Meet Dr Seungkuk Ahn working on cell adhesion properties
The Korean engineer has specialized in engineering tissues and other bio-materials. In the Biophysics group of Daniel Müller, the postdoctoral researcher will work on cell adhesion properties which play a crucial role in physiology and pathology. Seungkuk Ahn is eager to visit the FC Basel stadium and to learn about how best to raise kids in Basel.
What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what was your motivation to come to ETH Zurich?
I learned a lot about ETH Zurich because of lab-mates from the D-BSSE and ETH Zurich who worked in my previous lab at Harvard University. I was always told that ETH Zurich has a very good research environment, education system, and pleasant community. Particularly, I learned that D-BSSE is located in Basel in close vicinity to life science companies, which is similar to how it is in Cambridge, USA, where I come from. I wanted to join the D-BSSE to study molecular cell biology in the unique interdisciplinary way for which D-BSSE is known. In addition, I was very impressed by the inspiring conversations and the kindness of the head of the research group, Professor Daniel Müller, and the lab-mates when I came for the interview in March.
What were your expectations and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?
My expectations have absolutely been met. Even before I had arrived in Basel I worked hard on applying for fellowships that would allow me to join the research group of Professor Daniel Müller. It was a very exciting and inspiring experience to develop research projects for my position. During this process, I became more and more confident about my decision to come to D-BSSE. Additionally, my kind-hearted lab-mates were so helpful with my international relocation and gave advice on life in Basel and at the D-BSSE. Thanks to their help, everything went much smoother than I had expected!
What were your first impressions?
Professor Müller and his team have warmly welcomed me and my family. So far, I can definitely tell this is the best start I can ever imagine! I was very surprised by the effectiveness and kindness of Swiss systems. Within 24 hours I always received responses via email regarding all the different questions I had (e.g., visa application and online shopping).
Which research will you pursue at D-BSSE?
In the lab of Professor Daniel Müller, I will investigate how different micro-environments affect cell adhesion that plays a vital role in controlling physiology and pathology. This research at D-BSSE will build on my background in designing bio-material properties to modulate cell behavior at a nano-molecular level.
Which hobby or private interests do you hope to pursue in Switzerland?
I really enjoy watching European football games. In particular, I am really excited to visit the FC Basel stadium soon. More importantly, I am a brand-new father with a baby boy who was born in June 2019. I would love to be part of D-BSSE parent groups to share any information on nurturing children in and around Basel.
Thank you, Seungkuk, and good luck with your research!
Born in Seoul, Seungkuk Ahn studied chemistry at Sogang University, Seoul, Korea. During this time, he first visited the USA as an exchange student at the University of Connecticut and later as a visiting scholar at the Harvard University in Cambridge. After having completed his Master’s degree in Seoul, in 2014 he moved to Cambridge for his PhD at Harvard University in the lab of Professor Kevin Kit Parker. Here, Seungkuk Ahn specialized in tissue engineering for which he developed various bioanalytical tools and functional assays. The methods for preparing fiber networks of extracellular proteins and for a soy-based fibrous dressing were filed for patent application. As of September, he is a postdoctoral fellow in the Biophysics group of D-BSSE professor Daniel Müller.