New investigator: So-Youn Kim, PhD

This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony for UNMC’s 2020 Scientist Laureate, Distinguished Scientist and New Investigator Award recipients.

• Name: So-Youn Kim, PhD
• Title: Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine
• Joined UNMC: October 2018
• Hometown: Seoul, Korea

Research focus:

• Oncofertility
• Cancer cachexia

The goal of my research is: to understand (for oncofertility) the mechanisms of primordial follicle depletion that occurs during gonadotoxic cancer treatment and to develop adjuvant therapies against this iatrogenic consequence. The goal of my research (for cancer cachexia) is to uncover the underlying mechanisms of adipose tissue loss related to activin A and to identify potential targets to prevent adipose tissue wasting in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

My research will make a difference because:

My research for oncofertility will have a significant impact on the field by clarifying mechanisms by which specific chemotherapeutic agents deplete primordial follicles, and by testing the preclinical fertoprotective efficacy and safety of candidate adjuvants against specific chemotherapeutic agents. My research for cancer cachexia will make a difference by clarifying the underlying diversity of cancer cachexia depending on cancer types.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is:

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets and wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special!

Three things you may not know about me are:

• I love cooking for my husband and three big kids.
• I played piano for a long time.
• I love coffee.