1. Can you please briefly summarize the paper? 

  This study builds directly on my previous first-author work published in Biomaterials (2020), in which I demonstrated that an amino acid-based compound, AAC2, improves glycemic control and anxiety-like behavior in diabetic mice through insulin-independent activation of the leptin receptor and atypical PKC pathways (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32065973/).
  In the present study, I further show that AAC2 functions beyond a standalone therapeutic agent by forming a nanostructured complex with insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 (IGFBP4), which markedly enhances anti-diabetic efficacy. Notably, this complex not only improves metabolic parameters but also promotes advanced glycation end product (AGE) clearance via activation of fenestrated liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), revealing a previously unrecognized mechanism. Together, these studies represent a coherent and investigator-driven research trajectory that establishes AAC2 as a versatile therapeutic nanofiber platform capable of enhancing the functional properties of bound proteins, with broad implications for diabetes and other degenerative diseases.

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

  During my PhD training, one of the main challenges I faced in the laboratory was managing multiple mouse models simultaneously, each with distinct experimental timelines, metabolic phenotypes, and analytical requirements. Coordinating animal care, treatments, and sample collection was demanding and at times overwhelming. I addressed this challenge by systematically organizing each mouse model as an independent study, carefully documenting experimental variables, and prioritizing data quality over speed. This strategy allowed me to gradually consolidate results from each model into well-defined, publishable manuscripts, rather than attempting to address all questions at once. Ultimately, this experience taught me how to efficiently manage complex in vivo experiments and translate demanding experimental work into meaningful scientific outputs.

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

  The Ohio State University (OSU) is a large research university located in Columbus, Ohio, offering a stable and comfortable living environment for international students. Based on my experience, the Ohio State Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program in Nutrition (OSUN) is particularly strong in its interdisciplinary approach and is generally regarded as a solid and well-established nutrition program in the United States. The program provides broad research exposure while encouraging collaboration across fields, which makes it a supportive and practical training environment for Korean students interested in nutrition and biomedical research.

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

  My research experience abroad involved studying and conducting research alongside students from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. While working in such a diverse environment was challenging at times, it also became an important opportunity for personal and academic growth. Learning to communicate across different cultures and research styles helped me become more adaptable and open-minded as a researcher, and strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively in international research settings.

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

  For younger scientists planning to study abroad, I would strongly encourage them to invest time in improving their English skills, especially in scientific writing and discussion. Clear communication is essential not only for research progress but also for building confidence in an international environment, particularly because many graduate assistantships and scholarships abroad have high language proficiency requirements. Strong English skills can therefore directly influence both academic performance and funding opportunities.
  At the same time, I believe that strong research training and achievements developed in Korea are well recognized internationally. If you build a solid foundation and perform well in your research at home, that competence is valued abroad, and studying overseas becomes an opportunity for further growth rather than a barrier.

6. Future plan?

  Since September 2024, I have established my own laboratory, the Nutrition and Chronic Metabolic Diseases (NCMD) Lab, in the Department of Food & Nutrition at Myongji University (www.ncmdlab.com). My immediate focus is on building a well-organized and supportive research environment that enables high-quality and reproducible research, and on publishing consistently as a corresponding author.

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

  I would like to share one simple thought: every paper has its own home. Not every study needs to fit into the same type of journal, and rejection does not mean that the work lacks value. Finding the right audience and the right journal is an important part of the research process. Even when the journey feels difficult or discouraging, I hope Korean scientists and students continue to trust their work, remain patient, and persist in sharing their research with the scientific community.
  I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to my family for their constant support, and to Prof. Ouliana Ziouzenkova, my Ph.D. advisor and corresponding author for both of my first-author papers published in Biomaterials and Journal of Nanobiotechnology, for her mentorship and guidance. Finally, I am grateful to God for providing strength and direction throughout my journey.