Updated September 2026.
Research appointments
2024–present
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut
Advisor: Yupeng Chen
RNA delivery, Janus base nanomaterials, and engineered tissue models for osteoarthritis, kidney, solid tumor research.
2019–2024
Doctoral research
Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut
Advisor: Yupeng Chen
Intracellular RNA delivery using DNA-inspired Janus base nanoparticles; platform development and characterization.
Education
| Degree | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering | University of Connecticut | 2024 |
| M.S., Bioengineering | University of California, San Diego | 2017 |
| B.S., Convergence Biotechnology | Konkuk University, Seoul | 2015 |
Doctoral dissertation: DNA-Inspired Nanopieces of Drug Delivery in Biomedical Applications.
Master’s thesis: Self-Assembly DNA Nanogel with Embedded Functional Proteins for Nanomedicine Platform.
Awarded research funding
ORS/Bethel Fellowship Grant — Principal Investigator
Orthopaedic Research Society / Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center
$20,000 · Awarded · October 2026–September 2027
Co-investigators: Yupeng Chen and Chuan-Ju Liu.
Selected awards
- ORS/Bethel Fellowship Grant, 2026.
- UConn Predoctoral Fellowship, 2023.
- RNATx Young Investigator Travel Award, UMass Chan Medical School, 2023.
- UConn Graduate Travel Awards, four competitive awards, 2020–2022.
- Sung-jo and Shin-jo Merit Scholarships, Konkuk University, 2014–2015.
Patents
- Chen Y, Lee J, Zhang W. Therapeutic nanomaterials. U.S. Patent 12,214,043 B2; issued February 4, 2025. Assignee: University of Connecticut.
U.S. Patent 12,214,043 B2 is licensed by UConn to Eascra Biotechnologies. The licensed Janus base technology supports NASA-funded microgravity research aboard the International Space Station. - Chen Y, Zhang W, Lee J. Nanomaterial delivery vehicle and method of use thereof. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2025/0302762 A1; published October 2, 2025.
- Seong J, Lee J, Kim H, Choo H. Biosensor based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer for detecting of antipsychotic medicine and detection method for using same. Korean Patent KR 10-2176538 B1; granted November 9, 2020.
Selected presentations
- Chonnam National University Medical School Seminar, Republic of Korea, 2026 — invited talk on DNA-inspired Janus base nanoparticles for drug delivery.
- Biomaterials and Biofabrication Conference, USA, 2025 — invited talk on computation-aided design of rod-shaped Janus base nanotubes.
- Kyung Hee University College of Medicine Seminar, Republic of Korea, 2024 — invited talk on DNA-inspired nanopieces for biomedical drug delivery.
- Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, 2024 — podium presentation on mRNA delivery for osteoarthritis treatment.