Principle Investigator

I am an Assistant professor of SPATT at the University of Pennsylvania. My research focuses on understanding how the central nervous system communicates with the immune system across a range of physiological and pathological conditions. Through my work, I aim to better understand the complex cross-talk between these two systems and how it contributes to maintaining homeostasis as well as driving disease processes. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my husband and our two boys. I also enjoy cooking and spending time outdoors for simply enjoying fresh air and time together.

Senior Research Investigator

I received my PhD from Seoul National University in South Korea and joined the Yim Lab in 2022. In the lab, I am involved in multiple projects investigating how the immune system can be modulated across different neurodevelopmental stages and conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, I am interested in understanding how neural–immune crosstalk shapes brain function and influences physiological processes beyond the brain, including interactions with peripheral organs such as the gut. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing sports with my sons, and gardening.

Postdoctoral fellow

I received my Ph.D. from Seoul National University in South Korea and joined the Yim Lab in November 2021. Currently a fifth-year postdoctoral researcher, I study the mechanisms through which the immune system resides within and affects the neuronal environment. I am particularly fascinated by how neuro-immune crosstalk is linked to brain function, influencing  behavioral outcomes

Postdoctoral fellow

Pharmacology graduate student

I am a PhD student in the Pharmacology Graduate Group at the University of Pennsylvania. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology from North Carolina A&T State University. Since joining the Yim Lab as a graduate student in the Summer of 2025, my work focuses on the neuroimmunological basis of the estrous cycle in female mice, with the goal of uncovering how hormonal fluctuations shape neuroimmune interactions. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes, hiking, taking long walks along Kelly Drive, and traveling. 

Neuroscience graduate student

I am an MD-PhD student in Penn’s MSTP and Neuroscience Graduate Group. I earned my B.S. from Creighton University where I studied Neuroscience and found my love for research. I am broadly interested in the molecular and cellular neuroimmune interactions necessary to support a healthy brain. I believe a deeper appreciation and investigation of such biological mechanisms will refine our understanding of the brain in both healthy and diseased states. I joined the Yim Lab in December 2025. Outside the lab, I enjoy soccer, tennis, and pickleball, and I love cooking and exploring Philly’s food scene.

Research Specialist

I am a research associate who joined the Yim Lab in December 2024. I am interested in neuropharmacology and particularly how changes in the environment impact brain development. In the Yim Lab, I work on the FoxG1 syndrome project with the goal of gaining experience necessary to pursue graduate studies. Outside the Yim Lab, I enjoy playing with my cat, baking, and drawing.

PENN Undergraduate student (FERBS)

Undergraduate student

I am senior, undergraduate student at Drexel University majoring in Psychology on the pre-medical track, with a minor in Neuroscience. I am a Korean-American, born and raised in Newark, Delaware. I joined the Yim Lab in November 2025 as an undergraduate research assistant. My research interests focus on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying behavior, cognition, and mental health, particularly how brain activity relates to stress, emotion, and neuropsychiatric conditions. For the Yim Lab, I help quantify cFos and am helping to write a review paper. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring Philadelphia’s food scene and the city night-life, staying active, and spending time with my friends and family.