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. Objective: connect molecular cell identity to circuit structure and function by integrating connectomics with transcriptomics, growing into connectome-constrained circuit models.
Experience
Postdoctoral Researcher2025–2026
Nakdong University 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 and spatial transcriptomics analysis 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
Multi-Organ Single-cell Atlas of Immune Cells, HNU · Genomic Medicine Institute
Contributed the founding proposal; executed within the funded program (500+ donors × 6 organs): milestone tracking, multi-site QC, multi-PI coordination.
Education
Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences2014–2023
Hangang National University · Seoul
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
Selected Publications
01Reyes M*, Morgan D*, 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). UMI-aware BAM-level isoform analysis; scRNA + scTCR + snATAC integration; ML classifier AUC 0.812; 702 samples, 251,055 CD4⁺ T cells.
02Morgan D*, Tanaka Y*, Truong P*, et al. "Immune cell-enriched scRNA-seq unveils infiltrated CD8⁺ T resident memory cells and meningeal lymphatic endothelium in Parkinson's disease." Journal of Neuroimmunology IF 2.9 · 2025. 9,240 cells, 8 immune populations.
03Morgan D*, Delgado J*, Moreau S, et al. "Deciphering Dysfunctional Regulatory T Cells in Vitiligo." Allergy IF 12.6 · 2025.
04Alvarez J*, Morgan D*, et al. "Long-term control of diabetes by a baricitinib-based regimen after allo-islet transplantation in rhesus monkeys." Xenotransplantation IF 3.9 · 2024.
05Novak L*, Morgan D*, et al. "Intra-tumoral heterogeneity and immune escape of melanoma from chronic UV photodamage by spatial gene expression." JEADV IF 9.2 · 2022.
06Morgan D*, et al. "mTOR inhibitor-based immunosuppression in allogeneic islet transplantation." Islets IF 2.2 · 2019.
Co-author (selected): eBioMedicine (IF 11.1, 2024) · JEADV (IF 9.2, 2024) · Current Diabetes Reports (IF 4.2, 2021).
Awards, Patents & Scholarships
Patents: Antagonistic Anti-CD25 Humanized Antibody (2024) · Immunosuppression Composition with PI3K Inhibitor (2019).
Awards: Grand Prize, AI Builders Hackathon, Project Nova (2024) · Grand Prize, Metro Innovation Workathon (2023) · Best Poster, American Transplant Congress, Chicago and Best Presentation, Korean Association of Immunologists (2017).
Scholarships: NRF Ph.D. Research Scholarship · HNU Dean's Lecture & Research Support · BK21 Plus (2014–2020).
Awards: Grand Prize, AI Builders Hackathon, Project Nova (2024) · Grand Prize, Metro Innovation Workathon (2023) · Best Poster, American Transplant Congress, Chicago and Best Presentation, Korean Association of Immunologists (2017).
Scholarships: NRF Ph.D. Research Scholarship · HNU Dean's Lecture & Research Support · BK21 Plus (2014–2020).