Yongsoo Kim

Yongsoo Kim, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at Penn State College of Medicine, where he also directs the Neuroscience Graduate Program. His research focuses on understanding brain architecture through advanced 3D mapping techniques. Dr. Kim holds a PhD from Northwestern University and completed postdoctoral training at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Research Focus

The Kim Lab investigates:

• Cellular organization in neurodevelopmental disorders (autism) and neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer's)
• Oxytocin system functions in social behavior regulation
• Development of neuroinformatics tools including digital brain atlases (DevCCF)

Using murine models, the lab integrates high-resolution mapping with computational approaches to study brain-wide cellular changes across lifespan.

Publication Trends

Recent works (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on:

• Brain asymmetry and neuroanatomical mapping techniques
• Oxytocin transport mechanisms
• Aging-related cerebrovascular changes
• Computational integration of multi-scale brain data

Honors

• Biobehavioral Research Award (NICHD, 2018)
• NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2013)
• Junior Faculty Research Scholar Award (2017)

Research Leadership

Dr. Kim currently leads multiple NIH-funded projects including studies on:

• Oxytocinergic system development (NICHD R01)
• Cell-type vulnerability in Alzheimer's disease (NIA R01)
• Cerebrovascular mechanisms in cognitive impairment (NINDS R01)

He directs the Neuroscience Graduate Program and supervises interdisciplinary collaborations across Penn State institutes.