Two Engineering Postdocs Appointed Chancellor’s Fellows

May 23, 2024 - Postdoctoral scholars Miguel Alcantar of biomedical engineering and Soyeong Kwon of mechanical and aerospace engineering were selected as UC Irvine Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellows. These scholars were chosen based on their public service efforts and demonstrated research accomplishments focusing on increasing equitable access for women and minorities. Top applicants exhibited a critical research perspective that illustrates understanding of historically underrepresented communities.

Alcantar came to UCI after earning a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from UC San Diego and a doctorate in biological engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was the first in his family to pursue higher education, and he says the mentorship he received during his undergraduate work at UCSD motivated him to apply for graduate school and strive for a career in science.

“I hope to leverage my time as a Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow to prepare to become a faculty member who can mentor and empower students to pursue their own goals in the same way as was done for me,” said Alcantar. “I can’t think of a more rewarding career.”

Alcantar works with Chang Liu, a professor of biomedical engineering, on creating living cells that can accelerate the speed of evolution, reinterpret genetic code and record transient information as heritable genetic mutations. Their research plays a critical role in therapeutics and laboratory techniques. The large datasets they develop could inform the design of antibodies for new targets, and their research approach streamlines experimental development and eliminates the need for animal immunization, the most widely used method for producing antibodies.

“Miguel is the full package; he is a highly creative and ambitious scientist, thinks rigorously and possesses a strong work ethic,” said Liu. “I am privileged to help guide him on his way to becoming a young leader in the field.”

Kwon received bachelor's, master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from Ewha Womans University, a women’s research university in South Korea, where she worked in a diverse and supportive environment that solidified her interest in pursuing a scientific career. Her research proposal aims to promote transformative and equitable advances in strained quantum materials.

“This opportunity is a chance to not only enhance my abilities in science communication, but expand my contributions in mentorship to the scientific community,” said Kwon. “I hope to be a mentor to other women and underrepresented people in quantum science.”

At UCI, Kwon works with SungWoo Nam, a mechanical and aerospace engineering professor, researching atomically thin materials that could eliminate threats such as buckling and collapsing associated with traditional materials. She is currently leading research efforts on strain-engineered quantum emission in atom-thin semiconductors.

“Soyeong has been instrumental in establishing cryogenic and nanoscale spectroscopic techniques in my laboratory, and she has been active in mentoring several female Ph.D. engineering students,” said Nam. “With this fellowship recognition, I look forward to her continued success in her research leadership and mentorship toward an independent academic career at the University of California.”

The Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is supported by several campus units including the Office of the Provost, Graduate Division and Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. This year’s fellows will receive financial support for research conducted at UCI during the 2024-25 academic year, as well as a faculty hiring incentive including five years of partial salary support for positions within the University of California.

– Lilith Christopher