Each month we speak to a member of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and find out more about them to showcase the diverse and talented community that makes up LMP! Part of our pillar of Inclusive Community in the LMP Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
This month, we feature PhD candidate, Jung Yeon (Jenny) Min, studying in the lab of Dr. Eldad Zacksenhaus at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. Jenny, along with fellow student Susanna Fang, make up the new Co-Presidents of CLAMPS, the Committee of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology Students - our graduate student union.
What are you studying at LMP and why?
I am a PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Eldad Zacksenhaus at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. My research focuses on a major hallmark of aging known as cellular senescence.
As we age, cells termed senescent cells (SnCs) enter an irreversible cell cycle arrest but remain metabolically active. Overtime, these SnCs accumulate in our tissues and secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors that promote the gradual decline in physiological integrity and development of age-related diseases. My research aims to identify the molecular drivers of senescence to develop a therapeutic strategy that can both prevent and eliminate the accumulation of SnCs.
I am passionate about aging research because I wish to live as long as possible, as healthy as possible. Our understanding of aging is slowly shifting from being inevitable to potentially modifiable, and while I may not live to witness the full realization of aging medicine, I want to contribute to the research that will bring us to this future.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
When I first started my PhD, I joined the LMP Volleyball Drop-Ins at Hart House hoping to meet new people. Little did I know I’d end up finding some of my best friends there!
As part of CLAMPS, I organized the first-ever dodgeball tournament at Hart House. I love coming up with fun initiatives that bring grad students together, so I’m looking forward to continuing that as the Co-President this year.
What was the best career advice you ever received?
Adversity is a good thing – not only does it create an opportunity for growth, but you learn how to better navigate setbacks the next time.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
An important learning experience in my life is to prioritize doing tasks thoroughly, even if it takes more time. Especially in grad school, rushing to complete as many experiments as possible often leads to mistakes and additional work, and limits your ability to truly learn from the experience.
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
My parents. They left behind their families, careers, and everything they knew to move to Canada, all to provide me with the best life possible. I’ll forever be grateful for their sacrifices, and I hope to carry forward their courage, resilience, and unconditional love.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
While I was born in Korea, I grew up in Montreal, so I’m actually more fluent in French than Korean.
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy being active - tennis, pilates, volleyball, and skiing, to name a few. When I’m taking it easy, I’ll usually have friends over to watch hockey or football, followed by some video games.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans by Bruno Mars
Film: Howl’s Moving Castle by Hayao Miyazaki
Novel: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Jannik Sinner, Roger Federer, and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Where is your favourite place?
I visited Sicily a few years ago and fell in love with their vibrant towns and diverse landscapes!
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?
A jet ski to enjoy the open water while giving me a shot at escaping the island. A satellite phone to call for help when I inevitably run out of fuel.
