1. Can you please briefly summarize the paper? 

We developed a two-photon intravital imaging technique that combines tissue stabilization and computational super-resolution to visualize subcellular structures in vivo. Using 3D-printed holders for mechanical stabilization and applying SRRF-based image enhancement, we achieved submicron and algorithmic stabilization. In vivo imaging of Mito-Dendra2 mice enabled real-time observation of mitochondrial dynamics, including fission, fusion, and responses to alcohol-induced liver injury and berberine treatment. This integrated approach offers a powerful platform for high-resolution subcellular imaging in live animals without any needs to complex devices or any microscope modifications.

2. Can you please tell us the main difficulties you had in the laboratory work and how you overcame them?

One of the main difficulties I faced during laboratory work was maintaining stable and high-quality imaging during long-term in vivo experiments, especially when using two-photon microscopy on live animals. Movement artifacts due to breathing and tissue drift often compromised image clarity and consistency, which are critical for analyzing subcellular dynamics like autophagy or mitophagy.
To overcome this, I implemented a combination of physical and computational strategies. On the hardware side, I used a custom-designed, portable imaging window to stabilize the tissue gently without causing physiological stress. This reduced mechanical drift significantly. On the computational side, I incorporated image registration algorithms and a self-trained denoising model to correct for residual motion and improve signal-to-noise ratio, enabling clear visualization of fluorescent signals even in low-intensity conditions.

3. Please introduce your laboratory, university or organization to bio-researchers in Korea.

I am currently conducting my research in the Biomedical Imaging and Optics Laboratory within the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine. Our lab is based in Asan Medical Center, located in Seoul, which is one of the largest and most advanced hospitals in South Korea, with over 2,400 beds and internationally recognized for its clinical excellence and innovation.
Our research group takes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating engineering, biology, and clinical science. We focus primarily on biomedical imaging technologies, medical diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and the development of medical devices. Our work involves the use of various advanced optical techniques, including fluorescence and multiphoton microscopy, as well as Raman spectroscopy, for both structural and molecular-level investigations. What sets our lab apart is its strong emphasis on problem-solving through innovation. we work closely with clinicians and industry partners to identify real-world medical challenges and develop imaging solutions that can be translated into clinical or commercial applications.
The University of Ulsan strongly supports global collaboration and emphasizes research that connects fundamental scientific discovery with real-world engineering solutions.

4. Please tell us your experiences and your thoughts related to research activities abroad.

Pursuing my graduate education in South Korea has been a transformative experience, both academically and personally. Coming from Iran, I completed my M.S. and Ph.D. at Yonsei University and Ulsan University, where I was fully immersed in advanced research environments from the very beginning.
The transition to a different research culture required adaptability, everything from academic management styles to social communication differed from what I was initially accustomed to. But those differences became key opportunities for growth. I learned to navigate collaborative projects across disciplines, communicate despite language barriers, and contribute effectively within fast-paced, internationally oriented research groups.
Living and working in South Korea also deepened my appreciation for diverse perspectives. It taught me how global collaboration not only strengthens personal and academic life quality but also fosters innovation. These international experiences have shaped my mindset, expanded my professional network, and prepared me to work confidently in any multicultural setting.

5. Can you provide some advice for younger scientists who have plans to study abroad?

One thing I wish I had known earlier is that success in international research doesn’t come just from intelligence or hard work, it is about how you navigate uncertainty. Studying or working abroad often puts you in unfamiliar environments where things won’t always go as planned: instruments break, experiments fail, communication gaps arise. Learning to stay calm, adapt quickly, and troubleshoot creatively is more valuable than any single technique you will master.
Also, understand that soft skills are research skills. Being able to explain your work clearly to people outside your discipline, or even in a different cultural context, is crucial. You might have the best data in the world, but if you can’t communicate it effectively to collaborators, or reviewers, it won’t go far.
Also, learn to manage your own expectations. When you arrive in a new lab, you might feel pressure to perform, publish fast, or impress others. That pressure can easily become overwhelming. Instead, focus on building sustainable habits. Make consistent progress, even in small steps. Real breakthroughs often come from patience, not speed.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to know everything. Nobody expects you to have all the answers, what matters is how resourceful and open you are.
Finally, recognize that your time abroad is not just about research. It is a personal transformation. The confidence, independence, and resilience you develop will last far beyond your study. Say yes to things outside the lab, explore, go to talks outside your field. That is where some of the most unexpected growth will happen.

6. Future plan?

In the future, I aim to continue developing my expertise in our field, focusing on deepening my skills and contributing to impactful projects. I am especially interested in exploring innovative approaches that can advance our understanding or improve practical outcomes. Long term, I hope to take on leadership roles where I can guide research or team efforts, mentoring and driving meaningful progress. I am excited about opportunities that allow me to grow both technically and professionally while making a positive contribution to the organization and the broader community.

7. Do you have anything else that you would like to tell Korean scientists and students?

I would like to sincerely thank the university and our PI, Professor Kim Jun Ki, for the invaluable opportunities I have received. It has been a privilege to engage with the scientific community in Korea, which I have found to be exceptionally collaborative and innovative. The openness to new ideas and the relentless pursuit of excellence are truly inspiring, and I am deeply grateful for the experiences and insights gained through these interactions.
For students and early-career researchers, I would offer this advice: don’t lose sight of your curiosity. Let it guide your work, especially when faced with uncertainty or failure, which are both natural parts of the scientific process. Every obstacle is a chance to think differently, and often, breakthroughs come from unexpected directions.
I also want to highlight the importance of balance. Scientific ambition is vital, but so is your own well-being. Making space for rest, personal interests, and reflection not only supports your mental and physical health but also strengthens your long-term capacity for innovation and leadership in research.
Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about the possibilities for future collaboration and discovery. I believe science thrives most when we work across cultures and disciplines, and I look forward to being part of that continued growth.