Yerin Kim

EDUCATION

College / University

Ewha Womans University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science (Brain and Cognitive Sciences)

Major Subjects

Life Sciences, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Convergence of Science (Self-Designed Major, Scranton Honors Program)

Country

Republic of Korea

Lab Experience

In vitro assays: DNA & RNA extraction, DNA Cloning, PCR, RT-PCR, Real-time PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, Slot blotting, Protein purification and concentration, Cell culture (HEK293), Transfection, MTT assay, Migration assay
In vivo and ex vivo assays: Mouse genotyping, Brain dissection, Brain perfusion, Cryo-sectioning, Immunohistochemistry, Confocal imaging, Retina dissection, Ocular phenotyping

Projects / Research

2024: Internship – The role of microglial MST1/2 kinase in retinal homeostasis and immune responses (Pohang University of Science and Technology(POSTECH), Republic of Korea)
2022 – 2023: Internship – Neural basis and the role of synaptic plasticity in learning and memory focusing on engram (Seoul National University, Republic of Korea)
2022: Bachelor’s Thesis – Enhancement of the anti-colon cancer activity of single-chain variable fragment targeting a pro-domain of metalloproteinase-7 via genetic fusion with the Fc moiety of an IgG (Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea)

Scholarships / Awards

2024 – 2025:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2022 – 2024:	The National Scholarship for Science and Engineering (The Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea)
2022 – 2023:	Scholarship for Future Career Planning in Academic Field (Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea)
2022:	Best Poster Award at a summer lab-rotation presentation (Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea)
2021 – 2023:	Honors Scholarship (Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea)

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

In general, I am keenly interested in exploring how the brain perceives social and external stimuli and translates these into physiological responses within the human body, as well as how pathological conditions emerge when homeostasis is not adequately maintained during this process. In this context, I am passionate about investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying brain diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. Currently, I am deeply engaged in studying the roles of microglia and their interactions under chronic neuroinflammation, with a particular focus on microglial signaling and phagocytic functions in neurodegeneration, as well as microglial subtypes and transcriptional transitions via single-cell RNA sequencing in a sex-specific manner. Furthermore, I aspire to elucidate neuro-immuno-vascular interactions and CNS autoimmunity. My ultimate academic goal is to conduct translational research that bridges the gap from bench to bedside, therefore advancing global health and dedicating efforts to women’s health.