Sehee Kim
This is Sehee (Daisy) Kim, a senior at Saint Paul Preparatory Seoul. As a student deeply engaged in studying cognitive neuroscience, I’m constantly driven by questions about the underlying systems that create our consciousness, memories, and emotions. My passion for understanding cognition is fueled by a desire to push the boundaries of what we know about ourselves and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
I am also a multidisciplinary individual with a strong interest in the arts, particularly Abstractionism. For me, art becomes a language through which I express my curiosity and understanding of neural mechanisms. I find it deeply fulfilling to integrate science and art, allowing me to explore and communicate complex ideas in a creative and insightful way.
Maker’s Portfolio
In my Maker’s, I combined & honed my skills in designing (Fusion 360, 3D Printer modeling, Photoshop, Python coding, Arduino engineering) with science to communicate my opinions beyond traditional papers.
Still Images & Processes
Process of visualizing the disrupted BDNF structures via iridescent acrylic boards; neuronal pathways via light
Creating EEG installation to show the differences of healthy patterns and those with Alzheimer’s without needing to plot EEG with expensive equipments
“Differentiating Degenerative from Vascular Dementia and Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment”
Although EEG pattern differences for Alzheimer’s Disease and vascular dementia are well comprehended, there is a lack of studies comparing patterns of vascular dementia with vascular mild cognitive impairment. Using MNE-python processings on 1300+ resting-state EEG data, I attempted to discover their marking differences.
“Consciousness in Modern AI-powered Machines: Cognito Ergo Sum”
Does AI have consciousness? or can AI develop a consciousness? This essay is an argumentative essay discussing current technological limitations for AI to be sentient while delving into definitions of human consciousness.
Neuroscience
Research Experience
“DNA Methylation in Different Genes Causing Memory Loss in AD: Scoping Review”
Currently in the final review stage for the International Journal of High School Research, I reviewed 100+ journals ranging from epigenome-wide association to gene-specific studies in genes related to memory loss in Alzheimer’s Disease (APOE, PS1, APP, ANK, MAPT). The methylation patterns were narrowed down to affect (i) Amyloid-Beta accumulation (ii) tau proteins (ii) excitatory neurons.
“AI and Transhumanism: Can We Still Call Ourselves Humans?”
With the fast advancement of biotechnology, including the enhancement of CRISPER gene editing and brain-computer interfaces, the idea of personal identity gets blurred. As ethical standardization is yet to be established, I explored the impacts of AI-based technology into our identity and cognition.
“Revisiting the Human Exit Dynamics and Symmetry Breaking in Different Species”
The continuous fatalities by emergent evacuation of the panicked crowd, including the recent Itaewon Stampede, led to the studies of crowd dynamics. E. Altshuler’s study revealed that invertebrates and vertebrates show similar symmetry-breaking when escaping. Inspired, I experimented with the applicability of this theory on fish.
Laboratory Experiences
Laboratory of Social Decision Neuroscience @ Korea University
To further my experience in Neuroscience, I reached out to professors in Korea to secure my research assistant position. Here, I helped to collect data on participants’ heart rate variability and hand dynamometer tests as well as organizing survey results.
These data are used to develop an application that monitors and predicts self-esteem imbalances. Frequent discussions with fellow researchers deepened my appreciation for the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry.
Systems & Predictive Pharmacology @ Seoul National University
I worked alongside the graduate students in developing alternatives to animal testing. I helped to culture human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) to initiate adipogenesis and treated with 6 different substances (aspirin, pioglitazone, DMEM, IDX, and glibenclamide).
I also assisted in performing ORO and ELISA techniques to measure the lipid accumulation. I witnessed the meticulous procedure of cell medium preparations to plate design, building an appreciation for efforts in reducing errors and maintaining integrity.
Artist Portfolio
Through art, I explored infinite possibilities of protein structures, visualizing the relationship between molecular structures and the workings of the mind, delivering proteins’ deeper significance that extends beyond mere functions.
