The KWiSE-NY/NJ Chapter Conference was held at Rutgers University, New Brunswick on May 20, 2017. Under this year’s theme of “Link Technology, Food, and Human Health,” we invited three excellent female scholars to share their research as well as their career journey. Dr. Heayeon Lee (Mara Nanotech New York, Inc.) presented her innovative research on smart biomedical sensor-device systems and some of her patents she achieved during over 20 years of her career. The highly sensitive biological nanosystem that Dr. Lee developed is promising because it could be applied to numerous other integrated digital biosensors. Dr. Sung Eun Choi (Queens College, CUNY) shared her research on racial differences in genetic taste sensitivity and food likings. Dr. Choi used 6-n-propylthiouracil taste test and surveys to assess food liking/disliking for 19 food items. As a result, her study demonstrated that race, sex, and age significantly contributed to BMI prediction. Final topic of the conference was on vitamin A metabolism and protein kinase C function presented by Dr. Youn Kyung Kim (Rutgers University). Dr. Kim’s research is novel research on vitamin A and her presentation prompted dialogues on linking science to daily lives. This year’s conference was inspiring and educational. All members engaged in vibrant discussions on topics from basic science to clinical implications and consumer science.
One of the special moments at this conference was the sharing time. Following Dr. Yeon Bai’s (Montclair State University) opening remarks, members formed a big circle to begin self-introduction. Self-introduction was enriched by questions and answers among members, which kindled the connection. We connected through personal stories as well as research interests. Throughout the year, our chapter had several regional social gathering, i.e. in Fort Lee, Manhattan, and New Brunswick. Our membership has been growing through these events, and more members joined at this conference. 2017 NY/NJ Chapter conference marked another great success, and promised a long lasting networking, mentoring, and sharing opportunity among members.
Yeon Bai
President of KWiSE NY/NJ Chapter
