Kara Zor-El, Ph.D.
Computational biologist moving from single-cell & spatial multi-omics into connectome-scale neuroscience

Profile

Moving from wet-lab immunology into computational neuroscience. I build methods that infer cellular identity, state, and interaction from large, incomplete single-cell and spatial data. Research objective: connect molecular cell identity to circuit structure and function by integrating connectomics with transcriptomics, growing into connectome-constrained circuit models.

Education

Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences2014–2023
Hangang National University Seoul, Republic of Korea
Mapping Dendritic Cell Heterogeneity Across Chronic Inflammatory Contexts. Advisor: Min-Ho Suh, M.D., Ph.D.
M.S., Biomedical Sciences2012–2014
Hangang National University Seoul
Enhanced LPS-Induced Monocyte Activation by Recombinant Human Soluble CD180.
B.S., Genetic Engineering2008–2012
Suwon Institute of Life Sciences Suwon

Experience

Postdoctoral Researcher2025–2026
Nakdong Univ. Wonju College of Medicine Physiology / Cellular Systems Research Center
Developed deep-learning multimodal-integration models fusing imaging, transcriptomic, and clinical data into single predictive models.
Associate Director2023–2025
Meridian Immune Therapeutics Inc. Basic Research, Seoul
Built in-house single-cell & spatial transcriptomics code from scratch; led cross-functional NHP (cynomolgus, marmoset) EAE/MS multi-omic studies; oversaw regulatory documentation for an anti-CD25 humanized-antibody program.
Manager, Basic Research2021–2023
Meridian Immune Therapeutics Inc. Seoul
Researcher2019–2021
Xenotransplantation Research Center, HNU Seoul
Rhesus macaque tissue processing, longitudinal immune monitoring, CNS (brain/spinal cord) tissue handling.
Research Student, MOSAIC2020–2023
Genomic Medicine Institute, HNU
Founding proposal contributor; executed within the funded program (500+ donors × 6 organs): milestone tracking, multi-site QC, multi-PI coordination.

Selected Publications

18 total17 peer-reviewed6 first / co-first1 under review
Zor-El K* in Reyes M*, Alvarez T*, et al. "Conserved PDE9X short-isoform bias defines pathogenic Th1.17 state across human inflammatory diseases." Nature Immunology IF 27.7 · under review, 2026. AUC 0.812; 702 samples, 251,055 CD4⁺ T cells.
Zor-El K*, Tanaka Y*, Truong P*, et al. "Immune cell-enriched scRNA-seq unveils CD8⁺ T resident memory cells and meningeal lymphatic endothelium in Parkinson's disease." J. Neuroimmunology IF 2.9 · 2025. 11,587 cells.
Zor-El K*, Delgado J*, Moreau S, et al. "Deciphering Dysfunctional Regulatory T Cells in Vitiligo." Allergy IF 12.6 · 2025.
Alvarez J*, Zor-El K*, et al. "Long-term control of diabetes by a baricitinib-based regimen after allo-islet transplantation in rhesus monkeys." Xenotransplantation IF 3.9 · 2024.
Novak L*, Zor-El K*, et al. "Intra-tumoral heterogeneity and immune escape of melanoma from chronic UV photodamage by spatial gene expression." JEADV IF 9.2 · 2022.
Zor-El K*, et al. "mTOR inhibitor-based immunosuppression in allogeneic islet transplantation." Islets IF 2.2 · 2019.
Co-author (selected): eBioMedicine (2024), JEADV (2024), Current Diabetes Reports (2021). * equal contribution.