Meet Taeyeon Kim: Finding Clarity, Purpose, and a Future in FOXG1 Research
Taeyeon at Letchworth State Park in fall 2025!
For Taeyeon Kim, science was always something she was drawn to. As an undergraduate, she studied Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, where she genuinely enjoyed the coursework and developed a strong interest in how the brain develops and how small molecular changes can lead to significant neurological outcomes.
It was after graduation, when Taeyeon stepped into her first full time research role, that uncertainty surfaced. Like many early career scientists, she questioned whether research was a field she wanted to stay in long term and whether she could truly see herself building a future in it.
That uncertainty did not last.
Through hands-on experience, growing responsibility, and supportive mentorship at the FOXG1 Research Center, Taeyeon found clarity. The deeper she became involved in the work, the more focused and confident she felt. What once felt uncertain became purposeful. Today, with encouragement from Jae Lee, Taeyeon is actively interviewing for PhD programs and applying to continue her education in Biological Sciences, with a clear commitment to staying in research and growing within the field.
Finding Her Way to the FOXG1 Research Center
After graduating, Taeyeon was searching for a research position when she came across an opening in the Lee Lab. A conversation with a friend who had previously worked there encouraged her to apply and helped her take that first step.
Since joining the FOXG1 Research Center as a research technician in March 2024, Taeyeon has learned that doing research well is less about quick results and more about consistency, curiosity, and a willingness to learn every day.
“What I have learned most is that showing up consistently really matters,” she shared. “Staying curious and being open to learning makes a huge difference.”
Originally from South Korea, Taeyeon has enjoyed building her life in Buffalo, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months, when longer daylight hours make everyday routines feel lighter and more enjoyable.
A Steady Presence in the Lab
As a research technician, Taeyeon supports FOXG1 related research through animal work, behavioral experiments, and molecular biology techniques. Her role requires precision, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility.
A typical day in the lab includes preparing and running experiments, organizing and analyzing data, and managing daily animal care and mouse colony maintenance. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, Taeyeon understands how essential it is.
“I wish people knew how careful the behind the scenes work in research really is,” she said. “Even tasks that seem routine are essential for producing reliable and meaningful results.”
She takes particular pride in her involvement with AAV9 cloning work. Although she did not design the viral construct itself, Taeyeon played a hands-on role in the cloning process by inserting the genetic insert into the vector.
“I am really proud to be involved in this kind of research,” she shared. “It feels meaningful to contribute to something that could have a real impact, even if my role is one part of a much larger effort.”
Learning Patience Through the Research Process
Not all research moves quickly, and Taeyeon has learned firsthand how important patience is in the scientific process.
She recalled working on whole body plethysmography experiments that involved collecting and interpreting large volumes of data related to breathing and brain activity in mice. Understanding what each index represented and whether it correlated with meaningful outcomes took significant time.
“Progress felt very slow,” she explained. “It took a long time just to understand what each measurement meant, and even longer to see whether anything meaningful was emerging.”
That experience taught her that research progress often comes in small, incremental steps, and that consistency is key.
Motivation Rooted in Real People
When research feels slow or repetitive, Taeyeon draws motivation from the people this work is meant to support.
She remembers meeting FOXG1 families for the first time at the FOXG1 Research Center opening ceremony. Hearing families share their daily lives and experiences left a lasting impression.
“It really motivated me,” she said. “It made me proud to be working on something that helps people.”
Knowing that families are following FOXG1 research influences how carefully Taeyeon approaches her work. Her responsibilities feel deeper than data alone.
“We may not have news about therapies today,” she shared, “but there is hope in what we are doing. We have not stopped working, and we will continue.”
A Culture of Collaboration and Support
Taeyeon describes the lab environment as welcoming and collaborative.
“At first, I was nervous about asking questions because I did not want to look inexperienced,” she admitted. “But the postdocs and PhD researchers really love sharing their knowledge. They never make it feel like a burden.”
Working alongside researchers at different stages of their careers has helped Taeyeon grow in confidence and perspective. She has learned that asking questions is an essential part of good science, not a weakness.
During busy or challenging weeks, teamwork becomes especially important. The shared sense of purpose within the lab helps everyone push through difficult moments together.
Finding Balance Outside the Lab
Outside of the lab, Taeyeon enjoys slowing down and recharging. She likes watching travel vlogs on YouTube and spending time at cafes with friends, where conversation and atmosphere matter just as much as the coffee.
Travel plays an important role in helping her maintain balance. Even though she may only take one trip a year, the process of planning brings excitement and positive energy.
Having interests outside the lab helps Taeyeon return to her work feeling more focused and grounded.
Looking Ahead With Purpose
When Taeyeon thinks about the future of FOXG1 research, her hopes are thoughtful and grounded.
She hopes ongoing research continues to move toward therapies that can improve quality of life for individuals and families affected by FOXG1 syndrome. She also hopes families feel supported and seen throughout the research journey.
As FOXG1 research evolves, including increasing attention on therapeutic strategies such as AAV9 gene therapy, Taeyeon sees value in every careful step forward.
When asked what she hopes families feel first when thinking about the future of FOXG1 research, her answer is simple.
“Hope,” she said. “Even if progress takes time, I hope families know we are here, and we are not giving up.”
Taeyeon loves to travel in her free time - this was from a trip to Salar de Uyuni in 2023
FOXG1 Research Center is dedicated to understanding and finding treatments for FOXG1 syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Our Team
Drs. Soo-Kyung Lee, PhD. and Jae W. Lee, PhD. are the principal investigators of FOXG1 Research Center. Our team is full of dedicated individuals with the common goal of studying FOXG1 Syndrome to find treatment options and further understand the condition.
Our Publications
To learn more details about our research, please refer to our publications.
