The Hahn Lab at the University of Virginia

As a biomedical researcher, we spent extensive times in the lab. We face new challenges everyday while we are carrying out research project. We often get frustrated by multiple failures of experiments. However, a supportive lab environment helps to solve technical problems quickly and overcome difficult times. Moreover, diverse group of lab members and their expertise bring new/different perspectives helping to move forward the research project. Working with curious, creative people gives us a positive energy and excitements!!

Young Hahn, PhD
Professor

I have a broad research background in virology, viral immunology, and liver pathogenesis with extensive experience on training biomedical researchers. During my Ph.D. thesis work at Caltech, I carried out studies on the molecular biology and pathogenesis of dengue virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family, like HCV. As a postdoctoral fellow at Washington University School of Medicine, I expanded my research to include the antigen processing and presentation of influenza virus to CD8+ T cells. As PI on several NIH-funded grants, I established the groundwork for the proposed research by developing techniques to measure human immune responses and biochemical characterization. I established collaboration with other researchers, published several peer-reviewed research papers, and obtained external funding. Moreover, I have extensive training experience for future biomedical researchers: 17 postdocs, 9 PhD graduate students, 4 MSTP students, and 13 undergraduate students in my laboratory. I have participated as a member of over 30 PhD thesis committees.

Su Jung Park, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow

I am working at Dr. Hahn’s lab as a postdoctoral researcher. I graduated from my Ph.D. program at the Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate school of east-west medical science, Kyung Hee University, Korea. In my Ph.D. research, I confirmed that the association between obesity and diabetes is related to exosomes, and focused on the expression of miRNAs carried by exosomes from adipocytes to muscle cells, and how this affected insulin signaling in muscle cells. Currently, I am conducting research on diseases that may be related to the liver in a mouse model of chronic hepatitis induced and the role of immune cells. In my spare time, I enjoy power yoga.

Eugene Um
Undergraduate Student

My major is mathematics with concentration in statistics and probability. In the lab, I am involved on studying the role of exosomes derived from ZIKV-infected monocytes in transmitting virus and promoting neuroinflammation. I am learning different lab techniques such as cell culture, RT-qPCR, ELISA test and their corresponding data analysis related to Zika Virus. In my own time, I enjoy playing piano.

Current Team Members