UNIST Biology Researcher Honored with the 2023 KPS Young Biophysicist Awards!

A researcher, affiliated with UNIST has recently been honored with the ‘2023 Young Biophysicist Awards‘ by the Korean Physical Society (KPS). The recipient is Na Young Choen (Advisor: Professor Ja Yil Lee) from the Department of Biological Sciences at UNIST. The award has been given to Dr. Cheon in recognition of her recent work on DNA damage search mechanism, using a novel single-molecule imaging technique.

Na Young Cheon obtained her doctoral degree in Biological Sciences from UNIST in February 2023. She currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School in the United States. Her research focused on the investigation of molecular details of DNA damage repair, which is highly associated with genetic diseases, such as cancer through the use of a novel single-molecule imaging technique, namely the DNA curtain assay. Using this technique, Dr. Cheon examined various proteins that are involved in DNA damage repair pathways, providing in-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying DNA damage repair, as well as the basis for the treatment of various diseases.

The plaque of the ‘Young Biophysicist Awards’. l Image Credit: Na Young Choen

“While her academic achievement is indeed noteworthy, it is especially worthy of notice that a student from the Department of Biological Sciences to win an award in Biophysics from the Korean Physical Society (KPS),” noted Professor Lee.

Meanwhile, the Korean Physical Society selects and awards young researchers every spring and fall to foster and recognize the work of emerging young scientists. The award ceremony was held at the 2023 Subcommittee Meeting of the Korean Physical Society on April 19, 2023. Dr. Cheon attended the award ceremony remotely, as she is currently abroad. Her advisor, Professor Ja Yil Lee, received the award on behalf of Dr. Cheon.