First of all, I think this year’s experience in the Youth Bioacademy provided me with insight into some areas I need to focus on as one who aspires to major in a biology-related field. Including not only the online videos that provided me with a general context about four different branches of biology but also learning from the offline lectures focused on computational biology, visiting a cutting-edge biological industry (Celltrion) in the Songdo Biocluster, and doing an experiment had provided me a short yet fruitful experience. 

Especially, I liked the gel electrophoresis where different segments of cut DNA were separated due to their difference in mass, attracted by the positively charged end of the gel. It was interesting to observe that only the DNA of the genetically modified plant had been cut into two pieces while the original plant only showed one line. I was glad that our group’s result showed the most visible difference; I think it’s because we shook the solution after injecting the assigned materials, giving the DNA and restriction enzyme enough time to react, whereas others did not as far as I’d observed. The logic behind the phenomenon was not hard to understand as I already had an experience with a similar experiment in Summer at Brown University where I had to modify the E. coli gene so that colonies glow in the dark. It was a great reinforcement of my knowledge, and I was happy to see that I understood the process of genetic modification. 

Initially, I was drawn into the field of biology due to my scientific curiosity that started from my childhood. However, there are two more reasons. The first reason is that our family has a paternal history of diabetes. I was not aware of such a situation prior to my grandmother’s death due to septicemia induced by diabetes. After the sudden death, I was sad but also eager to learn about what caused my grandmother to pass away in order to find a way to possibly prevent a similar incident. During the research process, I grew a vision of majoring in biology, more specifically in learning how medicines work in our bodies, to mitigate the risks that diabetes patients hold.

Another reason is COVID-19, which has greatly influenced our lives since the end of 2019. Suddenly appearing and spreading at an astonishing speed in a state where there was no cure, vaccines were developed rapidly to combat COVID-19. Among them, new types of mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna emerged. I was both amazed and curious about how it was possible for things to change so rapidly in the face of COVID-19, with the swift development of mRNA vaccines, unfamiliar terms like spike protein, the emergence of various COVID-19 variants, and the advancement of vaccines to address those variants.

Before I listened to the offline lectures, I only had a glimpse of an idea about what computational biology is. However, I now have a deeper understanding; for example, I learned about tools that utilize deep-learning systems—such as AlphaFold—to determine protein structures. It made me realize how the development of AIs contributes to the field of biology, such as by being used when determining protein structures. Learning the intertwined nature of artificial intelligence and biology, I realized that I will have to get used to manipulating computer data in the future. 

And during the question time, there was a question about the ethical considerations related to the advancement of artificial intelligence. Though I didn't get a chance to hear the professor's response because the time ran out, I realized that I hadn't really thought deeply about this issue before. Now I think it's important to contemplate how we will understand and address the upcoming "technological singularity" to avoid the negative futures often depicted in science fiction.

I initially expressed a desire to major in biology with the intention of conducting research that would help save more lives and extend the human lifespan. While there are various avenues, I've recently developed a strong interest in molecular biology. After completing the Bioacademy, I've come to the conclusion that I want to study how to use computational biology to determine protein structures. As a junior, it's important to focus on college applications; however, I also want to undertake a small project to enhance my understanding of computational biology. I'm currently pondering what kind of project I could do, but I haven't come up with a solid idea.

Furthermore, once I enter college, I believe it's crucial not only to study biology but also to delve into dominant fields like chemistry and quantum mechanics at the level of DNA and proteins. Additionally, to understand and utilize artificial intelligence more effectively, I recognize the importance of excelling in computer science. By building a strong foundation in these areas, I aim to graduate from college with the ability to contribute to the advancement of artificial intelligence used in computational biology through meaningful projects.