저희 연구실은 학습과 기억이 어떤 분자적·생리학적 과정을 통해 형성되고 유지되는지 규명하고, 이를 바탕으로 노화나 퇴행성 뇌질환에서 나타나는 기억 형성 장애를 극복할 새로운 치료법 개발을 목표로 연구하고 있습니다. 또한 개별 신경세포와 신경망 전체의 신경 활동이 어떻게 조절되고 처리되는지를 동물 행동 실험과 연계해 분석함으로써, 인간의 뇌와 컴퓨터가 자연스럽게 상호작용할 수 있는 뇌-컴퓨터 인터페이스 개발에도 도전하고 있습니다. 이를 위해 새로운 분자생물학, 전기생리학, 광학적 기술을 개발하고 있으며, 특히 신경세포 활성을 실시간으로 관측할 수 있는 볼티지 이미징 (voltage imaging) 기술의 개발과 활용에 주력하고 있습니다. 

이 연구를 함께 수행하며 새로운 발견을 이끌어 갈 열정적인 대학원생을 기다립니다. 많은 관심과 문의 바랍니다.

Assistant Professor of Brain Sciences, DGIST, Korea (2024.12 - ) 

Associate of Faculty of Arts and Sciences(FAS), Harvard University, USA (2024. 12 - ) 

Post-Doctoral Fellow in Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB), Harvard University, USA (2020-2024) 

Research Associate in Neurobiology (National Service), Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Seoul National University, Korea (2017-2020)

Exchange Ph.D. Student and Post-Doctoral Fellow in Physiology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, University of Toronto, Canada (2016-2017) 

Ph.D. in Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience (PPN), University of Bristol, UK (2017)

Neurons convert synaptic inputs arriving onto dendrites into action potentials that propagate outward along axons. Back-propagating action potentials (bAPs) also go from soma into dendrites and interact with synaptic inputs to strengthen or weaken individual synapses. During this process, neuronal dendrites are not a passive cable; rather, dendrites actively generate local Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ spikes. These voltage-gated conductances control intrinsic neuronal properties and single-neuron computations, thus affecting synaptic plasticity rules.

Synaptic plasticity is the cellular basis of memory formation that controls the efficacy of communications among neuronal ensembles. Our ability to learn and recall deteriorates over the course of life in both normal and disease states.The root cause has been associated with dysfunction in intrinsic neuronal properties (e.g., membrane excitability), dendritic integration, and synaptic plasticity. However, we currently lack a deep understanding of the critical cellular and molecular mechanisms that generate and maintain memory.

The overarching aim of our lab is to understand the mechanisms of learning and memory at the levels of synaptic plasticity, dendritic biophysics, and neuronal ensembles. We develop molecular, optical, and computational tools for spatiotemporally mapping bioelectric activities to elucidate single-neuron computations and plasticity rules in behaving animals. These measurements will lay the groundwork to understand the molecular mechanisms of memory, with the ultimate goal of delaying or reversing memory dysfunctions. We further aim to extend these insights into the realm of brain-machine interface.

1. Developing new voltage sensors with rationalized design and directed evolution

2. Improving membrane trafficking of the voltage sensors and channelrhodopsins

3. Advancing optical instruments for imaging with high resolution in space and time

1. Exploring fundamental rules of memory formation and maintenance from molecules to systems

2. Understanding the roles of diverse cell types and neuromodulatory circuits in memory

3. Discovering new methods to improve or reverse memory in health and disease

1. Exploring single-neuron computations, signal processing, and input-output functions

2. Understanding local circuit engagement and excitation-inhibition (E-I) balance 

3. Elucidating the mechanisms of dendritic excitability and neurodegeneration

We combine molecular tool development, fluorescence imaging, and electrophysiology to advance our understanding of brain physiology. Our team engineers proteins and modifies gene expression to dissect biological processes. While studies in cultured cells and tissue samples provide valuable insights into what can happen, our primary focus is on behaving animals to elucidate what actually happens during learning and memory.

Our primary animal model is the mouse, chosen for its sophisticated neural architecture and relevance to human biology. We are also open to using simpler animal models (e.g., zebrafish, fruit flies, and roundworms) to facilitate a clearer and deeper understanding of specific neural processes.

Robust gene expression is the key to successful fluorescence microscopy. We are using both virological and electrical gene transfer methods. In particular, we are taking advantage of in utero electroporation and in vivo single-cell electroporation to sparsely label and resolve fine details of dendritic information. We are using  adeno-associated virus (AAV) and transgenic animal methods for system-level studies.

We are combining 1-photon and 2-photon microscopy to map sub-millisecond voltage dynamics with fine structural details. In addition, we are extending our imaging toolbox to visualize and trace other biomolecules, such as Ca²⁺ and cAMP. Functional imaging in space and time provides a deeper understanding of the molecular interactions and propagations that underlie signal processing and plasticity.

