Explore research labs at leading universities worldwide — research fields and key papers at a glance.
Professor Young Ho Park's research lab focuses on the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with an emphasis on integrating multi-omics data—such as transcriptomics, epigenetics, and miRNA profiles—to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The lab investigates the interplay between genetic risk factors, gene expression regulation (e.g., cis-eQTLs), and clinical outcomes, including neuroimaging and cognitive decline. It also explores the role of systemic factors such as hemoglobin levels and liver enzymes in AD progression, highlighting the brain-periphery connection in neurodegeneration. A key direction involves developing polygenic risk scores and network-based approaches to improve early prediction and personalized risk assessment in mild cognitive impairment.
Professor Il Suk Son's research lab specializes in cardiovascular pathophysiology, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying inflammatory and hypertensive heart diseases. The lab investigates molecular pathways involved in endothelial dysfunction, myocardial remodeling, and the impact of natural compounds like curcumin on vascular inflammation. It also explores clinical manifestations of rare cardiomyopathies, such as takotsubo and eosinophilic myocarditis, using advanced imaging and biomarker analysis. Additionally, the lab evaluates the efficacy and safety of combination antihypertensive therapies in real-world clinical settings.
Professor Jeong-Woo Park's research lab specializes in geochemistry and materials science, focusing on the petrogenesis of metal-rich magmas and the behavior of chalcophile and platinum group elements (PGEs) in magmatic systems. The lab investigates the origins of porphyry Cu±Au deposits through detailed PGE and trace element analysis in volcanic and plutonic rocks, aiming to understand the fertility of source magmas. In parallel, the lab develops advanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques for functional oxide thin films, such as In₂O₃ and SnOₓ, for semiconductor and electronic device applications. These studies bridge fundamental geochemical processes with innovative materials synthesis and characterization.
Professor Junseok Lee's research lab specializes in interdisciplinary materials and biomedical engineering, focusing on the development of advanced oxide-based thin-film transistors for flexible and printable electronics, as well as the clinical and biomechanical analysis of spinal deformities and metabolic syndrome. The lab combines materials science with medical imaging and signal processing to explore low-temperature fabrication of high-performance oxide semiconductors and to predict postoperative spinal complications using radiographic parameters. Their work spans from fundamental material synthesis to clinical applications in metabolic health and orthopedic surgery.
Professor Jae-yoon Choi's research lab specializes in ultracold quantum gases and many-body quantum systems, focusing on topological phenomena, quantum phase transitions, and non-equilibrium dynamics in spinor Bose-Einstein condensates. The lab employs advanced techniques such as single-site-resolved imaging and spin manipulation to explore exotic quantum states, including many-body localization, Skyrmion spin textures, and vortex dynamics in two-dimensional systems. Their work bridges fundamental quantum many-body physics with topological and geometric effects, such as the geometric Hall effect and Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless physics.
Professor Hark Min Lee's research lab specializes in urological oncology, with a primary focus on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and prostate cancer. The lab investigates perioperative outcomes, surgical techniques—particularly laparoscopic and robotic approaches—and the impact of preoperative biomarkers such as the De Ritis ratio on long-term survival. It also explores the role of advanced imaging, including diffusion-weighted MRI, in improving cancer detection and surgical planning. The lab emphasizes personalized medicine through 3D renal modeling and aims to optimize patient outcomes via evidence-based surgical strategies and renal function preservation.
Professor Hwangnam Kim's research lab specializes in next-generation wireless networking, intelligent transportation systems, and smart infrastructure, with a strong focus on UAV-based networks, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and distributed ledger technologies for smart grids. The lab investigates advanced networking protocols, including frame scheduling and network throughput optimization in mobile and dynamic environments, while also developing robust localization and positioning systems for urban and GPS-challenged environments. A key research direction involves integrating UAVs as aerial network platforms and applying distributed ledger technologies to enable secure, decentralized energy trading in smart grids. The lab emphasizes practical deployment through simulation and modeling, particularly using ns-3 and analytical frameworks for real-world scalability.
Professor Hee Ho Park's research lab specializes in nanomedicine and regenerative therapeutics, focusing on the development of protein-based and albumin-based nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and tissue repair. The lab explores innovative strategies such as in vivo reprogramming of immune cells (e.g., macrophages) and the use of extracellular vesicles and chimeric antigen receptor systems to enhance anti-tumor immunity. A central theme is the translation of nanotherapeutics to treat challenging diseases, including cancer and viral infections like SARS-CoV-2, with an emphasis on biocompatible and biodegradable platforms.
Professor Hee-ho Park's research lab specializes in nanomedicine and translational biotechnology, focusing on the development of protein-based and albumin-based nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in cancer and viral infections. The lab explores innovative immunotherapies, including in vivo reprogramming of macrophages into CAR-M1 cells and harnessing extracellular vesicles for regenerative and anti-tumor applications. A central theme is overcoming biological barriers in solid tumors and severe inflammatory conditions such as COVID-19 by leveraging natural biomolecules and nanocarriers to enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Professor Hakseung Shin's research lab specializes in service innovation and customer experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, with a strong focus on digital transformation, online engagement, and experiential value co-creation. The lab explores emerging trends such as service robots, workcation travel, and online brand communities, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of non-transactional values and happiness in travel experiences. Key research directions include the role of personalization, empowerment, and technology in shaping customer engagement and value creation across digital platforms. The lab employs mixed-methods approaches, combining qualitative netnography, experimental designs, and scale development to build robust theoretical and practical insights.
