curriculum vitae
Justin Daho Lee (이다호)
Molecular engineer developing protein-based optical tools to visualize and quantify spatiotemporal molecular dynamics in living biological systems.
Professional Profile
My research focuses on developing genetically encoded and chemigenetic technologies to visualize, quantify, and perturb dynamic molecular processes in living biological systems. I combine protein engineering, fluorescence imaging, and quantitative cellular phenotyping to create optical tools that reveal how molecular activities change across space and time in cells and tissues. By integrating sensor development with live-cell imaging and human disease-relevant model systems, my work aims to transform transient molecular signals into measurable, interpretable readouts of cellular state, function, and response.
Academic Appointments
Postdoctoral Fellow
Bioengineering · University of Washington · Seattle, WA, USA
Education
Ph.D., Molecular Engineering: Data Science
University of Washington · Seattle, WA, USA
Dissertation: Optogenetic Methods for Spatiotemporally Resolved Observation of H2O2 in Biological Systems
M.S., Applied Bioengineering
University of Washington · Seattle, WA, USA
B.S., Physiology
University of Washington · Seattle, WA, USA
Research Focus
Protein engineering and sequence-to-phenotype technologies
Engineer fluorescent proteins, biosensors, and chemigenetic probes by combining rational design, directed evolution, large-scale mutagenesis, and quantitative sequence-to-phenotype mapping. Computationally guided approaches are used selectively to prioritize designs, interpret sequence–function landscapes, and accelerate the development of optical tools with improved brightness, specificity, kinetics, spectral properties, and performance in living systems.
Optical methods for cellular imaging
Develop fluorescence-based imaging platforms to measure spatiotemporal molecular dynamics in single cells, tissues, and living biological systems. This theme integrates FLIM, multiplexed fluorescence imaging, chemigenetic labeling, and computational image analysis to convert optical signals into quantitative readouts of cellular signaling, metabolism, stress responses, and molecular state transitions.
In vitro systems for dynamic cellular phenotyping
Build human cell-based experimental systems to study how molecular dynamics shape cellular behavior, disease mechanisms, and drug responses. Using models such as human iPSC-derived cells, organotypic cultures, and perturbation-based assays, this work moves beyond static endpoint measurements toward dynamic, mechanism-rich phenotyping of living cells.
Publications
View full publication list on Google Scholar ↗Preprints
Peer-reviewed articles
- A Genetically Encoded Calcium Ion Biosensor with an Exceptionally Large Ratiometric Response
- Monitoring in real time and far-red imaging of H2O2 dynamics with subcellular resolution
- G protein Inactivation as a Mechanism for Addiction Treatment
- Microdosing Partial Agonists Inactivates Kappa Opioid Receptors—An Alternative Strategy for Human Trials
- Machine learning-guided engineering of genetically encoded fluorescent calcium indicators
- Enhancing immunogenic responses through CDK4/6 and HIF2α inhibition in Merkel cell carcinoma
- Optogenetic microwell Array screening system: A high-throughput engineering platform for genetically encoded fluorescent indicators
- Paracrine Wnt signaling is necessary for prostate epithelial proliferation
- Incorporation of sensing modalities into de novo designed fluorescence-activating proteins
- Micro-and nano-patterned conductive graphene–PEG hybrid scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering
- Evaluation of the periodontal regenerative properties of patterned human periodontal ligament stem cell sheets
- Combined effects of substrate topography and stiffness on endothelial cytokine and chemokine secretion
- Control of the interface between heterotypic cell populations reveals the mechanism of intercellular transfer of signaling proteins
- Modeling intercellular transfer of biomolecules through tunneling nanotubes
Proceedings & abstracts
- Engineering an Estradiol Sensor for Real-Time Detection of Hormones in the Brain
- Novel Approaches to Fluorescent Sensor Design: High-Throughput Screening, and Machine Learning
- Microdosing Partial Agonists Inactivates Kappa Opioid Receptors—An Alternative Strategy for Human Trials
- Application of Machine Learning to Direct Calcium Indicator Engineering
- Structure-guided Redesign of OxyR-based Optogenetic Reporters for Sensitive Monitoring of Intracellular H2O2 Real-time
Other scholarly works
* Equal contribution.
Resources
Honors & Funding
Scientific Achievement Award
Institute of Molecular Engineering and Science, University of Washington · Seattle, WA, USA
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31)
National Institute on Drug Abuse, USA
Predoctoral Fellowship
Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine · Seattle, WA, USA
2x Finalist · Hollomon Health Innovation Challenge
Seattle, WA, USA
Cognitive Heart: Cardiovascular risk-monitoring system harnessing supervised learning of heart-rhythm abnormality.
