Heejoon Shin

B.A., University of Pennsylvania, 2025

Heejoon was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, but was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended the University of Pennsylvania for his undergraduate studies, where he received a B.A. in chemistry. During his freshman summer, Heejoon worked under Dr. Ivan J. Dmochowski to help synthesize Xenon-129 binding metal-organic cages (Fe and Co) used for biological applications (contrast agents). However, wanting to pursue a project that focused more on microbiology, virology, and immunology, Heejoon decided to work with Dr. Laurence C. Eisenlohr, where he helped understand how A35R, an immunomodulatory protein conserved in most orthopoxviruses, affects MHC class I and II antigen presentation. In the summer of 2025, Heejoon joined the MacMillan lab at Princeton University. Outside of the lab, Heejoon loves eating a lot of instant ramen, going to the gym, and socializing.

Fun Facts

• Heejoon used to only love Korean cuisine. However, as he lived with an Italian friend during the summer of 2025, he realized that Italian and Mexican cuisines are also very delicious. His palate has expanded.
• Heejoon loves a freshly cut lawn. However, that does not mean he will mow the lawn when the temperature is greater than 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heejoon dreams of one day becoming a guest on "Running Man," a popular Korean variety TV show that he has watched since it first aired.