Education
Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Korea University, where she specialized in transcriptional regulation of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis in plants. Her doctoral training laid the groundwork for her future focus on gene expression and metabolic engineering. She also completed a Ph.D. course in Horticultural Science at Sangmyung University, enhancing her understanding of applied plant sciences. Her academic journey reflects a balance between core molecular biology and practical botany applications. She was mentored by renowned professors in plant biology and molecular genetics, which helped shape her research focus on functional genomics and plant biotechnology. The rigorous academic training she received fostered a scientific mindset that she has effectively applied in both academic and industrial settings. Her educational background continues to underpin her research on plant-derived compounds, natural metabolites, and biotechnological innovation.
Professional Experience
Dr. Kim’s professional experience spans renowned academic institutions and high-level industry positions. She began her postdoctoral work at Seoul National University, contributing to plant molecular biology research. As a senior researcher at Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory in Singapore, she led multiple national and collaborative projects, producing impactful research in plant biotechnology. She has been leading the Research and Development Center at a cosmetics materials company, where she integrates academic expertise with commercial product development. Her role involves designing and managing innovative projects focused on plant-derived exosomes and bioactives. She also collaborates with leading companies and universities, such as LG Life & Health, Cosmecca Korea, and Seoul National University. Her career reflects her capability to lead interdisciplinary teams, manage high-impact research, and drive commercial innovation based on solid scientific principles. Her experience is a testament to her leadership and applied scientific acumen.
Research Interests
Dr. Kim’s research focuses on the intersection of plant molecular genetics and applied biotechnology. She is particularly interested in plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their applications in skin regeneration, anti-inflammation, and therapeutic delivery. She also explores plant secondary metabolites, cross-kingdom miRNA transfer, and metabolic engineering for enhancing bioactive compound yield. Her work aims to understand and manipulate the molecular mechanisms underlying plant biosynthesis pathways to develop premium cosmetic and therapeutic ingredients. Additionally, she integrates omics technologies—such as transcriptomics and metabolomics—to identify functional compounds and biomarkers. Her broader interest lies in sustainable bioproduction using plant cell cultures and genome editing tools. These areas not only contribute to academic advancement but also offer transformative solutions for industries ranging from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. Dr. Kim’s interests reflect her passion for advancing plant science while contributing to real-world innovations in health and beauty technologies.
Research Skills
Dr. Kim possesses a diverse set of research skills combining classical molecular biology techniques with modern biotechnological tools. Her expertise includes gene expression analysis, transcriptional regulation studies, and metabolic pathway engineering. She is proficient in plant cell and tissue culture, enabling the establishment of scalable systems for producing secondary metabolites and extracellular vesicles. She applies omics-based approaches—including genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics—to discover novel bioactives and functional compounds. Her work also involves functional validation using bioassays and genetic engineering, including CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing. In recent years, she has focused on characterizing plant-derived miRNAs and their cross-kingdom functionality in human skin regeneration and inflammation modulation. Additionally, she has experience in scaling up laboratory research for industrial application, reflecting strong translational and project management capabilities. These research skills allow her to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and commercial product development in cosmetic biotechnology.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Kim has led several high-profile research projects and collaborations that have earned recognition within academic and industrial circles. While her specific awards are not listed in the current documentation, her appointment as R&D Center Director and previous leadership roles in international research institutes reflect her professional recognition and credibility. Her contributions have been acknowledged through successful partnerships with top-tier institutions and companies in Korea and abroad. She has also been nominated for awards such as the Botany Scientist Excellence Award, highlighting her continued impact and relevance in the field of plant biotechnology. Her body of work, including high-impact publications and translational innovations, speaks to her stature as a respected scientist. Future recognition is likely as her research continues to influence both fundamental plant biology and applied industrial solutions in cosmetics and therapeutics. Her career is marked by consistent excellence, innovation, and collaborative achievement.
Publications Top Noted
-
Long-Term Risks of Parkinson’s Disease, Surgery, and Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Slow-Transit Constipation
Year: 2021
Citations: 13
-
Genomic Analysis Identifies New Loci Associated With Motor Complications in Parkinson’s Disease
Year: 2020
Citations: 15
-
Mesenchymal stem cells co-cultured with colorectal cancer cells showed increased invasive and proliferative abilities due to its altered p53/TGF-β1 levels
Year: 2020
Citations: 15
-
Subtypes of sleep disturbance in Parkinson’s disease based on the cross-culturally validated Korean version of Parkinson’s disease sleep scale-2
Year: 2020
Citations: 12
-
Influences of elbow, shoulder, trunk motion and temporospatial parameters on arm swing asymmetry of Parkinson’s disease during walking
Year: 2019
Citations: 23
Conclusion
Dr. Mi Jung Kim stands out as a highly qualified and forward-thinking plant scientist whose work bridges the gap between academic research and practical innovation. Her pioneering contributions to plant-based bioactives and sustainable cosmetic materials exemplify excellence in applied plant science. With a proven record of innovation, collaboration, and leadership, she aligns well with the spirit of the Botany Scientist Excellence Award. Addressing minor gaps in academic visibility and external engagement would only further enhance her distinguished profile. Overall, her candidacy is both credible and compelling, and she is a deserving nominee whose recognition could inspire further interdisciplinary progress in the field of botanical science.