People

I believe the greatest innovation is creating tools and methods that enable others to innovate.

I love finding surprisingly simple solutions to complex problems. To do so, I explore and learn across diverse fields, from biology and programming to hardware engineering.

My ultimate goal is to develop methods and tools that are as accessible and easy to use as PCR, yet powerful enough to change the world.

Duckkyun was a postdoctoral researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital (Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA), where he studied human vaccine responses via structural antibody repertoire analysis and single cell transcriptomics.

His research focuses on understanding the rules governing B cell repertoire dynamics in physiological contexts.

He got his Ph.D. in Biomedical Science, and BS in Plant Science, Seoul National University.

Jinho received his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from GIST.

His research focuses on developing new DNA synthesis methods through DNA design and the use of chemically modified DNA.

In the lab, he keeps things organized and knows where everything belongs. Lately, though, he has been puzzled by objects that seem to have grown legs of their own.

Outside the lab, he used to play the violin in an orchestra. These days, he plays the keyboard. The computer kind.

Woojin shares an academic bloodline with the professor through his time as a BiNEL intern.

As the lab’s resident Prometheus, he brings the fire of modern technology to NDS.

His current interests lie in nucleic acid research—of AI, by AI, for AI.

He got his Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering, GIST.

Hi! I’m Jangho. I studied biomedical and electronic engineering at Kyung Hee University, materials science and engineering at GIST, and now I’m pursuing my Ph.D. in Engineering Biology at KAIST.

My research has explored DNA-based smart systems, functional hydrogels, and programmable DNA systems using enzymes, temperature, light, and sequence design. These days, I’m particularly interested in designing unique DNA architectures and engineering them for specific functions.

I try to build a balanced life around staying active, doing research I genuinely enjoy, and spending meaningful time with people around me. A good day starts with tennis or a workout and ends in my favorite Levi’s Vintage Clothing (LVC), sharing a sour beer with labmates, exchanging ideas, and talking about science.

My motto for 2026 is: **“Self-discipline is the key to success.”**

I’m going to become the world’s leading expert in DNA computing and surpass even my PI.

I’m also exploring RNA research, since one type of nucleic acid is apparently not quite enough.

I plan to stay in graduate school until the Samsung Lions win the Korean Series and build up plenty of achievements along the way.

• NDS student leader

• ROKMC (Republic of Korea Marine Corps)

• Drinking (Soju & Beer)

• Exercise (Fitness & Running)

• Hobby (Reading & Movie)

• ENFP (Loud & Talkative)

• Hometown (Boryeong)

Sangeun was an intern in NDS.

With Yeongjae, he previously studied the regulation of DNA synthesis through the use of nucleic acid analogues.

His other goal is to become a Pokémon Master, and he knows the names of more than 100 Pokémon.

I came to NDS to conquer not just synthetic polymers, but the ultimate biopolymer—DNA.

Having studied Polymer Science and Engineering as an undergraduate, I now want to combine DNA and hydrogels to create something entirely new.

Born and raised in Busan, being a tough guy is in my blood.

If you ever come to Busan, come find me. I'll show you the real Busan Full Course.

-sion suffix

1. Forms nouns. Also finds reasons to order salmon again.

2. Interested in what DNA can do—from molecular computing to DNA-based mechanisms and applications in living systems.

Also conducts unofficial cat research. Data: cat photos.

Origin

CNU (BS in Bioscience and Technology); formerly an intern at NDS.

Yujin loves climbing. The toeholds she knew in climbing were quite different from those in NDS. But both show how something small can make a big difference. Like a toehold, Yujin hopes to make a big impact at NDS.

DNA stores information, computes, and connects.

Yuri does too—just with a little more iced Americano and Chewisty donuts.

She’s exploring what DNA can do at NDS.

Taehoon is the CEO and founder of ATG Lifetech, Inc. Before starting ATG, he played a key role as a founding member of Celemics, Inc., which went public during his time as CTO. While at Celemics, Taehoon supported and advised Yeongjae in exploring new approaches in synthetic biology, resulting in a publication in Nature Biotech. Currently, Taehoon is involved in several collaborative projects with NDS.

Hansol is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Science at Ewha Womans University. Having collaborated with Yeongjae for over 10 years, Hansol has co-authored numerous studies in high-impact journals, including Nature Biotechnology, Nature Communications, and Angewandte Chemie.

A former HFSP Postdoctoral Fellow, Hansol was also recognized as an Outstanding Researcher by the BK21 program (awarded by the Deputy Prime Minister in 2021).

Current Interests : Soccer, Icecream, Art, Disneyland