Insight

Conversations That Shape Science: Discovering the Power of Mentorship and Adaptability with Mi Hee Lim

chem.kaist.ac.kr

Dec 27, 2024, 15:54

Conversations That Shape Science: Discovering the Power of Mentorship and Adaptability with Mi Hee Lim

Maria Babak, Head of The Babak Lab and an Assistant Professor at the City University of Hong Kong, shared a post by The Babak Lab on LinkedIn, adding:

“Mi Hee Lim’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and finding balance in academia.

Her insights on adapting to challenges and fostering meaningful student relationships are truly inspiring.

Don’t miss her incredible story—read the full interview and share your thoughts!”

Quoting The Babak Lab’s post:

“Conversations That Shape Science: Discovering the Power of Mentorship and Adaptability with Mi Hee Lim.

Our interview series continues with Mi Hee Lim, whose inspiring academic journey exemplifies adaptability, perseverance, and the transformative power of mentorship.

From being nudged into chemistry by her family to discovering her true passion for research under remarkable mentors, Prof. Lim’s story offers valuable lessons for aspiring scholars.

Her time at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she transitioned from a reserved learner to a confident researcher, highlights the importance of cultural adaptability and building supportive academic relationships.

Prof. Lim also shares her thoughts on fostering work-life balance, empowering students, and redefining success in academia—qualities that make her an exceptional educator and researcher.

Read the full interview with Prof. Mi Hee Lim below!

What aspect of Prof. Lim’s journey resonates most with you?

Let us know in the comments!”

Mi Hee Lim, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at KAIST, where she also holds the position of KAIST Endowed Chair Professor. She is the Director of the Center for MetalloNeuroProteinoChemistry.

Previously, she was an Associate Professor at both KAIST and Ulsan Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), and an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan. Dr. Lim completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at MIT, following an M.Sc. in Molecular Life Science and a B.S. in Chemistry, both from Ewha Womans University. She also conducted postdoctoral research at Caltech under the mentorship of Professor Jacqueline K. Barton.

Dr. Maria (Masha) Babak is the Head of The Babak Lab and an Assistant Professor at the City University of Hong Kong. In November 2020, she joined the City University of Hong Kong as an assistant professor. Dr. Babak received the Graeme Hanson-AsBIC Early Career Award in 2022.

Her research interests are at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine, with a focus on the discovery and preclinical development of anticancer drugs for resistant and aggressive cancers with limited treatment options, such as malignant pleural mesothelioma and brain metastases. She received the Yvonne Award by OncoDaily in the “mentorship” category.