Mechanical Perspectives in Unravelling Complex Diseases

Jennifer H. Shin

Department of Mechanical Engineering

KAIST

E-mail : j_shin@kaist.ac.kr

(11/30 15:30-17:00, 아산공학관 102호)

Abstract

Cells in our bodies are constantly exposed to a variety of physical stimuli, and in response to these stimuli, cells regulate their physiological functions, such as morphology, motility, differentiation, and death. We aim to decipher the physical mechanisms underlying fascinating cellular dynamics through quantitative experiments and analyses conducted under simplified conditions. The primary research interests of our lab revolve around the emerging interdisciplinary field of mechanobiology. We seek to understand the fundamental mechanism of mechanobiology by establishing links between physical stresses (tension, shear, electric field, or topography) and physiological responses. Our laboratory focuses on the following specific topics: cell mechanics, cellular mechanobiology, and AI-based cell classification to better understand cellular physiology in the context of various pathological conditions for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. We begin by developing experimental platforms suitable for bio-functional assays to investigate mechano-responses at the cellular level. Additionally, we develop strategies for generating functionally appropriate 3D spheroid-based disease models. The functional states of the cells are then quantified using gene/protein level assays and stress analyses using traction force microscopy and monolayer stress microscopy. Recently, an AI-based platform for high-dimensional big data analysis was developed and used to analyze the heterogeneity of stem cells, cancer cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) surrounding tumors.

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Dr. Jennifer H. Shin is a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). She received B.S. (98), M.S. (00), and Ph.D. (04) in Mechanical Engineering Department at MIT. Dr. Shin’s research interests center around the emerging interdisciplinary mechanobiology, aiming to find links between the pathophysiological responses and the physical stresses at the cellular level through quantitative experimental and analytical tools. In recognition of her contribution to the interdisciplinary research in mechanical engineering, Dr. Shin was selected as a recipient of the Outstanding Technology Innovation Award of the College of Engineering in 2021 by KAIST. She has been an active board member for seven academic societies across the fields of core mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering in Korea. She has also served as an organizing committee member for many international conferences. Dr. Shin is an enthusiastic supporter of ISB (International Society of Biomechanics) and has been serving as the Affiliated Societies Officer in the Executive Council since 2019. Dr. Shin also served as a Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology (2021-2022) to contribute to decision-making in Korea’s science and technology policies. Lastly, Dr. Shin has displayed genuine passion and enthusiasm for teaching and was recognized with 8 teaching excellence awards at the departmental and institutional levels. Most recently, she was selected as the recipient of the LINK GENESIS–Best Teacher Award (May 2022) by KAIST for her passionate teaching to foster students based on KAIST's C3 core values of creativity, challenge, and care.