Yuna Kim '15

Hi there! I’m Yuna and I’m a sophomore planning to major in Neuroscience. For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in scientific research. During the summer of 2012, I had the opportunity to work in a neurobiology lab at UCI School of Medicine, where the main focus was on local connectivity and in vivo physiology of inhibitory neurons in the cortex. We were able to investigate cortical connections through monosynaptic circuit tracing through Cre-dependent targeting and injection of modified rabies virus. During my time here, I was able to learn different research methods as well as essential lab techniques. This experience farther amplified my interest in research and in Fall 2012, I joined the Tetel lab. 

Currently, I am working with Liz Bless on studying estrogen and leptin signaling in the adult mouse hypothalamus, hoping to clarify the mechanisms of their interaction. I’m very excited to learn new methods and techniques and gain new research experiences. I hope to continue researching for the rest of my time here at Wellesley.