As an undergraduate research assistant at the City College of New York under the guidance of Prof. Marilyn Gunner, I carried out electrostatics calculations on a number of protein structures and analyzed the charge state of each ionizable residue in each structure.  The ultimate goal of the simulation was to discover connections between protein structures and their functions; by what mechanism a certain protein transfers electrons or protons, for instance.  I never got tired of structures and have remained fascinated.  I was particularly struck by the fact that “Protein Structures” played a critical role in not only harmonizing existing theories but also in suggesting new experimental processes.  Seeing these protein structures and playing with them has planted in me an ardent desire to discover my own structures.

Through the PhD program at Columbia University, I would like to focus on determining protein structures and elucidating their biological functions using x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy.

Although I was born and reared in Seoul, Korea, New York has been like a second home for me.  I enjoy exploring every corner of the city and exposing myself to a year round variety of excellent events; Broadway shows, the New York Philharmonic on the Great Lawn in Central Park, the Bryant Park Summer Film Festival and museums, just to name a few.  I also enjoy playing Frisbee, catchball, or simply running.  Needless to say, New York is also fully packed with gourmet foods.  I never get homesick for food.