Sang-Joon Cho

BS Biology 1993
PhD Neuroscience 1998
Seoul, Korea

Sang-Joon Cho earned his PhD in neuroscience from Iowa State only seven years ago, but he is already making a name for himself in the emerging field of nanobiotechnology. Very early in his career, he has made significant contributions to research on the structure and dynamics of the fusion pore and membrane fusion. His studies have revolutionized understanding of exocytotis and membrane fusion in cells, and he has begun writing a new chapter in human understanding and investigation into the workings of the living cell. Cho is currently the Jung Mun Sul Research Assistant Professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology’s (KAIST’s) biosystems department while also completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Wayne State University School of Medicine’s department of physiology. KAIST has been recognized by Asiaweek as the strongest science and technology university in all of Asia. In addition, Cho has written more than 20 cited journal articles on nanobiotechnology and continues to enthusiastically accept new research challenges with a thirst for discovery.

“Fortunately,” one nominator says, “Dr. Cho’s amalgamation of skills and abilities comes packaged in a wonderfully friendly, witty, sincere, and caring human being. His personality is delightful.” Cho was an extremely active student while at Iowa State, serving as a member of the Korean Student Association, the Korean student tennis club, and the ISU Sport Club Council while also establishing the ISU Kumdo Club—the first-ever Korean swordsmanship club at a U.S. university. His resume also includes two years of service to the South Korean military.