Humans of LMP: Seojin Lee

Each month we speak to a member of the Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology community and find out more about them as part of an initiative from our Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee (WIDE).

This month we feature PhD candidate and CLAMPS Co-President, Seojin Lee.

Visit the Humans of LMP page to read more stories and nominate yourself or others to be featured.

What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?   

I am currently doing research in neurodegenerative diseases under the supervision of Dr. Gabor Kovacs at the Tanz Centre of Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Specifically, I am investigating the role of iron in early disease pathways of Parkinsonian disorders: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Multiple System Atrophy. So far I was able to identify key cell populations that accumulate iron in the diseased brains and am now working towards revealing the underlying mechanisms and its contribution to disease pathology.

I joined this research as I was both fascinated and curious about the immense amount of unknowns about the human brain and aging. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?  

One would be being part of the LMP student union, CLAMPS. I have been part of CLAMPS since the first year of my graduate studies, serving various roles that all work towards student well-being. I joined CLAMPS as I was a strong believer that life and well-being outside of research is an important component for successful research – I wanted to contribute to this aspect for fellow students in LMP but also for myself as well. Indeed I have met so many amazing people and received support through this experience and I am looking forward to wrapping up my CLAMPS experience as the co-president this academic year.

Another experience that I loved as a student in LMP is attending the annual LMPRC. I love walking up to posters and reading all the different research that are being done at the department, and just socializing with everyone gathered in one space! (see photos below)

What was the best career advice you ever received?   

That despite anything, to follow what moves you. 

What has been an important learning experience in your life?   

My graduate studies have taught me my capacity. I think I have learned the best efficiency my body allows/works at.  

Who is an influential person in your life and why?  

My father is the most influential person in my life. He is rather closer to retirement but his never-dying pursuit for knowledge and better practice truly amazes and inspires me. He buys all the new textbook editions, and even practice models used in universities. I wonder if he is trying to start an institution himself. 

What would it surprise people to know about you?  

I’m not a fan of Drake’s music. 

What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?  

I enjoy playing sports or doing pilates. HEALTH IS KEY.

I also love listening to music – If I find a song I love, I will hunt through every single album of that artist to look for more which may be of my taste and I listen to my favorite one on constant repeat. Sadly, it has been a while since I found one that gets me that excited. 

What is your favourite album, film and novel?  

Favourite album: Hollywood’s Bleeding by Post Malone and I also love music by Galantis.

Favourite film: I can’t think of any that really stuck out to me in the past 10 years. My childhood favourites were Sound of Music and Madagascar. 

Favourite novel: My friend told me to keep my favorite novel to myself – So I will! 

Who would be your dream dinner guests?  

If this means defying all concepts of time and space, it would be having my grandmother. If not, I would like to have my mom and her favourite k-pop stars BTS in one dinner table. It would be an interesting watch.  

Where/what is your favourite place?  

My entire family up to and including my cousins get together for a dinner or go on a short trip every once or twice a year. My favourite place is anywhere that I am with them. 

If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why? 

I would like to have a karaoke machine which will keep me entertained for hours and days and perhaps forever, as well as a high-power laser which will hopefully help myself get rescued one day.