MEMBERS
Soonmi
Team Leader
Name: Soon-mi, Shim
Affiliate: AGORA
Nickname: Ms.Shim
As a member of Agora and Sejong Biotech, I have had the privilege of guiding many high school students through a variety of experimental research projects over the years. Most of my teaching has involved standard school-level experiments, but working with students on a large-scale project like iGEM has been an especially meaningful and memorable experience for me.
What impressed me most was how deeply and actively each student participated in every stage of the project. Our students didn’t choose easy topics. In fact, many of them challenged themselves with difficult and complex ideas. There were moments of frustration, repeated experimental failures, and countless trials along the way, but they never gave up. Watching them persist with such determination and finally bring their ideas to life filled me with pride.
I want to sincerely applaud every student for his or her hard work, creativity, and resilience. Seeing their growth throughout this journey reminded me once again why I love mentoring young scientists. It is my hope that this experience will stay with them as a foundation for even greater discoveries in the future.
Hyejin
PI
Name: Hyejin Gwon
Affiliate: AGORA
Nickname: Hey Jean
I was responsible for organizing the team’s communications and overall schedule. My role included gathering interested students and forming the team, and coordinating schedules between the team leader and members. I also oversaw public engagement by contacting Biotech to secure access to laboratory facilities, and took charge of overall student management to ensure that the project ran smoothly from start to finish.
This iGEM journey has been a very special experience for me. It all began about six months ago when four students approached me with the idea of participating in iGEM, and since then, we’ve come such a long way together. Balancing school life with strict project deadlines was challenging, but I am incredibly proud of how hard everyone worked and how much they grew throughout this process. Watching the team overcome obstacles, stay committed, and bring their ideas to life has been one of the most rewarding parts of this project for me.
Dongmin
Advisor
I am a software developer with a keen interest in biochemistry and synthetic biology. My fascination with the intricate mechanisms of life and the potential of engineering biological systems has driven me to explore the intersection of technology and biology. I am excited to contribute my skills and knowledge to innovative projects that push the boundaries of what is possible in this dynamic field.
Stella
Student
Name: Dahyun Pyeon
School: Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies
Nickname: Stella
Interest: My name is Dahyun Pyeon, and I am into exploring how biology can be used to address pressing global challenges in human health and the environment. Since ninth grade, I have been fascinated by the intersection of science and society, from analyzing the structures and genetic similarities of pandemic viruses to examining the hidden forms of malnutrition in developed countries. Through these projects, I learned that science is not just about understanding the natural world but also about applying that understanding to improve lives. This perspective guided me to join the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition as a researcher and team leader. I was particularly drawn to the challenge of investigating how ginsenosides (bioactive compounds found in ginseng) could mitigate the harmful effects of microplastics in food. Collaborating with a team of students I had never met before taught me valuable lessons in leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that will be essential as we prepare to present our findings on the global stage in 2025. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career that bridges traditional knowledge and modern biotechnology to solve under-researched problems. Whether through studying how diet influences health or engineering biological solutions to environmental threats, I am driven by a single belief: science, when combined with creativity and collaboration, has the power to transform the way we care for both people and the planet.
Ian
Student
Name: Ian Kim
School: Seoul International School
Nickname: IK
Interest: Ever since I was little, music and science have always been the two worlds I loved exploring the most. Playing the viola taught me patience and precision — qualities that I now apply to my scientific interests, especially in biology. Over the years, my curiosity about the natural world grew into a deeper concern for environmental issues. I became particularly interested in biodegradation after learning how they infiltrate ecosystems and even the human body. Now, I’m passionate about exploring biological solutions to tackle this invisible yet pressing problem.
Jaeheon
Student
School: North London Collegiate School Jeju
Nickname: wjhoney
Interest: From a young age, I was fascinated by how things work in general. I often dismantled and reassembled everyday devices to satisfy my curiosity. This curiosity later gradually developed into a passion for problem-solving through engineering. Finding solutions to the common problem, such as microplastics, is what gives me the most joy these days.
Jeongseo
Student
Name: Jeongseo Kim
School: Cushing Academy
Nickname: J-So
Interest: My name is J-So, and I dream of becoming a doctor. I’ve always loved science, but I'm interested in philosophy as well. I often spend time writing essays and exploring big questions about life and nature. Recently, I even wrote an essay for a competition exploring whether nature exists for the sake of humanity, a topic that challenged me to think critically about humanity’s place in the world. Around the same time, my friends encouraged me to join iGEM, saying it would be an exciting way to combine science with real-world impact. Their enthusiasm inspired me to become part of the team, and I’m excited to contribute both my scientific curiosity and philosophical perspective to the project.