Ms. Ye-Ji Kim | Neurotoxicology | Best Researcher Award

Korea Institute of Toxicology | South Korea

Ye-Ji Kim is a dynamic and award-winning Ph.D. candidate in Human and Environmental Toxicology at the Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), affiliated with the University of Science and Technology (UST), South Korea. With a strong foundation in clinical and pre-clinical laboratory sciences, she has rapidly emerged as a promising researcher in the field of neuropharmacology and toxicology. Her work stands out for its interdisciplinary nature, integrating molecular biology, behavior studies, and advanced electrophysiological techniques. Her passion for translational research and innovation is reflected in multiple first-author publications and international recognitions.

Author Profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Ye-Ji Kim demonstrates exceptional promise as a young researcher in Human and Environmental Toxicology, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), University of Science and Technology, South Korea. Her research portfolio is both innovative and impactful, addressing key areas such as dopamine-mimetic biomaterials, marine-derived neuropeptides, and ion channel pharmacology. With multiple first-author publications in reputable journals like Redox Biology, Marine Drugs, and Experimental Neurobiology, she showcases scientific independence, creativity, and technical depth.

Her interdisciplinary expertise spans electrophysiology, behavioral neuroscience, molecular biology, and advanced imaging, indicating a robust technical foundation. Furthermore, she has been recognized repeatedly at both national and international conferences with awards for poster presentations and outstanding research, notably the Best Research Award at FAOPS 2023, underlining the value and novelty of her work in physiological sciences and toxicology.

🎓 Education

Ye-Ji Kim began her academic journey with a B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science (2015–2019) from Konyang University, followed by an M.S. in Pre-clinical Laboratory Science (2019–2021) from the same institution. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Human and Environmental Toxicology (2021–Present) at the Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), under the University of Science and Technology (UST) in Daejeon, South Korea. Her academic trajectory demonstrates a consistent pursuit of excellence in biomedical and toxicological sciences.

🧪 Experience

Ye-Ji Kim possesses extensive hands-on expertise in both in vitro and in vivo experimental techniques. Her skill set includes electrophysiology (cell and slice patch), molecular biology (Western blotting, cloning), imaging techniques (calcium and sensor imaging), immunohistochemistry, and cell biology techniques such as transfection and viability assays. She has worked with diverse cell types including neurons, astrocytes, and HEK293 cells. Her animal model expertise is reflected in her use of behavioral tests and stereotaxic surgery, underscoring her holistic understanding of toxicological mechanisms and pharmacological interventions.

🔬 Research Interests On Neurotoxicology

Ye-Ji Kim’s research is focused on neurotoxicology, neuropeptides, peptide-based therapeutics, and environmental toxicants. She explores novel bioactive peptides derived from marine organisms for their neuropharmacological and anti-stress effects, as well as dopamine-mimetic agents with reduced toxicity. Her work is at the intersection of natural product pharmacology, toxicogenomics, and neurophysiology, contributing to the development of safer therapeutics and understanding of neurobehavioral disorders.

🏆 Awards

Her research excellence has been widely recognized, earning multiple prestigious awards such as the Best Research Award at the FAOPS Congress (2023), and Poster Presentation Awards at conferences organized by KIT (2022, 2023), UST (2023), KSTT (2022), and KSOT/KEMS (2021). She also received an Encouragement Award at the International Conference on Toxicogenomics (ICT) in 2023. These accolades underscore her innovation, scientific communication skills, and impact in the toxicology field.

📄 Publications

Ye-Ji Kim has authored and co-authored several high-impact publications in reputed journals:

🖊️ First Author

1. Kim SP*, Kim YJ*, et al. “Dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid (DA-HA) as a novel dopamine-mimetic with minimal autoxidation and cytotoxicity,” Redox Biology, 2024; 76:103320. Cited by 8 articles.

2. Kim YJ*, et al. “Synthetic ShK-like Peptide from the Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai Has Human Voltage-Gated Potassium-Channel Blocking Activity,” Marine Drugs, 2024; 22(2):217. Cited by 5 articles.

3. Kim YJ*, et al. “An Octopus-Derived Peptide with Antidiuretic Activity in Rats,” Marine Drugs, 2022; 20(5). Cited by 11 articles.

4. Kim YJ*, et al. “Anti-stress Effect of Octopus Cephalotocin in Rats,” Experimental Neurobiology, 2022; 31(4):260–9. Cited by 9 articles.

5. Lee SG*, Kim YJ*, et al. “Generation of human iPSCs derived heart organoids structurally and functionally similar to heart,” Biomaterials, 2022; 290:121860. Cited by 18 articles.

👩‍🔬 Contributing Author

1. Oh HA*, et al. “4-EA-NBOMe alters glutamatergic synaptic transmission,” Neurotoxicology, 2023; 95:144–54. Cited by 4 articles.

2. Kim SJ*, et al. “SELENBP1 overexpression in the prefrontal cortex and schizophrenia symptoms,” PNAS, 2022; 119(51). Cited by 27 articles.

3. Kang KR*, et al. “Neurotoxicity Assessment Using MEA with hiPSC-Derived Neurons,” International Journal of Stem Cells, 2022; 15:258–269. Cited by 6 articles.

✅ Conclusion

With a growing body of impactful research, a diverse experimental portfolio, and a consistent record of academic recognition, Ye-Ji Kim exemplifies the qualities of a future leader in toxicology and neuropharmacology. Her groundbreaking studies on marine peptides, neurotoxicity, and therapeutic biomolecules contribute to safer drug development and innovative therapeutic strategies. She is a highly deserving candidate for any distinguished Best Researcher Award or scientific honor.