Member Spotlight: Shodai Suzuki, PhD

Name:

Title:

Postdoc

Year joined CDB:

2025

Describe your current research project.

My project aims to identify the molecular players and pathways underlying systemic inflammation organized by vascular endothelial cells. Systemic inflammatory disorders are characterized by life-threatening symptoms, such as cytokine storms seen in some COVID-19 infections and multi-organ dysfunction. These disorders are thought to be mainly caused by immune cells. By shedding light on vascular endothelial cells, our research can provide insights into novel mechanisms of systemic inflammatory disorders.

What motivated you to pursue a career in research?

When I was a graduate student, I was fascinated by investigating cell-cell communication and molecular function, which we cannot observe in daily life, thanks to various biochemical approaches. Research is challenging; however, nothing can replace the satisfaction I feel when I achieve interesting results and discuss them with colleagues and researchers in various fields. This led me to develop a strong interest in the academic field.

What is a skill you’ve developed during your training that you find invaluable?

One invaluable skill I developed during my PhD training is the ability to simultaneously conduct different experiments. This is extremely valuable to me, as research in medicine and biology often takes longer than expected.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your research?

When I am stuck, I usually go for a run outside. Our university is located near Michigan Lake Beach, which is really nice to see while running. Also, I like listening to and singing songs, and watching comedy shows.

If you could collaborate with any scientist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

I would like to collaborate with Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi, a researcher awarded the Nobel Prize in 2016. I am impressed by his work on autophagy, which had not been fully understood or appreciated until he began his research. His authorized book, which emphasizes the importance of basic science and expresses caution, also inspired me.