Our Team

Hokyung “Kay” Chung is a synthetic biologist/immunologist whose passion lies in designer immunity. After majoring in pharmacy at Seoul National University, she pursued protein engineering at Stanford University in the lab of Prof. Michael Lin as a PhD student. Her postdoctoral research in Prof. Susan Kaech lab at the Salk Institute centered around T cell differentiation. Kay is now combining her interdisciplinary background at UNC Chapel Hill. Her lab focuses on clinically applicable synthetic biology platforms that can fully unleash the therapeutic potential of our immune system. Outside the lab, she enjoys walking her dog, Oli, and exploring the best coffee roasters in Chapel Hill.

A Tar Heel born and bred, Matt did his bachelor’s in biology and chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill. While not managing the lab, his research studies the genetic and biochemical underpinnings of cancer and immunotherapies to combat them, and he has co-authored 18 peer-reviewed publications. He volunteers with various genetic and biological education and outreach initiatives in the U.S., and he also has extensive involvement with disease advocacy organizations around the world on the shared aspects and challenges of the patient-centered journey. In his spare time, Matt is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, with many hobbies including home improvement projects and gardening. He also has two small businesses—one woodworking and building pieces of furniture for home organization and storage; and the other in residential real estate (he is a licensed NC Real Estate broker!). He always finds time to spend with his Jack Russell dog, Cooper and his Maine Coon cat, Dory. 

Emma is a student at UNC, currently enrolled in the class of 2025. Her academic pursuits include a double major in Biology and Exercise and Sports Science, with a minor in Health and Society, all within the pre-med track. Her passion lies in exploring preventative measures to reduce sports-related injuries and delving into cancer research. Emma is enthusiastic about her involvement in the Chung lab, where she researches to enhance T cell functionality for more effective cancer therapies. Emma loves reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her miniature dachshund, Rosie!

Li is an international student at UNC. He is in the Class of 2026, majoring in Biology and Neuroscience with a minor of PPE. Li joined Chung’s lab aiming to discover synthetic approach to use T cells in body to fight against cancer. In his free time, Li enjoys working out, hiking and listen to musics.