We are using in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology. Our expertise involves patch clamp and extracellular field-potential recordings. For in vivo patch clamp, we are using both 2P-guided and resistance change-based blind patching techniques. We often combine optical and electrophysiological methods coupled with animal behaviors to obtain multi-dimensional information of the brain at play.

1. Sung Y, Han DH, Kim J, Park P, Kaang BK (2025) Targeted NMDA receptor knockdown in recall-activated neuronal ensembles impairs remote fear extinction. Molecular Brain, 18:30. 

2. Kim D, Park P, Li X, Wong-Campos JD, Tian H, Moult EM, Grimm JB, Lavis LD, Cohen AE (2025) EPSILON: a method for pulse-chase labeling to probe synaptic AMPAR exocytosis during memory formation. Nature Neuroscience 31:1-9 

3. Kang M, Choi J, Han J, Araki T, Kim SW, Ryu HH, Kim MG, Kim S, Jang H, Kim SY, Hwang KD, Kim S, Yoo M, Lee J, Kim K, Park P, Choi JE, Han DH, Kim Y, Kim J, Chang S, Kaang B-K, Ko JM, Cheon K-A, An J-Y, Kim SJ, Park H, Neel BG, Kim CH, Lee Y-S (2025) Aberrant ERK signaling in astrocytes impairs learning and memory in RASopathy-associated BRAF mutant mouse models. The Journal of Clinical Investigation 135(8) 

4. Park P*, Wong-Campos JD*, Itkis D, Lee B, Qi Y, Davis HC, Grimm JB, Plutkis SE, Lavis L, Cohen AE (2025) Dendritic excitations govern back-propagation via a spike-rate accelerometer. Nat Comm, 16:1333. (* Co-first) 

5. Brooks FP, Daozheng G, Davis HC, Park P, Qi Y, Cohen AE (2025) Photophysics-informed two-photon voltage imaging using FRET-opsin voltage indicators. Science Advances 11:eadp5763. 

6. Yang J, Zhu S, Yang L, Peng L, Han Y, Hayward RF, Park P, Hu D, Cohen AE, Zou P (2024) Solaris: a panel of bright and sensitive hybrid voltage indicators for imaging membrane potential in cultured neurons. bioRxiv (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/ 10.1101/2024.02.02.578569). Revision in Nature Neuroscience 

7. Koek LA*, Park P*, Sanderson TM, Georgiou J, Zhuo M, Kaang B-K, Collingridge GL (2024) Role of Calcium-Permeable AMPARs in Synaptic Tagging and Capture in the Rodent Hippocampus. Synaptic Tagging and Capture. Book chapter, Springer (* Co-first) 

8. Xiang KM*, Park P*, Koren SA, Hayward RF, Cohen AE (2023) All-optical mapping of cAMP transport reveals rules of sub-cellular localization. bioRxiv (https://www.biorxiv.org/ content/10.1101/2023.06.27.546633). Revision in Cell Systems (* Co-first) 

9. Wong-Campos JD*, Park P*, Davis HC, Qi Y, Tian H, Itkis DG, Kim D, Grimm JB, Plutkis SE, Lavis L, Cohen AE (2023) Voltage dynamics of dendritic integration and back-propagation in vivo. bioRxiv (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.25.542363). Revision in Nature (* Co-first) 

10. Eom M*, Han S*, Park P*, Kim G, Cho E-S, Sim J, Lee K-H, Kim S, Tian H, Böhm UL, Lowet E, Rozsa M, Tseng H-A, Choi J, Lucia SE, Ryu SH, Rózsa M, Svoboda K, Chang S, Kim P, Han X, Piatkevich KD, Choi M, Kim C-H, Cohen AE, Chang J-B, Yoon Y-G (2023) - 3 Statistically unbiased prediction enables accurate denoising of voltage imaging data. Nat Methods 1-12. (Featured on the cover) (* Co-first) 

11. Guntupalli S*, Park P*, Han DH*, Zhang L, Yong XL, Ringuet M, Blackmore DG, Jhaveri DJ, Koentgen F, Widagdo J, Kaang BK (2023) Ubiquitination of the GluA1 subunit of AMPA receptors is required for synaptic plasticity, memory, and cognitive flexibility. J Neurosci 43:5448-57. (* Co-first) 

12. Lin D, Li X, Moult E, Park P, Tang B, Shen H, Grimm JB, Falco N, Jia BZ, Baker D, Lavis LD, Cohen AE (2023) Time-tagged ticker tapes for intracellular recordings. Nat Biotech 41:631-639. (Featured on the cover) 

13. Tian H, Davis HC, Wong-Campos D, Park P, Fan LZ, Gmeiner B, Begum S, Werley CA, Borja GB, Upadhyay H, Shah H, Jacques J, Qi Y, Parot V, Deisseroth K, Cohen AE (2023) All-optical electrophysiology with improved genetically encoded voltage indicators reveals interneuron network dynamics in vivo. Nat Methods 1-13. 

