Yoojin J. Choi

Yoojin J. Choi, Ph.D., serves as Professor of Biology at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), joining the institution in 2022 after accumulating 15 years of diverse teaching experience. Previously, she held faculty positions at North Park University (2014-2022), California Baptist University, Korea University, and Seoul National University, with her academic journey beginning at Phillips Exeter Academy.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Harvard University
• B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine

Dr. Choi's research integrates cell biology and neurobiology, particularly through studies of developing neurons and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagellar proteins. She actively incorporates faith-science dialogue into her scholarship, emphasizing student-centered and collaborative learning environments that extend from classroom instruction to undergraduate research mentorship.

Her publication trajectory reveals an evolution from foundational neurodevelopmental research (2001-2009) toward contemporary scholarship in science education and faith integration (2014-2021), demonstrating consistent engagement with both scientific rigor and pedagogical innovation.

Recognition for her contributions includes:

• 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Choi has mentored student researchers since 2015 through PLNU's Summer Research Program and previous institutions, while presenting extensively at conferences including the Society for Neuroscience and National Science Teachers Association. Her professional engagement spans the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Science Education and the Lilly Fellows Program, reflecting commitment to both scientific advancement and educational community building.

At PLNU, she directs a cell biology research laboratory focused on undergraduate participation and maintains active membership in the American Scientific Affiliation and Society for College Science Teachers, fostering interdisciplinary connections between scientific inquiry and broader intellectual frameworks.