United States
My name is Anna Kim and I am a recent NYU graduate with a BS in chemistry and a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. My current research at the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai focuses on protein pathology, neuroinflammation, and peptide signaling in Alzheimer's disease mouse models, using biochemical and molecular approaches to study disease progression and therapeutic modulation. Outside of the lab, I have clinical experience supporting patient care in hospital and outpatient settings. I am motivated by the intersection of chemical biology and disease progression and aim to continue building expertise in translational neuroscience research while preparing for a career that integrates scientific investigation with meaningful clinical impact.
Performing full range of patient care technician responsibilities in the operating room and PACU, including patient transport, room preparation, equipment setup, and assisting with positioning and turnover to ensure quick flow and safety. Supporting perioperative teams through both clinical and clerical duties, gaining hands-on experience in surgical environments and patient care coordination within a high-acuity setting.
Applying immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA techniques to study Alzheimer's disease pathology, examining amyloid deposition, microglial activation, and neurodegenerative signaling pathways in mouse brain models. Currently investigating intranasal delivery of VGF-derived peptides (TLQP-21 and TLQP-62) as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease, assessing peptide brain uptake, stability, and target engagement in hippocampal and cortical regions using biochemical approaches. Previously investigated the role of peptide TLQP-21 in LPS-induced inflammatory responses in C20 human microglial cells via NRP1/TGF-β signaling, using ELISA to quantify IL-6 levels with and without NRP1 inhibition.
Supporting clinical research initiatives in the emergency department by conducting SBIRT screenings for substance use, collecting and managing patient data in REDCap, and assisting with study protocols related to opioid use disorder, social determinants of health, and mental health. Gained hands-on exposure to emergency medicine and public health through biweekly research meetings, mentorship from principal investigators, and clinical shadowing experiences at Bellevue Hospital.