14. Landau AT, Park P, Wong-Campos D, Tian H, Cohen AE and Sabatini BL (2022) Dendritic branch structure compartmentalizes voltage-dependent calcium influx in cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal cells. eLife 11: e76993. 

15. Han DH, Park P, Choi DI, Bliss TVP, Kaang B-K (2021) The essence of the engram: Cellular or synaptic? Semin Cell Dev Biol 125:122-135. 

16. Han DH, Hong I, Choi JE, Park P, Baek J-Y, Park H, Ide S, Mishina M, Ikeda K, Kaang B-K (2021) Abolished ketamine effects on the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current of medial prefrontal cortex neurons in GluN2D knockout mice. Mol Brain 14:174. 

17. Choi DI, Kim J, Lee H, Kim J, Sung Y, Choi JE, Venkat SJ, Park P, Jung H, Kaang, B-K (2021) Synaptic correlates of associative fear memory in the lateral amygdala. Neuron 109:2717-2726. 

18. Lim C-S, Kim MJ, Choi JE, Islam MA, Lee Y-K, Xiong Y, Shim K-W, Yang J, Lee RU, Lee J, Park P, Kwak J-H, Seo H, Kim CH, Lee JH, Lee YS, Hwang SK, Lee K, Lee J-A, Kaang B-K (2021) Dysfunction of NMDA receptors in neuronal models of an autism spectrum disorder patient with a DSCAM mutation and in Dscam-knockout mice. Mol Psychiatry 26:7538-7549. 

19. Park P, Kang H, Georgiou J, Zhuo M, Kaang B-K, Collingridge GL (2021) Further evidence that CP-AMPARs are critically involved in synaptic tag and capture at hippocampal CA1 synapses. Mol Brain 14:26. 

20. Park P, Georgiou J, Sanderson TM, Ko K-H, Kang H, Kim J-i, Bradley CA, Bortolotto ZA, Zhuo M, Kaang B-K, Collingridge GL (2021) PKA drives an increase in AMPA receptor unitary conductance during LTP in the hippocampus. Nat Comm 12:413.

PI : 박포정 교수  

석사학위 과정 : 전재혁 

학부생 인턴 : 이윤호 

Homepage : http://www.pojeong.com

Cantact : pojeong@dgist.ac.kr 

We welcome people with diverse backgrounds and skills spanning physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and engineering.  We seek individuals who are willing to learn and collaborate with colleagues from diverse fields to transform creative ideas into scientific discoveries.  Guided by the philosophy of "Small Lab, Big Science", we build our own tools to tackle fundamental questions in neuroscience.

1. Internally driven : Self-motivated and deeply passionate about their work.

2. Personable : A positive attitude that contributes to a dynamic and supportive team environment.

3. Curious : Eager to explore new ideas and expand their knowledge. 

4. Creative and hands-on : Enjoys making and implementing ideas through experimentation. 

5. Well-organized : Capable of managing projects and time efficiently. 

1. Attentive and hardworking : I will meet with you regularly and provide constructive feedback on both your research and personal development. 

2. Establishing supportive and welcoming lab : I will work to create a collaborative and harmonious lab environment that encourages high-quality research and strong connections among lab members. 

3. Taking responsibility for your career development : I will guide you in achieving your academic and professional goals. 

4. Approachable : You can feel comfortable discussing any challenges, whether in research or life, with me. 

5. Serving as a lifelong mentor and friend : My support does not end with your time in the lab. 

While experience in specific techniques is helpful, it is not a requirement to join our lab. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise or a strong interest in image analysis, optical instrumentation, protein engineering, electrophysiology, and computational modeling. While MATLAB is our primary programming language, we also use Python, LabVIEW, C++, and JavaScript. If you have experience in these areas, or a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply. 

DGIST offers an exceptional environment for neuroscience research. It is uniquely oriented to brain sciences, and provides cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary programs, and a vibrant research community that includes neighboring KBRI, ISTs, and POSTECH. Tuition, stipends, and housing are supported for Ph.D. students.

Please submit the following documents as a single PDF (Ph.D. candidates):  

1) Cover letter describing your background and interests

2) CV with contact information for 2 references

3) Academic transcript

Send your application materials to pojeong@dgist.ac.kr

1) Developing Genetically-Encoded Voltage Indicators (GEVIs) : Creating, screening, and testing GEVIs in cultured cells, brain tissues, and live animals.

2) Understanding Learning and Memory : Focusing on the hippocampal mechanisms of place cell, memory engrams, and synaptic plasticity. 

3) Dendritic Biophysics and Neural Computation : Understanding dendritic input-output functions at the single-neuron level and network-level information processing. 

We will use these tools to answer the above questions: 1) Protein engineering with rationalized design and directed evolution; 2) Voltage, calcium, and glutamate imaging; 3) In vivo patch-clamp and silicone-probe extracellular recordings; 4) Computational modeling

I strongly believe in the value of honest, transparent, and multidisciplinary collaborations. Together, we will explore the mysteries of memory, cognition, and neural interfaces in both health and disease.