Jinkyung Kim, PhD
Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
My research has focused on developing in vivo imaging techniques and their application to organs, especially the auditory periphery, the cochlea. In my graduate work, I was involved in developing and optimizing synchrotron X-ray tomography systems and micro/nano-imaging research based on quantitative analysis of the 3-dimensional (3-D) microstructures of organs. My experience and understanding of imaging technology became a solid foundation for in vivo imaging based-auditory research in my postdoctoral journey at Stanford University. Using in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT), I have found that osmotic stabilization prevents cochlear synaptopathy after blast trauma. Despite its advantages, OCT imaging is spatially limited and does not provide a cellular level readout. I have developed a surgical approach that permits in vivo real-time visualization of multiple cochlear cells in hearing-preserved animals based on two-photon microscope. This technique has allowed in vivo tracking of ototoxic drug transport into the cochlea, identifying a novel drug uptake pathway. I have also made efforts to deliver pharmacological agents or sensors into the cochlea to optimize the utility of in vivo cochlear imaging technique. I brought my unique in vivo cochlear imaging technique, along with drug or sensor delivery, to my independent research program at Washington university in St. Louis. I am committed to exploring previously unapproachable physiological and pathophysiological features of auditory signal processing, as well as uncovering the mechanisms behind drug-induced hearing loss. Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, hiking, skiing, swimming, and rock climbing. Exploring museums and listening to music are also sources of delight for me. I like sharing different ideas about life and science with my lovely friends, often over a glass of beer, wine, or whiskey.
Siyang Lin, MD, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
I obtained my MD specializing in neurology from China and earned a PhD in Biomedicine from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. During my PhD, my research focuses on the role of pericyte in relation to white matter lesions and cognitive impairment. I joined Dr. Kim’s lab as a postdoc research associate in 2023. My current research project aims to deepen the understanding of sound coding, neurological processes associated with auditory perception, and ototoxic drug tracking. The method involves innovative chemo-mechanical cochleostomy and in vivo imaging techniques, including two-photon microscopy. Beyond the laboratory, my personal interests include hiking and travel. Currently, I am thinking about getting a puppy to have a furry friend in my daily life.
David Lee, MD, MSCI
Resident in Otolaryngology
My research focuses on characterizing the cellular drivers of cisplatin ototoxicity and identifying barriers to ototoxicity monitoring among survivors of head and neck cancer. Prior to joining the Kim Lab, I had completed two research years with Dr. Lavinia Sheets where we used the zebrafish model to explore mitochondrial dysregulation within hair cells in response to cisplatin. I now seek to investigate cisplatin transport across the stria vascularis and into the inner ear using methods in two-photon microscopy with the overall goal of providing insights to the development of otoprotective strategies. I received my bachelor’s degree in chemistry and political economy from Williams College, and my medical degree from University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. I am currently a PGY4 at Washington University in St. Louis in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Outside of the lab and hospital, I am passionate about Japanese food and non-Japanese food, and spending time with my wife and small dog.
Joseph Chen
Amgen Scholar
I am an undergraduate junior currently transferring from Baylor University to UC San Diego, and I am eager to spend time at WashU in Dr. Kim’s lab as an Amgen Scholar to learn about new research techniques and potential career paths from my mentors. I have a profound interest in neuroscience and biotechnological research, including the Kim Lab’s commitment to explore physiological features of the inner ear in vivo. I have done previous research at UC San Diego with focus on the analysis of health indicators in the US population and identifying risk factors with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This included the use of CDC’s NHANES (large nationally representative longitudinal data set), R programming for data cleaning, QC, and data visualization, as well as literature search for gaps in knowledge of risks of OSA. In my free time I train and aspire to be a competitive powerlifter, eat lots of food, and spend time with my girlfriend.