Son Goku, Ph.D.
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 Researcher
Nakdong University Wonju College of Medicine · Physiology / Cellular Systems Research Center
2025–2026
Developed deep-learning multimodal-integration models fusing imaging, transcriptomic, and clinical data into single predictive models.
Associate Director
Meridian Immune Therapeutics Inc. · Basic Research, Seoul
2023–2025
Built in-house single-cell and spatial transcriptomics analysis code from scratch; led cross-functional NHP (cynomolgus, marmoset) EAE/multiple-sclerosis multi-omic studies; oversaw regulatory documentation for an anti-CD25 humanized-antibody program.
Researcher
Xenotransplantation Research Center, HNU · Seoul
2019–2021
Rhesus macaque tissue processing, longitudinal immune monitoring, CNS (brain/spinal cord) tissue handling.
Research Student
MOSAIC, Multi-Organ Single-cell Atlas of Immune Cells, HNU · Genomic Medicine Institute
2020–2023
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 Sciences
Hangang National University · Seoul, Republic of Korea
2014–2023
Thesis: Mapping Dendritic Cell Heterogeneity Across Chronic Inflammatory Contexts. Advisor: Min-Ho Suh, M.D., Ph.D.
M.S., Biomedical Sciences
Hangang National University · Seoul
2012–2014
Thesis: Enhanced LPS-Induced Monocyte Activation by Recombinant Human Soluble CD180.
B.S., Genetic Engineering
Suwon Institute of Life Sciences · Suwon
2008–2012

Selected Publications

Goku S* in Reyes M*, Goku S*, 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 (Python); scRNA + scTCR + snATAC integration; ML classifier AUC 0.812; 702 samples, 251,055 memory CD4⁺ T cells.
Goku S*, Tanaka Y*, Truong P*, et al. "Immune cell-enriched scRNA-seq unveils infiltrated CD8⁺ T resident memory cells and meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells in Parkinson's disease." Journal of Neuroimmunology IF 2.9 · 2025. 9,240 cells, 8 immune populations.
Goku S*, Delgado J*, Moreau S, et al. "Deciphering Dysfunctional Regulatory T Cells in Vitiligo." Allergy IF 12.6 · 2025.
Alvarez J*, Goku S*, et al. "Long-term control of diabetes by baricitinib-based regimen after allo-islet transplantation in diabetic rhesus monkeys." Xenotransplantation IF 3.9 · 2024.
Novak L*, Goku S*, et al. "Intra-tumoral heterogeneity and immune escape of melanoma arising from chronic UV photodamage by spatial gene expression profiling." JEADV IF 9.2 · 2022.
Goku S*, 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).