Dr. Joon Park

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Dr. Joon Park is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Chicago, focusing on the intersection of immunology and microbiome research. His laboratory investigates the influence of commensal microbes on systemic immunity, particularly in relation to cancer immunity. Recent findings from his group indicate that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in modulating responses to cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Park's research aims to dissect how gut microbes communicate with the immune system and the tumor microenvironment, exploring pathways that affect T cell responses and mechanisms that contribute to chronic viral infections. With a strong foundation in fundamental immunology, his lab employs gnotobiotic mouse models and metabolomic approaches to examine how microbial metabolites affect anti-tumor immunity, with the long-term goal of engineering bacteria to produce therapeutic molecules that enhance immune responses against tumors. He is committed to informing the development of innovative microbial-based therapies that improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoctoral Associate - Immunology

— Present

Rockefeller University • New York, NY

Instructor - Immunology Microbiome

— Present

Harvard Medical School • Boston, MA

Requirements for University of Chicago

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:104
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Writing sample Candidate statement
Application Checklist
  • Candidate Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • Writing Sample
  • Application Fee
Specialization Notes

Department of Philosophy