Soo-Kyung Lee

Soo-Kyung Lee is the Empire Innovation Professor and Om P. Bahl Endowed Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She directs the FOXG1 Research Center, focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders and neuronal-glial cell development. Dr. Lee earned her PhD from Chonnam National University, Korea. Her research pioneered molecular mechanisms governing neuronal fate specification and has advanced understanding of FOXG1 syndrome through translational studies.

Research interests include gene regulatory networks controlling neural diversity, epigenetic mechanisms in neurodevelopment, and translational approaches for neurodevelopmental disorders. Key findings include discoveries on spinal motor neuron diversification, oligodendrocyte-astrocyte fate decisions, and FOXG1’s role in cortical development. Her work integrates biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches in mouse/chick models.

• Revealed critical roles for histone modifiers (Kdm6b, Mll4, PRC2) in neuronal subtype specification
• Discovered FOXG1’s central role in cortico-cortical connectivity and neocortical organization
• Identified miR-218 as a key motor neuron fate determinant downstream of Isl1-Lhx3

Scientific achievements include prestigious awards and leadership in global FOXG1 research initiatives. Active in training next-generation scientists through lab recruitment of postdocs, graduate/undergraduate students. Collaborates internationally on gene therapy strategies for FOXG1 syndrome.

Labs and initiatives include the Lee Lab at UB and the interdisciplinary FOXG1 Research Center. Current efforts focus on developing therapeutic interventions targeting neurodevelopmental defects.