Computational biologist moving from single-cell and 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.
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 NHP (cynomolgus, marmoset) EAE/MS multi-omic studies; oversaw regulatory documentation for an anti-CD25 humanized-antibody program.
Multi-Organ Single-cell Atlas of Immune Cells, HNU · Genomic Medicine Institute
Contributed the founding proposal; executed within the funded program (500+ donors across 6 organs): milestone tracking, multi-site QC, multi-PI coordination.
Education
Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences2014–2023
Hangang National University · Seoul, Republic of Korea
Enhanced LPS-Induced Monocyte Activation by Recombinant Human Soluble CD180.
B.S., Genetic Engineering2008–2012
Suwon Institute of Life Sciences · Suwon
Selected Publications
18 total17 peer-reviewed6 first / co-first1 under review
01Reyes M*, Smith M*, Alvarez T*, et al. "Conserved PDE9X short-isoform bias defines pathogenic Th1.17 state across human inflammatory diseases." Nature ImmunologyIF 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.
02Smith M*, 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 NeuroimmunologyIF 2.9 · 2025. 9,240 cells, 8 immune populations.
03Smith M*, Delgado J*, Moreau S, et al. "Deciphering Dysfunctional Regulatory T Cells in Vitiligo." AllergyIF 12.6 · 2025.
04Alvarez J*, Smith M*, et al. "Long-term control of diabetes by a baricitinib-based regimen after allo-islet transplantation in rhesus monkeys." XenotransplantationIF 3.9 · 2024.
05Novak L*, Smith M*, et al. "Intra-tumoral heterogeneity and immune escape of melanoma from chronic UV photodamage by spatial gene expression." JEADVIF 9.2 · 2022.