Introducing Dr. Yae In Cho
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Yae In Cho
EDUCATION: Postdoctoral training in biochemistry at Haverford College; Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry at UT Austin; B. Sc. in chemistry at Pusan National University, South Korea.
BEGAN TEACHING AT PC: Fall 2025
EXPERTISE: Interface of biochemistry and synthetic chemistry (chemical biology / bioinorganic chemistry), focusing on designing and synthesizing molecules to probe biological processes and address real-world challenges, from developing therapeutics to environmental remediation. Passionate about interdisciplinary approaches that connect science and other fields (such as art!).
NEWSWORTHY: One of my final two postdoctoral projects was published last month in ACS Omega (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c02708), where I served as co-corresponding author alongside amazing undergraduate researchers I mentored. We also welcomed the founding members of the CHO Lab and launched our official Instagram account (@cholab_atg)!
CURRENT PROJECTS: In the CHO Lab (for Curiosity, Hypothesis, and Opportunity), we explore how small molecules and metal complexes interact with biological systems to address environmental and therapeutic challenges. One project focuses on siderophores, natural products that efficiently capture metal ions; we study how groups of proteins and enzymes orchestrate their biosynthesis to expand the library of novel siderophores for environmentally friendly applications. Another project focuses on G-quadruplex (G4) binders—we design and synthesize metal complexes that selectively stabilize G4 structures, with the goal of developing anticancer agents with improved specificity.
QUOTABLE: As a scientist who grew up Catholic and studied both biomimetic and biosynthetic approaches, I’ve developed a deep fascination and appreciation for the intricate designs found in nature. Science is present in every aspect of life, and as an educator, I hope to share this sense of wonder with my students, encouraging them to reflect on the broader implications of their learning in everyday life.
ORIGINALLY FROM: Busan, South Korea.
HOBBIES: I enjoy wandering through art museums, propagating various indoor plants, collecting niche perfumes, and capturing beautiful moments of clouds, sunsets, and the moon. I also love exploring new food spots.