Artwork Development
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Amyloid-beta precursor protein
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GABA Interactions
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Protease Complex
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GABA Interactions
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NMDA protein
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GAD6 Neuron
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Toxic Tau Protein
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DLG3 Protein
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Serotonine
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Neuronal Protein
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Hypothalamus
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Amyloid Protein
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Tertiary structure protein
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GFAP protein
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FMPR protein
Volunteering
For Girls Organization
I worked as a school leader in Hong Kong and chapter leader in Korea, working with students from 8+ countries. For Girls Organization is a student-led non-profit organization working to ensure that girls and women in vulnerable communities have access to menstrual hygiene management. With Partnership with Plan International and Kotex, we address period poverty, an global issue that is affecting millions of girls and women today.
Additional Works Directed
For Girls Organization Marketing Plan
I designed the organization’s kampot packaging using eco-friendly clothes named Green Waffle, business card, posters, as well as the marketing plan. This marketing plan was used to introduced us and brought up to many consulate meetings, eventually allowing us to get invited by the Cambodian Consulate to represent Cambodia on 2021 HK Food & Carnival Fair. In this pdf and images aside, there is a 33-page summary of our vision, our work from students from different countries.
Kampot Delivery to Peterson Holdings Co Ltd & Social Media Activism
We created numerous post on social media that informs about the challenges caused by period poverty and celebrate May 28th, which is the World’s Menstruation Day through mobilizing communities.
Sickids Organization
Inspired by the dedication and teamwork of the For Girls Organization in creating meaningful change, I was motivated to launch my own initiative in Korea. My passion for understanding global diseases revealed a critical issue: children with rare diseases are often marginalized, not only due to the financial burden of medical expenses but also because of the lack of research in this field. To address this gap, I founded this organization with a mission to help these children reach their full potential. Here, being “sick” is redefined—not as a limitation, but as a mark of strength and extraordinary resilience.
Additional Works Directed
Worked with Seocho-District Youth Center “Togehter Pallette” Program (News Coverage Attatched)
We launched virtual art exhibitions showcasing patterns we designed alongside the creative works of children, edited with Photoshop, to highlight the pressing local issues of child abuse and domestic violence. My focus was on creating designs that encapsulate the happiness and "youthfulness" that children worldwide can experience when provided with proper care and nurturing environments.
Participation at local booths
In addition to designing patterned goods, I created eco-friendly scrunchies made from recycled polyester bottles. I showcased these at over four local festivals, including Seocho Is the Music!, Seoripul Festival, Seoripul Kids & Adolescent Festival, Jamsu Bridge Walking Festival, and Seoreo NanjangPan.
Healthyi Project
As a program coordinator for the Healthyi Project, I coordinated the shipment of medications, established partnerships with medical associations in Rwanda and the Kundan government, organized competitions, and produced educational videos. Our mission extends beyond treating diseases; we aim to empower individuals to overcome their circumstances and strengthen communities through initiatives in education and public awareness. By addressing root challenges, we are building a foundation for healthier, thriving communities.
Additional Videos / Reports Directed
HEALTHYI Introduction Video
I created a 6 minute video of introducing the general backgrounds for current state of neglected tropical diseases and efforts that are taken in reversing its impact.
NTD Awareness Survey [Global]
To address the global awareness of the NTDs, we’ve created a survey that reached 100+ students across the globe. This is the results that I analyzed in reports along with the importance of educational interventions.
World-wide NTD Campagin
This is the results for the survey we conducted. Based on this survey, we launched an awareness campaign in Huye District focused on neglected tropical diseases, particularly bilharzia by distributing educational sessions as well as the medical equipment providance.
NTD Prevention Kit Idea PPT
One of the project that we did as a Healthyi Organization was to create a regional competitions with matching students from Korea & Rwanda (with the help of the partnership of medical associations) to receive ideas to reduce the social issues in recognized. I specifically chose to focus on damage of STH on children, thereby created a business model for DIY Foot wear Kit & came up with idea of Safe Step Sub-project.
Language Link:
I worked as a founder & leader for Language Link, leading more than 20 tutors in hopes to address educational gaps in underprivileged areas in South Korea. By linking children with their tutors to provide personalized STEM + English lessons, we helped to cultivate an well-rounding, cheerful educational environment. Alongside lessons, we created a variety of content and videos, as well as hosting social events for students to feel the sense of involvement.