Professor Junho Shin's research lab specializes in organometallic chemistry, with a focus on the synthesis and reactivity of early transition metal complexes, particularly those of molybdenum, tantalum, and zirconium. The lab investigates novel ligand environments, such as tert-butyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl and phosphorus-bridged ansa-ligands, to modulate metal center electronics and reactivity. Key research directions include the development of chalcogenolate–hydride and pnictogen-based complexes, along with dynamic processes such as ligand inversion and alkylative transformations. The work often combines structural characterization (X-ray diffraction), spectroscopic techniques (e.g., dynamic NMR), and vibrational analysis (e.g., IR of CO stretches) to probe electronic and steric effects in main-group and transition metal systems.
Professor Habin Lee's research lab specializes in operations research and decision analytics with a focus on sustainable logistics, intelligent systems, and public sector innovation. The lab investigates speed optimization in maritime shipping to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring schedule reliability, integrating stochastic modeling and dynamic programming. It also explores the impact of information technology on organizational temporality and develops big data analytics frameworks—particularly using fuzzy cognitive maps—for improved decision-making in public sector IT procurement. Additionally, the lab contributes to e-government evaluation through citizen-centric frameworks and applies computational intelligence techniques to sentiment analysis for practical applications in e-commerce and public services.
Professor Da Hyun Jung's research lab specializes in gastrointestinal endoscopy and minimally invasive therapeutic interventions, with a strong focus on improving outcomes in colorectal and upper gastrointestinal diseases. The lab investigates risk factors for complications after endoscopic resection, such as post-EMR/ESD bleeding and perforation, and evaluates the role of medical therapies—particularly *H. pylori* eradication—in preventing metachronous neoplasms. The lab also explores innovative endoscopic techniques like endoscopic vacuum therapy for complex gastrointestinal defects, emphasizing evidence-based clinical decision-making through systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Professor Jong Hwan Lee's research lab specializes in clinical and translational studies focusing on perioperative medicine, critical care, and advanced imaging techniques in surgical and cardiovascular contexts. The lab investigates hemodynamic monitoring, organ protection strategies such as ischemic postconditioning, and the impact of medical therapies like statins on postoperative outcomes. It also explores microcirculatory dynamics in stroke and the characterization of stellar HII regions using advanced astronomical imaging, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach spanning biomedicine and astrophysics. The lab emphasizes evidence-based interventions to improve surgical outcomes and understand physiological responses at both clinical and cellular levels.
Professor Sung-Woo Bae's research lab specializes in sustainable energy systems, with a strong focus on renewable energy integration, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and advanced power conversion technologies. The lab develops mathematical models and dynamic control strategies for microgrids powered by wind and solar energy, while also investigating high-efficiency power electronic converters for EV charging and energy storage applications. Key research directions include smart charging demand forecasting, maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic systems, and innovative cell balancing techniques for battery energy storage. The lab's work bridges power electronics, renewable energy systems, and smart grid technologies to enhance grid stability and energy efficiency.
Professor Jung Eun Yoo's research lab specializes in population health and epidemiology, focusing on the long-term impact of hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle factors on chronic disease risk. Key research directions include the role of reproductive health and sex hormones in dementia and osteoporosis, blood pressure variability in cognitive decline, and the association between alcohol consumption patterns and cancer incidence. The lab leverages large-scale national health databases to identify modifiable risk factors and inform public health interventions.
Professor Ji-Yeon So's research lab specializes in health communication, with a primary focus on risk message processing, emotional responses to health appeals, and the psychological effects of prolonged exposure to public health campaigns. The lab investigates how fear, anxiety, and message fatigue influence health behavior intentions, with particular attention to information seeking, perceived self-efficacy, and resistance mechanisms such as reactance and disengagement. Current research also explores the role of social media, particularly Facebook, in mediating social support and its downstream effects on stress and well-being. The lab integrates theoretical frameworks like the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) with cognitive and emotional theories to understand adaptive and maladaptive responses to health risk communication.
Professor Se-Jeong Kim's research lab specializes in integrated quantum nanophotonics, focusing on the development of scalable platforms for on-chip quantum light sources using two-dimensional van der Waals materials. The lab pioneers the integration of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) quantum emitters with photonic waveguides and cavities, achieving high-efficiency single-photon emission and strong light-matter coupling at room temperature. Key research directions include nanofabrication techniques for h-BN and other 2D materials, characterization of optical properties such as birefringence, and the engineering of hybrid and monolithic photonic devices for quantum technologies. The lab also explores valley polarization control in transition metal dichalcogenides using chiral plasmonics to enhance quantum emission.
Professor Gahyun Bae's research lab specializes in microbial electrochemical systems and anaerobic bioprocesses, focusing on enhancing sustainable energy recovery from organic wastes. The lab investigates microbial electrosynthesis, microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), and anaerobic digestion with an emphasis on improving electron transfer mechanisms, biogas production, and system efficiency. Key research directions include optimizing interspecies electron transfer, developing low-resistance reactor configurations, and applying machine learning to predict and improve MEC performance. The lab also explores co-digestion strategies for challenging waste streams such as cattle manure and fermentation effluents.
Professor Na Young Kim's research lab focuses on gastrointestinal oncology and infectious disease epidemiology, with a primary emphasis on *Helicobacter pylori* infection and its role in gastric carcinogenesis. The lab investigates the molecular and clinical aspects of telomerase activity in cancer, antibiotic resistance patterns in *H. pylori*, and the development of personalized postoperative pain management strategies. A key research direction involves identifying risk factors for gastric cancer, particularly the interplay between *H. pylori* infection and family history, with an aim to improve early detection and prevention strategies.
