From South Korea to Scientific Discovery at Weizmann: Hanna Oh’s Journey
When Hanna Oh left her hometown in South Korea to pursue a PhD at the Weizmann Institute of Science, she was driven by a fascination with the relationship between the immune system and the trillions of microbes that live in our bodies.
Hanna’s path to Israel began at Handong University, where she completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees. A single biology class, she recalls, “opened my eyes to the wonders of living systems” and sparked her desire to help people through science. During her master’s, she studied probiotics for inflammatory bowel disease, but her curiosity pushed her toward more fundamental questions about the gut’s immune system. Discovering that Dr. Ranit Kedmi of the Weizmann Institute’s Systems Immunology Department was working in precisely this field sealed her decision to move halfway across the world.
Adapting, Learning, and Growing
Life in Israel brought Hanna both challenges and personal growth. Coming from a culture shaped by hierarchy and formal manners, she found Israel’s direct and open communication style refreshing. “It helped me speak more casually and connect more openly with people,” she says.
She also came to appreciate the bold, problem-solving mindset she encountered at Weizmann. “Instead of thinking ‘this won’t work,’ people here say, ‘Why not try again?’ That boldness is essential for science.”
Outside the lab, Hanna enjoys cooking Korean dishes that remind her of home while experimenting with Mediterranean flavors and new cuisines.
Looking Ahead
Today, Hanna continues her PhD research with a renewed appreciation for scientific discovery and everyday life in the lab. Her goal is simple: to continue asking meaningful scientific questions and contribute to research that can improve human health.
From scientific curiosity to personal growth, Hanna Oh’s story reflects the openness, resilience and collaborative spirit that shape life at the Weizmann Institute of Science.
