首尔大学、KAIST、延世大学等韩国QS前10名大学的研究室信息。
Professor Sooah Kim's research lab focuses on renal pathophysiology, with a particular emphasis on the regulation of water and electrolyte balance, epithelial barrier function in the kidney, and the mechanisms underlying hypertension and acute kidney injury. The lab investigates molecular and cellular mechanisms involving tight junction proteins (e.g., claudin-2, occludin, ZO-1), renal tubular transporters, and signaling pathways such as HIF-1 and SGLT2 in both diabetic and nondiabetic kidney diseases. Clinical translational research is also a key component, exploring drug-induced hyponatremia, the impact of pandemics on critical care, and novel therapeutic strategies such as SGLT2 inhibition in salt-sensitive hypertension.
Professor Hyeon Jeong Oh's research lab focuses on advancing precision oncology in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal and gastric cancers, by integrating molecular pathology with translational biomarker discovery. The lab investigates tumor microenvironment components such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (e.g., POSTN), microbial load (e.g., *Fusobacterium nucleatum*), and immune cell infiltration to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Using multi-omics approaches—including targeted proteomics, immunohistochemistry, and next-generation sequencing—the lab aims to improve risk stratification and treatment personalization in colorectal cancer patients, especially in the context of adjuvant chemotherapy. Their work bridges pathological diagnostics with molecular mechanisms to enhance clinical outcomes.
Professor Hyun Kyu Choi's research lab specializes in the development and application of advanced single-molecule biophysics techniques and multiscale modeling to understand complex biological and chemical processes. The lab focuses on mechanobiology, particularly the force-dependent dynamics of membrane proteins and immune receptors, using cutting-edge tools such as magnetic tweezers and single-molecule force microscopy. Additionally, the lab pioneers data-driven and Koopman operator-based modeling for industrial bioprocesses, especially in pulp and paper manufacturing, integrating macroscopic process control with microscopic fiber dynamics. Their interdisciplinary work bridges molecular-scale mechanisms with real-world engineering applications in biotechnology and sustainable materials.
Professor Myung-Ji Lee's research lab focuses on epidemiological and environmental health studies, particularly investigating the impact of early-life exposures—such as air pollution, birth weight, and maternal behaviors—on long-term health outcomes in children and adults. The lab specializes in population-based cohort studies to explore associations between prenatal and early childhood factors and conditions like atopic dermatitis, obesity, and cancer risk. Their work integrates environmental exposures, genetic factors, and lifestyle behaviors to identify modifiable risk and protective factors.
Professor Amy Kyungwon Han's research lab specializes in bio-inspired robotics and intelligent actuation, focusing on developing novel gripping, climbing, and perching mechanisms for micro aerial and space robots. The lab pioneers shear-actuated adhesives using gecko-inspired dry adhesives for safe, compliant manipulation of large or delicate objects in microgravity and outdoor environments. Key research directions include soft robotics with integrated sensing, miniature haptic actuators, and autonomous aerial and climbing platforms that operate without external guidance systems. The lab emphasizes lightweight, low-power, and robust solutions for real-world deployment in challenging conditions.
Professor Jiwon Ryu's research lab focuses on advancing clinical and translational research at the intersection of biomedical engineering, nephrology, and artificial intelligence. The lab investigates the impact of environmental factors—particularly air pollution—on kidney diseases such as primary glomerulonephritis, while also exploring molecular mechanisms linking ion channels like TTYH2 to cancer progression. A key emphasis is placed on developing AI-driven solutions for clinical decision support, including automated sodium intake estimation in hospitalized patients and optimizing antibiotic use in pneumonia. The lab integrates vision-based surgical instrumentation tracking and protein interaction studies to improve patient safety and therapeutic precision.
Professor Soon-Hee Jeong's research lab specializes in consumer behavior, personal finance, and life-cycle economic planning, with a strong focus on intergenerational financial preparedness, particularly among middle-income and baby boomer households. The lab investigates critical issues such as retirement savings, asset allocation—especially housing wealth—materialism, luxury consumption, and multi-channel shopping behaviors. Research is grounded in behavioral economics and life-course theories, combining qualitative phenomenological analysis with quantitative survey methods to understand how socioeconomic status, psychological factors, and structural constraints shape financial decision-making and consumption patterns.
Professor Dongmin Kang's research lab specializes in theoretical high-energy physics and mathematical physics, focusing on the interplay between quantum field theories, topological invariants, and holography. The lab explores 3d-3d correspondence, supersymmetric gauge theories, and Chern-Simons theory in the context of compactifications of 6d (2,0) theories and M-theory compactifications on hyperbolic 3-manifolds. Key directions include the study of supersymmetry enhancement, large N limits of partition functions, and the role of defects and knots in topological field theories.
Professor Gahgene Gweon's research lab focuses on the intersection of educational technology, artificial intelligence, and developmental psychology, with a strong emphasis on improving learning outcomes through adaptive and intelligent systems. The lab investigates how technology—particularly AI-driven tutoring systems, augmented reality, and neural models—can support collaborative learning, enhance problem-solving skills, and regulate media use in children and adolescents. Key research directions include designing explainable AI models for math word problem solving, developing feedback mechanisms that shape student roles in collaborative learning, and creating interactive, AR-based tools to guide young children’s media engagement. The lab integrates psychological and educational insights with cutting-edge NLP and machine learning to build more effective, transparent, and human-centered learning technologies.
Professor Hyuk Sool Kwon's research lab specializes in emergency medicine innovation, focusing on improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing radiation exposure, and enhancing patient outcomes through advanced imaging technologies and clinical decision support systems. The lab investigates point-of-care ultrasound, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and artificial intelligence in medical imaging—particularly for stroke and breast cancer detection. Key research directions include implementing clinical guidelines to reduce length of stay and recurrence rates, and promoting radiation dose reduction in pediatric emergency care through evidence-based protocol changes. The lab emphasizes real-world implementation of technology and protocols within emergency departments to enhance safety, efficiency, and diagnostic precision.
