#TraineeTuesday: Chris Lee

From the Lab to the Limelight - Blog version of our #TraineeTuesday Twitter series

This week's #TraineeTuesday star is PhD candidate Chris Lee, who recently won a National Ataxia Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship! Working in the Lim Lab, Chris studies the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.

While most research on neurodegenerative diseases focuses on degenerating neurons, Chris is interested in how oligodendrocytes (a type of glial cell that generates myelin) and its progenitor cells can contribute to spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). This research, he hopes, will be a building block to find better treatments for those affected by neurodegenerative diseases.

Originally from South Korea, Chris immigrated to the United States for his undergraduate studies at UC San Diego. Taking classes in cell biology, biochemistry and psychology, he grew captivated by the “intricate workings of individual cells in the brain and their complex functions.” Chris joined a lab studying neurodegeneration, where he was struck by the devastating impact of such disorders on individuals and their families. This motivated him to pursue research that could lead to new treatments and cures.

From there, choosing to attend Yale was a “natural step” in his journey, Chris said. He was enticed by Yale’s inclusive environment, arsenal of experts, cutting-edge techniques, and emphasis on collaboration.

Meeting his mentor, Janghoo Lim, PhD, and the rest of the Lim Lab, has been Chris’ favorite part. “Janghoo's consistent intellectual stimulation has been a great inspiration for me, helping me become a better scientist, and the members of the Lim lab have fostered a synergistic, supportive, and friendly environment,” he added.

Chris’s overall goal is to improve patients' quality of life, by contributing to the discovery of better treatments for neurodegenerative and age-related diseases. Now a PhD Candidate, he hopes to keep this vision alive post-Yale by pursuing a postdoctoral position or a career in industry.