Meet JiSoo Park developing organoids for pre-clinical research
The South-Korean bioengineer has worked on both, microfluidics and organoids, before she started her postdoc in the Quantitative Developmental Biology lab of Barbara Treutlein, focusing on neural tube organoids grown from human cells. Having lived in Switzerland for the past 6 years, JiSoo enjoys every possible sport activity offered in this country.
What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what was your motivation to come to ETH Zurich?
As I worked on BioMEMS (biomedical microelectromechanical systems)-based microfluidics throughout my studies, I was familiar with the microfluidic works of the D-BSSE professors Andreas Hierlemann and Petra Dittrich. Also, I very much liked the location of D-BSSE in Basel being close to the pharmaceutical industry and research institutes. The main motivation for me to join ETH Zurich was Professor Barbara Treutlein who has inspired me at several conference with her passion and excitement for brain organoids and quantitative biology. To continue my research on human neural tube organoid development, I found this amazing opportunity to collaborate with Professor Barbara Treutlein and my PhD supervisor, Matthias Lütolf at EPFL in Lausanne and the Roche Institute for Translational Bioengineering, and to learn from their combined expertises.
What were your expectations, and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?
Having done my PhD at EPFL, I already knew about the high quality of scientific facilities and the multicultural environment at ETH Zurich. Also, the great reputation of the Quantitative Developmental Biology lab of Barbara Treutlein made me very excited to join and I can say all my expectations were met so far. I also like the Rhine river and the lively atmosphere along the banks, and I am very much looking forward to exploring more of the surroundings.
What were your first impressions..?
My honest first impression of the D-BSSE was the interesting building plan. During my first two weeks, I had to make a round and round until I got to the place I wanted to reach. For sure the orientation will be much easier in the new home for D-BSSE that is currently being finalized. After getting introduced to the facilities at D-BSSE, I feel very privileged and supported to work here. The first impression of the Quantitative Developmental Biology lab is its happy vibe. The lab is always full of laughter and everyone is very supportive which I feel very lucky to be part of.
Which hobby do you hope to pursue in Switzerland?
Thanks to my best friend from Lausanne I had many possibilities to explore various sports in both mountain and water, from skiing, ski touring, climbing, and via ferrata to swimming, surfing, and wake boarding. I also love concerts, playing music, and art. I am very much looking forward to exploring the mountains, concerts, and art museums on the German-speaking side of Switzerland.
Many thanks, JiSoo, welcome to D-BSSE and all the very best to you!
JiSoo Park studied biomedical engineering at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. Throughout her time at the Korea University, in the Intelligent BioMEMS Laboratory led by Professor Sang-Hoon Lee, she worked on developing various applications of BioMEMS technology, such as microfluidics-based microbeads and microfiber for cell or drug encapsulation, concave microwell array for 3D cell culture, and organ-on-a-chip for drug screening. During her master’s thesis, she developed a brain-on-a-chip combining BioMEMS technology and neuroscience. During her PhD in the Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering led by Professor Matthias P. Lütolf at EPFL in Lausanne, she continued her interdisciplinary research and developed a mouse neural tube organoid that recapitulates the spine development in embryos. As a postdoc in the Quantitative Developmental Biology lab of Barbara Treutlein she is applying her expertise on developing a human neural tube organoid.
Learn about the Quantitative Developmental Biology lab led by Barbara Treutlein.