CRS Scientist Spotlight on Yuna Lee, MS

Yuna Lee, MS is a research technologist in the Duncan Lab. She is an alumna of the MS-RSM program, class of 2023.

What brought you to join the CRS community and what is your current position? 

I became a member of the community when I joined the MS-RSM program. A hub for both research and medicine, this community holds an extremely wide network of expertise in the plethora of fields that make up reproductive science, which I saw as an opportunity for me to delve into my interests and grow as both a student and scientist. Currently, I’m a Research Technologist II in the Northwestern OBGYN department working under Dr. Duncan. 

Could you describe what your work entails? 

My work is split into two main parts. The first part is running and maintaining our histology core, through which I complete internal and external histology requests to support various ongoing projects. Second, I’m working on a collaborative project under the NIH SenNet consortium, in which I am trying to elucidate the SASP of senescent cells specific to the human ovary, which is associated with adverse aging effects. 

What aspect(s) of CRS do you find most valuable?  

Being a part of this program has helped me gain extensive exposure to the broad range of topics that make up our field. From endocrinology to pathology to public health policy, I’ve been able to meet and learn from experts in such areas that align with my own interests, helping me gain an in-depth understanding of their careers and the impactful work they do to push reproductive medicine forward. As I move forward in my pursuit of medicine, I hope to continue this momentum and do the same. 

What has been the most valuable aspect of your work in reproductive science? 

The most valuable aspect has definitely been the foundational courses I took at the beginning of the MS-RSM program with Dr. Monahan. Even today, I find myself applying the knowledge I learned in her classes to my current work and continue to build upon it each day.  

What would you recommend to students and young professionals in order for them to succeed in their careers? ​  

My advice is to stay in the mindset that you are never done growing. Take every experience, whether it be good or bad, as a learning opportunity, as I believe that there is always room to learn something new and grow from it.  

What do you think will be the next big contribution in the reproductive biology field?  

Given the SASP of senescent cells in the ovary has not yet been identified, I’m hopeful that we will be able to shed light on this, laying the foundation to ultimately target these cells and mitigate the adverse effects of ovarian aging. Additionally, and more broadly speaking, I hope that the collective work of physicians, scientists, and policymakers will continue to push towards the destigmatization of reproductive health and make it more accessible for all who seek it.  

What hobbies do you have outside of the lab?   

Outside of lab I enjoy playing soccer or running by the lake, watching the Tottenham Hotspurs, or relaxing inside by playing videogames or reading a book.