Professor Bong Soo Cha's research lab focuses on the intersection of diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with a strong emphasis on understanding their bidirectional relationship, clinical management, and long-term complications. The lab investigates non-invasive diagnostic approaches, risk stratification, and therapeutic strategies—particularly pharmacological interventions such as thiazolidinediones—for patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD. Utilizing large-scale national health databases, the lab also conducts epidemiological and health services research to inform clinical guidelines and public health policy in Korea.
Professor Sungwoo Choi's research lab specializes in applied mathematics and computational modeling with a focus on geometric analysis, particularly the medial axis transform and its stability properties in both 2D and 3D domains. The lab also conducts advanced research in optimization and operations research, especially in production scheduling and heuristic algorithms for NP-hard problems such as the economic lot-scheduling problem. Additionally, the lab explores signal processing and video analysis techniques, emphasizing efficient, compressed-domain algorithms for real-time video applications. The interdisciplinary work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical engineering and biomedical applications, including protein kinase C signaling in human cells.
Professor Hee-Jung Choi's research lab focuses on the intersection of family dynamics, marital quality, and health outcomes across the life course. The lab investigates how marital conflict, caregiving transitions, and spousal relationship quality influence psychological well-being, functional health, and longevity, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. Using longitudinal national datasets, the lab emphasizes relational and structural factors that moderate or mediate socioeconomic and demographic inequalities in health. Research directions include spousal interdependence in health, the buffering role of marriage in socioeconomic disparities, and evolving family relationships in changing cultural contexts such as South Korea.
Professor Yunsik Lee's research lab specializes in sustainable chemistry and catalytic materials, focusing on the conversion of biomass-derived platform chemicals into high-value fuels and chemicals. Key research directions include the hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) and its further transformation into alkoxymethyl furan derivatives as potential biodiesel alternatives, using selective heterogeneous catalysts such as Ru(OH)ₓ/ZrO₂ and Amberlyst-15. The lab also explores bioactive peptide-conjugates of hydroxycinnamic acids for enhanced antioxidant properties, with applications in cosmetics and food preservation. Additionally, the lab contributes to computational electronics through the development of advanced logic simulation algorithms, such as the multi-delay parallel (MDP) technique, for high-performance circuit design and analysis.
Professor Sang Hoon Han's research focuses on criminal law reform, judicial democratization, and the institutionalization of citizen participation in criminal justice. His work centers on the practical implementation and constitutional implications of Korea’s citizen participation in criminal trials, particularly the lay judge (jury) system, while critically examining evidentiary rules, due process, and the balance between state power and individual rights. He also explores doctrinal challenges in criminal law, such as inadmissible attempts and the philosophical underpinnings of punishment, often integrating insights from behavioral economics and legal theory.
Professor Jinyeong Park's research lab specializes in autonomous underwater systems and smart materials, with a strong focus on vision-based guidance and control for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), particularly for unidirectional docking under ocean current disturbances. The lab develops advanced optical terminal guidance systems, including visual servo control and modified linear terminal guidance with real-time ocean current observers, to enhance docking accuracy and stability. In parallel, the lab pioneers flexible and transparent conductive electrodes using Ag nanowires and conductive polymers for next-generation smart windows and wearable electronics, emphasizing stretchability, transparency, and durability. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge marine robotics and functional nanomaterials for practical underwater and wearable applications.
Professor Kyung-A Lee's research lab focuses on maternal-fetal medicine and reproductive health, with a strong emphasis on improving perinatal outcomes through biomedical research and health policy. The lab investigates critical issues such as preterm birth prediction using Bayesian modeling, early biomarkers for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, and the impact of maternal infections—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—on pregnancy outcomes. The lab also explores the biological and molecular mechanisms underlying human parturition, including gene expression changes in the uteroplacental unit, to better understand the onset of labor and improve clinical management.
Professor Ji Hyun Lee's research lab focuses on functional food development, particularly leveraging high-fiber rice varieties like Korami No. 2 for enhanced nutritional and sensory properties in traditional foods such as white porridge. The lab investigates the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of rice-based products, emphasizing their potential as functional foods that support long-term dietary adherence. Additionally, the lab explores consumer-driven customization in e-business contexts and conducts clinical pharmacogenomics research, notably on genetic markers (e.g., ABCB1 gene polymorphisms) influencing drug response in pediatric populations. These interdisciplinary efforts bridge food science, consumer behavior, and personalized medicine.
Professor Sung-ah Bae's research lab specializes in cardiovascular and molecular imaging, with a focus on developing and evaluating novel radiotracers for positron emission tomography (PET) to study serotonin transporters (SERT) and other monoamine transporters. The lab investigates the pathophysiological role of these transporters in cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric diseases, integrating preclinical imaging, in vitro binding assays, and clinical data to improve diagnostic accuracy and risk prediction. Recent work also explores the application of artificial intelligence, such as GPT-4, in enhancing cardiovascular disease risk prediction using large-scale population data.
Professor Taeyong Yang's research lab specializes in operations management, energy systems, and corporate transparency, with a strong focus on optimizing industrial and energy systems through advanced algorithms and data-driven models. The lab investigates sustainable energy solutions—particularly for remote islands—by integrating renewable sources, storage, and hybrid power systems, while also exploring the impact of corporate transparency and peer dynamics on firm performance and innovation. Research spans from heuristic optimization in scheduling and resource allocation to empirical analysis of financial behavior and strategic decision-making in Korean firms.
