Education is the passport to the future: Jae Yang

As a PhD student studying cryo-electron tomography, Jae was deeply engaged in science but hesitant to share their work. Attending the 2017 Microscopy & Microanalysis conference through MSA proved transformative, helping Jae build confidence, present research, and find a professional community that felt welcoming and supportive. Through MSA, Jae became actively involved in the Student Council, contributing to initiatives like the Student Spotlight newsletter and student-focused programming that continue to shape the society today.

An early scholarship and subsequent MSA awards provided both financial support and professional validation at key moments, helping Jae secure a postdoctoral position and expand their network of mentors and collaborators. Today, Jae leads an independent research lab at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and remains committed to MSA, encouraging students and colleagues to engage with the same community that helped launch their career.