INTELLIGENCE GENETICS LAB

Prof. Youngseok Lee

Principle Investigator

Prof. Youngseok Lee, Principal Investigator of the Intelligence Genetics Lab, is a Full Professor in the Department of Integrative Biotechnology at Kookmin University, where he has served since 2013 as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and now Full Professor. Through his leadership, the lab has become a vibrant center for innovative research in genetics, with a strong focus on Drosophila biology and the molecular mechanisms underlying sensory function and behavior.

Prof. Lee earned his B.A. in Life Sciences and Biotechnology from Korea University, Seoul in 1999. He then completed his M.S. in Biological Science at KAIST in 2001 in the Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, followed by a Ph.D. in Biological Science at KAIST in 2006 in the Laboratory of Developmental Genetics and Neural Network. He continued as a postdoctoral researcher in the same lab from March to July 2006 before moving to the Department of Biological Chemistry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow from September 2006 to March 2012.

Following his postdoctoral training, Prof. Lee further expanded his academic and research experience in Korea before beginning his faculty career at Kookmin University. With a strong foundation in developmental genetics, neurobiology, and molecular biology, he has devoted his career to advancing the understanding of genetic and neural mechanisms in Drosophila.

As head of the Intelligence Genetics Lab, Prof. Lee continues to lead cutting-edge research and mentor young scientists, contributing significantly to the fields of genetics, neurobiology, and bio-convergence science.

Meet the Minds: Our Dynamic Team of Current Lab Members

Dr. Jiun Sang

Hello, I'm Jiun, a former undergraduate of this department (Class of 2011), currently pursuing my doctoral degree, set to graduate in February 2024. Engaged in research since junior year, I completed my master's and plan to continue in the lab till mid-2024. My expertise lies in taste sensation, adeptly handling confocal and fluorescence microscopes. Any inquiries, feel free to reach out at dogamonkey@gmail.com.

Prakash Pandey

I'm Prakash Pandey, passionate about science and natural phenomena. With a master's in Chemistry from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, I embarked on research at Kookmin University, Korea in 2022. Currently, I'm pursuing a Ph.D. in molecular genetics, a thrilling chapter in my scientific journey. Prior to this, I taught Chemistry at Trinity International College, Nepal for five years. Under Dr. Lee's guidance, I'm poised to delve deep into scientific inquiry and explore the wonders of nature. Reach me at laliguranspandey@gmail.com for any inquiries or collaboration opportunities.

Muhammad Atif

Caffeine in any form. I prefer execution over planning. I am not ready to write my bio yet!

Yueyang Kang

Yueyang Kang (Maki), hailing from China, is currently enrolled in an Integrated Ph.D. program at Kookmin University. Recognized for her adept planning skills juxtaposed with occasional challenges in execution, Kang brings a dynamic perspective to her academic pursuits. Shaped by her diverse background and experiences, she approaches obstacles with resilience and a commitment to growth. Beyond her academic endeavors, Kang is celebrated for her collaborative ethos and unwavering dedication to her personal and professional development. As she advances in her academic journey, she aims to refine her execution abilities, making meaningful contributions to her field and beyond.

Junseo Yun

Hi, I'm Junseo Yun. After completing my undergraduate studies in this department, I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in the Intelligence Genetics Lab under Professor Youngseok Lee. With the guidance of supportive professor and senior colleagues, I'm now taking my first steps as a researcher. I'd be happy to connect and exchange ideas, so feel free to reach out at biddd@kookmin.ac.kr.

Nabin Rana

Hailing from Gorkha, Nepal, I completed my master's in Biotechnology at Tribhuvan University in 2016. In 2025, I joined this lab as a PhD student. My research focuses on neurobiology. Reach me at zunhiskey@gmail.com for further communication.

MANISH PAUDEL

Hailing from tanahun, Nepal, I completed my master's in Zoology at Tribhuvan University in 2020. In 2025, I joined this lab as a PhD student. My research focuses on neurobiology. Reach me at manish.paudel.purkot@gmail.com for further communication.

Abhimat Subedi

Abhimat Subedi, originally from Hetauda, Nepal, is pursuing his Ph.D. in Integrative Biotechnology at Kookmin University. With a background in microbiology and biotechnology, he is fascinated by how molecular events ultimately shape neural function and behavior. Curious by nature and occasionally guilty of turning simple questions into unnecessarily deep investigations, Abhimat enjoys working across disciplines and challenging straightforward explanations. Beyond the lab, he values good conversations, collaboration, and philosophical detours that somehow find their way back to science. He hopes to make his doctoral journey a balance of rigorous research, continuous growth, and a few unexpected discoveries along the way.

Alumni Gala : Connecting Past, Present, Future

Dharmendra Kumar Nath

I completed my master's in Medical Microbiology at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. In 2020, I joined this lab as a PhD student. My research focuses on neurobiology, encompassing taste sensation, learning, memory, gut physiology, and metabolism. Reach me at dndharmen270@gmail.com for further communication.

Sonali Puri

Greetings, I'm Sonali Puri, originally from India, now pursuing a Ph.D. at Kookmin University, Korea. After my master's in applied microbiology from Banaras Hindu University, I delved into molecular genetics, inspired to explore further. With a year's experience at IIT Kanpur and BHU in Drosophila genetics, I embarked on my Ph.D. journey in Korea, focusing on taste and brain regulation using Drosophila. Proficient in brain imaging, molecular genetics, and Drosophila physiology, I aim to unravel intriguing questions. Reach out to me at sonalibhu1201@gmail.com for collaboration or inquiries.

Roshani Nhuchhen Pradhan

Greetings, I'm Roshani Nhuchhen Pradhan, a passionate researcher hailing from Nepal. My expertise lies in medical microbiology, and currently, I'm engrossed in investigating taste perception and circadian rhythmicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity, I'm committed to deciphering the intricate mechanisms governing these vital processes. My journey in research is driven by a profound thirst for knowledge and a determination to contribute meaningfully to neuroscience. It's an honor to be part of Dr. Youngseok Lee's esteemed lab as I delve deeper into the captivating realms of neuroscience.

Dr. Bhanu Shreshta

Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at John Hopkins University

Greetings, I'm Dr. Bhanu Shrestha, a Nepali researcher at Kookmin University, South Korea. With a PhD in molecular biology, my focus spans Drosophila taste, sleep, and metabolism. Under Professor Youngseok Lee's mentorship since 2019, I've fostered collaborative research and impactful publications. Beyond academia, I cherish exploring diverse cuisines. Notably, during school, I encountered a mysterious hand fracture, sparking intriguing rumors. Eager to connect and collaborate further, you can reach me at bhanu_totti7@yahoo.com.

Dr. Binod Aryal

Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of California San Francisco.

Dr. Subash Dhakal

Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of California Santa Barbara

Dr. Seeta Poudel

Current Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso

Yunjung Kim

Researcher

Heejin

Master's Student

Status: Course Completed

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