Song Kim came to IU as a biochemistry major, supported by a Cox Research Scholarship that required her to engage in undergraduate research throughout her four years. Initially, she joined a biology lab, but increasingly became fascinated with the brain.
“What I found interesting was how big of a role the brain plays in shaping how we perceive and respond to the world around us,” she says. “I wanted to research something that allowed me to learn more about those functions.”
The director of the Cox program suggested that Kim contact Gill Chair Ken Mackie, as he had previously mentored other Cox Scholars. It was a perfect fit – not only with Kim’s lab work examining the expression profile and genetic correlates of a protein involved in endocannabinoid synthesis, but also because she was exposed to such a wide range of neuroscience.
“The Center has such a strong interdisciplinary spirit,” Kim says. “There were so many great events bringing in different speakers. One of my favorite memories is the Gill Symposium, where I got to hear from incredible scientists presenting their current research.”
