By Dave DeFusco

Chan Jae Shin’s journey into the intricate world of biosensors and nanoengineering is a story of determination, curiosity and resilience. From his early fascination with tales of Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison to his research in two-dimensional materials and biomedical applications, Shin, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill, embodies the underdog spirit he admired as a child.

Shin was born in South Korea, the son of a high school English teacher who moved his family to North Carolina to advance his studies. They stayed for only a year and a half with cousins and an uncle who had already put down stakes in the state, during which Shin completed second and third grade. Despite the brief stay, those formative years in North Carolina had a profound effect on Shin.

At the age of 5, Shin’s love for science was piqued by tales of Einstein’s groundbreaking theories and Edison’s inventive spirit. Stories of Edison, as a boy, sitting patiently on goose eggs to hatch them or saving a boy from train tracks that introduced him to electrical telegraphy resonated deeply with Shin.

“I liked the idea that Edison, a very normal kid, became a huge success,” said Shin. “I like the idea of the underdog.”

This fascination blossomed into a robust academic career. Shin earned his B.S. in optics and mechatronics engineering from Pusan National University and an M.S. in Nano Science and Technology from Sungkyunkwan University. His master’s work focused on two-dimensional materials like graphene, specifically their applications in the biomedical field, particularly biosensors.

His academic journey is marked by a series of accomplishments that underscore his dedication to innovation. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including articles in Chemical Engineering Journal, Advanced Materials and ACS Nano. Among his most notable works are studies on graphene field-effect transistors for real-time monitoring of harmful algal blooms and biosensors for pain evaluation. He won the Royal Society of Chemistry Poster Prize in 2023 and the 2022 Korean Vacuum Society Poster Prize, accolades that reflect his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas with clarity and impact.

In August, Shin returned to North Carolina to study under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Wubin Bai. Together, they are working on creating sophisticated drug-delivery patches that are not only compact and wearable but also incredibly smart.

These patches are equipped with tiny sensors designed to detect specific signals—be it early warnings from harmful environmental conditions or subtle changes in the body’s metabolic markers. Once they pick up on these cues, the patches can automatically dispense the right dose of medication, ensuring timely intervention.

At the heart of Shin’s innovation is a “closed-loop system,” meaning the patches don’t just passively administer medicine; they are programmed to respond to real-time data from the body or surroundings. Imagine a patch that detects a sudden spike in blood sugar and instantly delivers the precise amount of insulin needed—without the user lifting a finger.

“This kind of automated, tailored drug delivery is a game-changer, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions requiring consistent medication,” said Shin.

These patches are digitally programmable, meaning doctors or patients can set specific schedules and dosages that the patches will follow over days or even weeks. This ensures greater accuracy and removes the burden of remembering to take pills or injections. For patients, this means better adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes.

In short, Shin is not just developing a device; he’s pioneering a smarter, more efficient approach to healthcare, blending technology and medicine in a way that could redefine how we treat diseases and manage health in the future.

“I love science because it allows us to create solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shin. “The research Dr. Bai and I are conducting is about more than technology—it’s about empowering people to live healthier lives and an expression of how we collectively care for one another.”

December 18, 2024