Interview with Professor Yoonkyung Lee, newly appointed to the Crop Science major
Professor Yoonkyung Lee, who joined the Crop Science major of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Resources this year, describes herself as “a researcher who develops new rice varieties that improve eating quality and can respond to climate change.” Using omics and population genetics as primary tools, her research aims to address the challenges of future agriculture with both practical relevance directly linked to the dining table and a broader vision that encompasses the agricultural ecosystem as a whole.
Returning to a familiar place as an educator
Professor Lee shared her thoughts on her appointment, saying, “It is a great honor and a profound responsibility to follow in the footsteps of Professor Hee-Jong Koh, who has taught me so much.” She added, “Returning to a familiar place where I once learned and grew as a student researcher, now as an educator, brings both a sense of unfamiliar excitement and a certain comfort.”
Crop Evolution & Breeding Lab – Connecting the past and the future
The research lab she leads is called the Crop Evolution & Breeding Lab. As the name suggests, its goal is to understand how crops have evolved in response to past environments and apply that knowledge to the breeding of varieties equipped for future challenges. The lab currently conducts research on omics-based analysis of traits influencing eating quality—such as taste, aroma, and starch properties, identification of genetic diversity and climate-adaptive traits using Korean landraces, and elucidation of genetic mechanisms that reduce the accumulation of pollutants within the agricultural ecosystem. In addition, the team is actively working on building an AI-based genomic design breeding platform.
“Past resources can solve the future”
Regarding what led her to pursue breeding research, Professor Lee recalled, “Since I was young, I often heard the phrase ‘Breeding is the flower of agriculture.’” A decisive turning point came during her postdoctoral fellowship at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the United Kingdom. She explained, “While conducting population-level analyses on crop evolution and regional adaptation, I came to realize that many academic fields ultimately converge in breeding. In particular, analyzing specimens collected more than a century ago made me understand that resources from the past can provide solutions to future agricultural challenges.”
She cited her experience at Kew Gardens as the most memorable moment in her research career. “When I encountered a rice specimen collected in Jeju 120 years ago, it was more than just curiosity—it made me realize the value and potential of our genetic resources. That experience became the driving force behind my desire to research our resources globally and share their value within the international academic community.”
Two messages for students
Professor Lee also offered advice to students majoring in Crop Science and those in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “First, I hope you reflect deeply on the identity of our college. We are an academic community that explores natural phenomena within human–environment interactions and seeks practical solutions. I encourage you to establish this identity clearly and take pride in it,” she said. She continued, “Second, develop the ability to utilize AI proactively. Be cautious of hallucinations and cultivate a critical mindset to verify all information yourself. This will be a key competency for future professionals.”
She also stressed the importance of careful consideration when it comes to graduate studies. “Entering graduate school is not simply choosing between employment and further study—it is a journey to find a topic you are willing to pursue deeply, even with your life. Broaden your perspective through diverse experiences, and discover your path through conversations with professors and senior students.”
“I want to retain the joy of research”
Regarding her future goals, she stated, “Rather than pursuing ambitious objectives, my greatest goal is to not lose the joy I currently feel in research.” She added, “If I can continue engaging in research that is genuinely enjoyable, there is nothing more I could ask for. I believe that academic and social contributions will naturally follow through that process.”
