IC3i Alumni Interview #13: Daniel Ming-Kang Lee

Daniel, can you briefly tell us about your PhD project at Institut Curie?

My PhD project aimed to disentangle how epigenetic regulators, specifically Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 and one of their antagonistic complexes BAP1 (a histone deubiquitinase), regulate the chromatin environment and transcription. I implemented tools such as genomic engineering, next-generation sequencing, and multi-omic analyses. I unraveled that BAP1 is recruited to genomic regions termed enhancers to regulate the transcriptional output of their cognate gene targets.

What did your journey look like before relocating to Paris?

I completed my undergraduate studies in the Department of Animal Science and Technology in Taipei, Taiwan. I continued my master's studies in the same department, where my interests gradually grew in stem cell biology, developmental biology, and epigenetics. Consequently, I decided to immerse myself in these fields and began looking for a PhD programme in Europe.

Why a PhD?

I am always fascinated by the beauty of biology, which appears so diverse and chaotic, yet we can always find the underlying orders and rules to explain it. This constant curiosity about science drives me to take pleasure in learning new knowledge and dedicating myself to contributing a little knowledge to society every day

Is there something particular about the IC3i program that attracted you the most?

I believe that diversity is the key to drive success in modern science. I truly appreciated the inclusion in the IC3i programme which welcomed talents worldwide. In addition, the well-defined career development programme and the soft-skills trainings have better prepared us not only to be better PhD students, but also to become better scientists and innovators of tackling challenges in modern science.

According to you, what are the 3 key areas that are indispensable in successfully riding the turbulent waves of a PhD?

Resilience, confidence and friendship.

And why would you say so…?

There were many moments during my PhD that experiments failed over and over again, and it is important to acknowledge that sometimes things just aren’t going to work. I think it is important to always keep that fire inside you and just keep pushing to find the solution. There are also moments you start doubting yourself and wondering if you are cut out for a PhD. So just keep yourself confident and knowing that there are many other people who are also suffering from the same problems as yours. The friendships I shared with my IC3i fellows were the reason we all got through it, because we were always there to support each other.

You took part in the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in June 2023. Can you tell us briefly what is the meeting about and how was the experience?

The meeting invited the Nobel laureates and young talents from all over the world to engage in discussions covering many scientific topics: the future of AI, diversity, inclusion and how to become better scientists, among others.

We were all very inspired by the talks, plenary discussions and networking. I can only highly recommend it.

I learned about this meeting thanks to the Advanced Training Office. As an IC3i Co-Found Marie Curie fellow, I first expressed my interest and motivation to join the meeting to the European Commission. After reviewing my application, I was nominated by the European Commission.  Subsequently, I needed to submit my official application to the selection committee from Lindau.  The application was very similar to a grant application. I described my research experience, scientific work, motivation, expectation from the meeting, and other relevant information.*

* Read the article about Daniel’s experience of the Lindau Nobel Meeting.

Was it hard for you to integrate outside academia? How was it like?

It was not too bad for me since we, the IC3i fellows, did many activities, sharing many cherished moments together. You could probably be overwhelmed by Paris a little bit in the beginning if you do not speak French. But actually, the city has a lot to offer and you can really enjoy your time there.

Outside the lab, how was your life in Paris?

Paris is a very lively city. There are always tons of activities to do, such as museums, exhibitions, cinemas, sports.  It is also lovely to simply have a coffee or some wine while having a small stroll alongside the Seine.

So, you got your degree now… how does the journey ahead looks like?

I started as a Postdoc in Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in 2022. Now, I am deciphering how chromatin regulators play instructive roles in mouse early embryonic development.

Looking back, do you think you would’ve done something differently which would’ve changed where you’re standing today?

I think my PhD journey in Curie was wonderful. I really appreciated that Curie has fostered the environment to not only train my scientific skills, but also improved my transferable skills. If one thing I would have done differently, I would have probably engaged myself more in scientific fields to gain multidisciplinary knowledge.

Any advice for the readers who are wishing to embark on a similar journey as yours?

There is never an easy road in academia. But I would advise you to always be enthusiastic about your work, always engage yourself in networking both within and outside science. It is also good to have a hobby outside the lab.

Interview conducted by Ayan Mallick, August 2024.