I am a neuroscientist interested in understanding how glial cells contribute to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. My research focuses on the molecular and transcriptional mechanisms that regulate astrocyte function, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease. Our laboratory uses genetic mouse models, single cell transcriptomics, molecular approaches, and imaging to identify glial regulatory mechanisms that contribute to disease progression and may provide new therapeutic targets. I am also committed to creating a collaborative research environment that encourages scientific independence, critical thinking, and rigorous science. 

I received my M.S. in Developmental Genetics from Konkuk University in South Korea under the mentorship of Dr. Kyoung Sang Choi, where I investigated the function of KAI1, a metastasis suppressor gene, using Drosophila. I completed my Ph.D. in Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine in the laboratory of Dr. Hamed Jafar-Nejad, uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying N-glycosylation-related rare genetic disorders, NGLY1. Following my Ph.D., I explored cancer signaling mechanisms in Dr. Benny Kaipparettu’s laboratory, focusing on breast cancer pathogenesis.

Building on a strong foundation in genetics, model organism biology, particularly Drosophila, and cell signaling pathways, my current research focuses on neurobiology. Working in Dr. Choi’s laboratory, I investigate astrocyte-microglia crosstalk in Alzheimer's disease (AD). My recent work demonstrates that astrocytic Sox9 reprograms microglial metabolism and enhances amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance via a novel signaling axis, preserving cognitive function. Broadly, I am dedicated to deciphering how glial cell interactions govern neuroinflammation and brain homeostasis to identify therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

Eunjoo’s interest in neuroscience began while she was working as a registered nurse in a neurosurgical ward, where she cared for patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including traumatic CNS injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. She earned a B.S. in Nursing from Inje University in South Korea and a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Arlington. She received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the laboratory of Dr. Xinzhu Yu, where she studied astrocytic calcium signaling in motor learning and memory. 

Eunjoo joined the Choi lab in August 2026 and is interested in understanidng the roles of disease-associated astrocytes contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. Outside the lab, she enjoys working out and taking Zumba classes.