Sang Hoon Um

Analytical and synthetic chemist with a Ph.D. background in biomedical engineering and extensive hands-on experience in therapeutic molecule development, bioconjugation chemistry, and advanced analytical characterization. Proven expertise in the design, synthesis, and optimization of complex biomaterials—including small molecules, peptides, nucleotides, and proteins—for drug delivery, cancer therapeutics, and molecular diagnostics. Skilled in high-throughput method development and validation using NMR, LC/MS, GC/MS, HPLC, MALDI-TOF, UV-Vis, PAGE, and fluorescence-based spectroscopy for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Demonstrated success in cross-functional pharmaceutical R&D environments, including antibody–siRNA and peptide–drug conjugation, drug synthesis scale-up, and formulation optimization. Adept at multi-step synthesis and analytical troubleshooting of structurally challenging targets, with a strong foundation in structure–activity relationships (SAR) and data-driven process refinement. Experienced in collaborating across chemistry, biology, and translational medicine to deliver pipeline-ready solutions, supported by a strong publication and patent record. Passionate about accelerating drug discovery through rigorous analytical science and innovative chemical design.

Highly Fluorescent and Water-Soluble Turn-on Type Diarylethene for Super-Resolution Bioimaging over a Broad pH Range (Dyes & Pigments, IF: 4.1, Citations: 21) | Co-First Author

• Optimization & Impact: This method overcomes limitations of existing bioimaging agents in super-resolution microscopy, enabling stable sub-nano imaging by enhancing diarylethene’s stability, fluorescence, and biocompatibility.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-Based Activatable Probe for Predicting Therapeutic Outcome of an EGF-Based Doxorubicin Prodrug (Journal of Controlled Release, IF: 10.4, Citations: 10) | Co-First Author

• Optimization & Impact: Our theragnostic platform addresses key limitations of Cetuximab, including diagnostic challenges and low therapeutic efficacy, offering a promising approach for personalized cancer therapy.

Vice President, Purdue Korean Association (PKA) | Purdue University | 2022-2023

• Led and coordinated cross-cultural initiatives and community-building activities, enhancing collaboration among international graduate student community and improving organizational effectiveness.

Team Leader, Korean Futbol Club | Purdue University | 2021-2022

• Managed team dynamics, coordinated weekly practices, and boosted team performance through strategic leadership and effective interpersonal communication.

Team Leader, Korean Tenis Club | Purdue University | 2021-2022

• Managed team dynamics, coordinated weekly practices, and boosted team performance through strategic leadership and effective interpersonal communication.

Staff Sergeant, Republic of Korea Air Force | 2011–2013

• Led and managed supply administration operations, overseeing logistics for 20+ personnel, ensuring operational readiness and resource optimization.

Fearnot-Laufman-Greatbatch Prize | Purdue University | 2024

• Recognized for exceptional leadership and groundbreaking research advancements in biomolecular engineering, and therapeutic delivery systems.

Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF) | National Grant

• Received prestigious merit-based scholarships recognizing exceptional academic performance and research potential in engineering disciplines (awarded consecutively for 5 semesters)

Honors and Best Honors Scholarships | Korea University

• Consistently awarded for achieving academic excellence and maintaining outstanding academic records, recognizing top-tier academic performance (4 semesters).

Distinguished Alumni Scholarship | Korea University Alumni Association

• Recognized for exemplary leadership qualities and significant contributions to the academic community, further enhancing community engagement (1 semester).

Welfare Section Scholarship | Korea University

• Awarded based on high academic achievement, assisting financial needs, and encouraging continued academic growth and professional development (1 semester).

Intracellular neuronal recordings across DNA Tiles (Submitted, Nature Nanotechnology, IF: 38.1) ) | Co-Author

• Optimization & Impact: The DNA nanostructure (0.8 nm pore size) enabled repeated and biocompatible neural recording, overcoming the limitations of conventional electrophysiology. This advancement also facilitated nm-scale dendrite analysis, enhancing precision and reliability in neurobiological studies.

Design and Characterization of a Multifunctional, Biocompatible large-sized DNA Nanopore for Live Cell Membrane Interfacing (Pending Submission to Angewandte Chemie, IF:16.6)  | First Author 

• Optimization & Impact: This approach overcame the

Diarylethene-based Highly Water-Soluble Photochromic Compound Comprising Ionic Functional Groups and the Manufacturing Method thereof

• Patent Number: KR 10-1887150 (Korea Patent, Granted 2019)
• Developed innovative fluorescent probes specifically engineered for enhanced solubility and superior bioimaging capabilities, particularly suitable for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Novel Nanocage and Use thereof

• Application Number: Under the U.S. Provisional Application
• Engineered multifunctional nanocages optimized for targeted molecular and protein delivery, significantly advancing therapeutic specificity and diagnostic precision.

• Authored impactful research published in top-tier journals, with significant impact factors (up to 10.5).
• Developed novel biomaterials by designing and integrating various components, proposing frameworks to enhance bio-application efficiency and innovate methodologies: bio-imaging, therapeutics and diagnostics, electrophysiology, and stem cell differentiation.
• Recognized for significant contributions in biotherapeutic probe development, advancing therapeutic molecule optimization towards potential clinical translation.
• Successfully managed interdisciplinary research projects, contributing substantially to publications, patents, and the scientific community.