Jems Tech: Novel hands-free Activated Clotting Test (ACT) device utilizing capillary blood for interventional cardiology.
Yohan and Rumie Cho Scholarship
Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association, USA
Outstanding Paper Award
ASME Global Congress on Nano Engineering for Medicine and Biology · Boston, MA, USA
Outstanding Poster Presentation Award
KSEA Northwest Regional Conference · Seattle, WA, USA
Talks
Multi-color fluorescence sensor suite for contextual monitoring of H2O2
Society for Neuroscience Nanosymposium · San Diego, CA, USA
Structure-guided redesign of OxyR-based optogenetic reporters for sensitive real-time monitoring of intracellular H2O2
Optica Biophotonics Congress · Vancouver, BC, Canada
All-optical decoding of real-time Ca2+ / ROS dynamics enabled by a novel genetically encoded near-infrared ROS sensor and computational image-analysis framework
Keynote · ISCRM Symposium · Seattle, WA, USA
Academic Experience
Graduate Research Assistant · Andre Berndt Lab
Department of Bioengineering · University of Washington · Seattle, WA, USA
- Structure-guided protein design of genetically encoded sensors.
- Computational pipelines for high-throughput fluorescence-data analysis.
- High-throughput protein-engineering pipeline.
- Mentored undergraduate students and volunteers.
- Zebrafish neuropathological model and optogenetic methods.
Research Assistant · Deok-Ho Kim Lab
Department of Bioengineering · University of Washington · Seattle, WA, USA
Responsibilities: Paid part-time research scientist, Jan–Aug 2012; multiscale device-fabrication manager; mentor to undergraduate students and volunteers.
Selected research:
- Synergistic effects of culture surface topography and rigidity on human umbilical smooth-muscle cells.
- Thermoresponsive nanofabricated substrates for engineering three-dimensional tissues with layer-by-layer architectural control.
- Biomimetic nanotextured microelectrode arrays for drug-induced cardiotoxicity screening.
- Graphene-based multifunctional nanomaterials for cardiac tissue and stem-cell engineering.
- Combinatorial maturation of iPSC-derived skeletal-muscle cells using nanotopography and mechanical stretching.
Undergraduate Research Assistant · We-Chih Wang Lab
Department of Mechanical Engineering · University of Washington · Seattle, WA, USA
- Optimized and analyzed force distribution in a diamagnetic triangular levitating frictionless rotor.
Non-Academic Experience
Nuuk Bio · Co-Founder
Early-stage biotechnology venture · Seattle, WA, USA
-
Originated the core technology concept underlying the company’s formation and is leading its early scientific development.
- Providing scientific leadership for the initiative.
- Leading initial technology development and transfer from the Andre Berndt Lab of University of Washington.
- Secured non-dilutive funding to advance commercialization through NSF STTR Phase I and WRF Technology Commercialization Grant Phase I.
Curi Bio · Co-Founder
Seattle, WA, USA · Formerly known as NanoSurface Biomedical
NanoSurface Biomedical brought nanotopography to in vitro systems to better recapitulate cellular microenvironments and enable more physiological cell and tissue culture.
- Led technology transfer and successfully launched the first product line, ANFS.
- Led prototype development for a biomimetic 3D cell-culture system.
- Transitioned from a management role to a consulting role to focus on academic research.
- Led development of the Cytostretcher chamber.
Executive Secretary Intern · Office of the Presidential Spokesman, Republic of Korea
Presidential Visit to the USA, Summer 2011
- Handled media communication and monitoring.
- Assisted administrative secretary work.
- Provided oral and written interpretation services between Korean and English.
Patents
Engineered hormone receptors for monitoring hormones
Inventors: Andre Berndt, Justin Daho Lee, Aida Moghadasi, and Garret Stuber.
University of Washington · PCT/US2025/051141 · WO2026085264A2 · Filed Oct. 15, 2025 · Published Apr. 23, 2026 · Priority Oct. 15, 2024
Teaching & Mentoring
BENG 401 · Quantitative Systems Bioengineering
Instructor of record · Enrollment: 42
Research mentorship
Mentored 3 doctoral, 4 master’s, and 8 undergraduate researchers; trainees have earned institutional and national fellowships.
Leadership & Service
Outreach Committee Chair
Molecular Engineering and Science Graduate Student Association · University of Washington · Seattle, WA, USA
Instructor
Chehalis STEM Camp, Chehalis, WA, USA
Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA)
Seattle chapter, WA, USA
US–Korea Conference
Poster Section Coordinator · San Francisco, CA, USA
KSEA Northwest Regional Conference
Technical Committee · Seattle, WA, USA
Paws On Science
Seattle, WA, USA
Engineering Discovery Days
Seattle, WA, USA