Written by Giyun Seo, 2025 PROMISE Scholar
What inspired your journey into science?
My inspiration was Marie Curie. I was around eight or nine when my mom gave me a book in Tamil about Marie Curie and her discoveries. I finished the book and thought to myself, ‘I want to be like her.’ Even though I didn’t know exactly what it would take, I was certain that I wanted to become a scientist.
What does your lab study and why is it important?
My lab is interested in ion transport in the kidney, specifically aiming to understand the genes and proteins that regulate this process. As a cell biologist, I bring a slightly different perspective to studying the kidney. It’s important for people from diverse backgrounds to study similar fields. As a scientist trained in cell biology and advanced microscopy, our lab can bring interesting insights and perspectives to understanding ion transport in the kidney.
What are some interests you have outside of science?
I enjoy cooking. I like engaging in intellectual discussions. I appreciate arguments. I don’t particularly have many interests outside of science. The lab is everything to me. Microscopy is everything to me. Science is everything to me. Even in my relationship, I intentionally looked for a scientist. My husband is a developmental biologist and I’m a cell biologist by training. Our relationship is filled with science-related discussions every day. When I watch movies or read, I’ll read and watch science. All aspects of my life eventually come back to science.
Are there any habits you've developed because of your work as a scientist?
I have very specific preferences: where I sleep on the bed, how I sit, how I cook, or how clean something needs to be before I can start working. I’m very quirky. I’ve noticed that I carry my scientific mindset everywhere. I can’t really escape science.
What’s appealing about science?
Truth. You can form a hypothesis based on what you think is happening—but if you're wrong, you're wrong. That’s the truth. It’s as real as it can get.
Career Journey
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry - Bharathiar University, India
Master’s Degree: Medical Laboratory Technology - Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
Graduate School: Cell Biology - Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
Postdoctoral Research: Washington University School of Medicine
