic engineering. The lab investigates random walk dynamics, first passage times, and spectral dimensions in heterogeneous and scale-free networks to understand information diffusion and transport phenomena. Additionally, the lab develops advanced physical models for optoelectronic devices—particularly InGaN/GaN LEDs—and designs hardware-efficient neuromorphic systems using synaptic transistors and spiking neural networks for energy-efficient AI computation. Their work bridges statistical physics, network science, and electronic device engineering to enable next-generation intelligent and efficient computing systems.
Professor Sae-Wung Kang's research lab specializes in posterior segment retinal diseases, with a primary focus on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and macular disorders such as macular holes and diabetic macular edema. The lab employs multimodal imaging techniques—including ICG angiography and OCT—to identify early biomarkers and precursor lesions, aiming to improve early detection and intervention strategies. A key research direction involves understanding the role of choroidal vascular abnormalities, such as vortex vein engorgement and choroidal hyperpermeability, in disease progression.
Professor Dae-Joon Jang's research lab specializes in maritime energy systems, focusing on the development and optimization of alternative fuel technologies for sustainable shipping. The lab investigates propulsion and energy management strategies for zero-emission vessels, particularly those powered by liquefied hydrogen and liquefied natural gas, with an emphasis on boil-off gas utilization, re-liquefaction systems, and hybrid electric propulsion. Key research directions include energy efficiency, life-cycle cost analysis, and the integration of fuel cells and batteries in marine applications.
Professor Jeongsu Lee's research lab focuses on translational and clinical research in oncology, dermatology, and neurology, with a strong emphasis on identifying prognostic biomarkers and developing novel therapeutic strategies. The lab investigates immune cell infiltration in gastric cancer, allergen-specific immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis, and neuroprotective agents against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. A recurring theme is the identification of predictive biomarkers and the evaluation of repurposed or natural compounds (e.g., green tea extracts) for neuroprotection and symptom management.
Professor Gwangjae Kim's research lab specializes in advanced manufacturing systems and service innovation, focusing on the optimization of complex multiresponse and multistage manufacturing processes. The lab develops data-driven methodologies such as Patient Rule Induction Method (PRIM) for multiresponse optimization and applies them to real-world industrial challenges in sectors like steel, automotive, and semiconductors. It also pioneers design frameworks for experience-centric services (ExS) and product-service systems (PSS), emphasizing customer experience and strategic business model innovation. The lab integrates statistical modeling, quality function deployment, and visual design tools to support industrial R&D and sustainable competitive advantage.
Professor Hyeonju Ahn's research lab focuses on critical care and anesthesiology, with a strong emphasis on optimizing respiratory and hemodynamic management in surgical patients. The lab investigates protective ventilation strategies, particularly driving pressure, in patients undergoing thoracic surgery, aiming to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Additionally, the lab explores metabolic targets in cancer therapy, including the repurposing of anti-diabetic drugs like phenformin in combination with LDH inhibitors to enhance anti-tumor effects through mitochondrial disruption and ROS overproduction. The integration of perioperative physiology with oncology highlights the lab’s translational approach to improving surgical outcomes and cancer treatment.
Professor Jae-Won Oh's research lab specializes in virology and enzymology, with a focus on viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases—particularly the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B protein—and the discovery and characterization of novel thermostable enzymes from environmental metagenomes. The lab investigates the structural and functional mechanisms of these enzymes, including de novo RNA synthesis initiation and protein-protein interactions, using biochemical, structural, and biophysical approaches. A key research direction involves identifying high-affinity aptamers and peptides that interact with viral and host proteins to elucidate viral replication mechanisms and support diagnostic and therapeutic development.
Professor Yoo Young Lee's research lab specializes in gynecologic oncology, with a primary focus on improving outcomes for patients with cervical and ovarian cancers. The lab investigates prognostic biomarkers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and molecular targets like dynamin 2 to understand tumor progression and treatment response. It also explores novel therapeutic strategies, including Wee1 inhibitors combined with radiotherapy, and evaluates treatment timing and surgical interventions in recurrent disease. The research integrates clinical data with molecular mechanisms to advance precision oncology in gynecologic cancers.
Professor Moo Sung Lee's research lab focuses on educational leadership, particularly instructional leadership, school improvement, and the impact of institutional and macro-contextual factors on educational outcomes. The lab investigates how leadership practices, policy environments, and systemic structures—such as international schooling models (e.g., IB), district-level networks, and cultural or economic contexts—affect teaching quality, student learning, and school effectiveness. A key emphasis is placed on cross-national comparative studies, especially in East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, using mixed-methods and large-scale data to explore leadership dynamics in high-stakes accountability environments.
Professor Changhwan Shin's research lab specializes in advanced semiconductor devices and novel materials for next-generation electronics and energy applications. The lab focuses on atomic-scale device simulation, ferroelectric and negative capacitance field-effect transistors, and 2D materials-based optoelectronic devices, with strong emphasis on performance enhancement and variability control in nanoscale CMOS technologies. Key research directions include high-efficiency energy storage systems such as supercapacitors and ferroelectric memories, as well as innovative doping and heterostructure engineering for improved device characteristics. The lab integrates atomistic simulation, experimental fabrication, and comprehensive characterization to advance device physics and materials science at the nanoscale.
Professor Junsung Lee's research lab specializes in advanced materials science and nanotechnology, with a focus on carbon nanotube field-effect transistors, ferroelectric thin films, and sol-gel processed oxides for optoelectronic and electronic applications. The lab also explores the intersection of consumer behavior, moral psychology, and brand management, particularly in the context of celebrity scandals and their impact on public trust and brand evaluation. Research spans from fundamental material properties under ultrahigh vacuum conditions to applied studies on human decision-making in response to moral transgressions in sports and media.
