Ellen Hyeran Kang’s path to becoming a biophysicist began not in a laboratory, but at a piano bench. Growing up in Busan, a coastal city on the southern tip of South Korea, she dedicated herself to classical piano from age four through her freshman year of high school, dreaming of a career as a professional pianist. When that dream did not materialize, she discovered something unexpected: a deep passion for science.

“I got started in science a bit later in life than most scientists,” Kang explains. “Facing many challenges at music competi­tions, I eventually decided not to pursue a career in music. However, that diversion fortunately led me to find joy in science, especially math and physics.”

Today, as an Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Academics in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Kang leads a research group investigating the molecular mechanics of actin, a protein fun­damental to cell structure and movement.

Kang’s scientific education began at Seoul National University, where she earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees in physics. Her master’s thesis focused on high-temperature superconductor synthesis and characterization under the guidance of Yung Woo Park. This solid grounding in condensed matter physics would prove invaluable when she later shifted her focus to biological systems.

Her transition to biophysics came during her doctoral studies at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, in Jay Tang’s research group. Her dissertation explored the mechanics of actin-based biomimetic systems, artificial systems that mimic biological structures. During this period, she also spent a year as a visiting graduate student in Paul Janmey’s group at the University of Pennsylvania, studying the nonlinear elasticity of fibrin gels, proteins crucial for blood clotting.

Kang credits her early exposure to science to her father, a property appraiser who, despite choosing a non-science career after earning a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, remained passionate about mathematics and science. She recalls, “I have fond memories about the days when I spent hours solving challenging yet interesting math problems with his help and our family visits to observatories, taking a close-up view of the moon and stars in the night sky.” Her mother, an artist who taught in colleges, demonstrated the value of sharing one’s passion with students. Kang notes, “Both my parents are my inspirations. They always support me no matter what.”

Kang’s postdoctoral work at Yale University in Enrique De La Cruz’s lab proved transformative. There, she investigated how cation binding—the attachment of positively charged ions— modulates actin polymerization and filament bending me­chanics. She also studied the molecular mechanisms underly­ing cofilin-mediated filament severing, a process essential for cellular movement and shape changes.

“During this time, I was fortunate to expand my expertise in protein biophysics and have an opportunity to collabo­rate with many amazing scientists,” Kang says. “Further, my postdoctoral training allowed me to become an independent researcher.”

She acknowledges the profound influence of her mentors throughout this journey: “I am very grateful to my former advisors and mentors, Dr. Tang, Dr. Janmey, and Dr. De La Cruz, who opened my eyes to learn the beautiful aspects of biophysics research through their insightful guidance and mentoring.”

At UCF, Kang’s research group focuses on understanding how actin assembly and mechanics are modulated in complex in­tracellular environments and in response to external mechan­ical and chemical stimuli. Her lab integrates approaches from protein biophysics, cell biophysics, and nanoscience to tackle these questions. In her characteristically concise style, she describes her specialization as “actin molecular biomechanics and mechanobiology.”

Recently, her work has taken an intriguing new direction. She explains, “More recently, we are investigating how interac­tions with quantum materials affect the actin cytoskeleton and cell mechanics, in close collaboration with team members in the UCF Partnership for Research and Education in Materi­als Center supported by NSF [National Science Foundation], in partnership with UW [University of Washington]. We are very excited to be a part of the team!”

This expansion into quantum materials represents the kind of interdisciplinary thinking that Kang finds most compelling about her field. “My favorite thing about biophysics is its multi-disciplinary nature, providing opportunities for collab­orations with scientists from various other fields and disci­plines,” she says.

While Kang’s research accomplishments are fulfilling, she lights up most when discussing her students. “The most rewarding aspect of my work is helping my students succeed through mentoring,” she says. “It is incredible to see them grow as independent researchers and accomplish their goals in their careers, as well as life.”

Her pride in her students’ achievements is evident: “I am very proud to say that my current and former graduate and undergraduate students have won many awards, prestigious fellowships, and scholarships. I am so grateful to my stu­dents for bringing positive energy and building a collaborative environment.”

This commitment to education extends beyond her own lab. Kang envisions expanding her contributions to include broader educational initiatives. “I also hope to contribute to biophysics education and enhance awareness of biophysics through professional mentoring and curriculum development,” she notes, looking toward the future of the field itself with optimism. “In the future, I see biophysics playing even more important roles in identifying fundamental mechanisms of complex biological systems for human health and diseases.”

Kang has found valuable support and connection through the Biophysical Society. “Attending the Annual Meeting allows me to stay connected with other biophysicists in the field and to be informed about frontier biophysics research,” she explains. “BPS provides great career resources and networking oppor­tunities for everyone—in particular, for students and early-career scientists.”

She has been particularly active in promoting Biophysics Week, serving as a biophysics seminar coordinator and orga­nizing affiliate events at UCF. The “2025 UCF Biophysics Day” was featured in the BPS Bulletin this past May. She also serves on the Membership Committee, finding the role fulfilling. “Being a member of the Biophysical Society has helped me build a professional network that has created collaboration opportunities,” she notes.

Outside the lab, Kang maintains connections to her earlier passion and cultivates practices that keep her grounded. “In my spare time, I enjoy playing piano, practicing yoga and meditation, and spending time with my husband and teenage son,” she says. “They help me expand my perceptions and stay grounded in life.”

For young researchers just beginning their careers in bio­physics, Kang offers hard-won wisdom rooted in her own experience of starting later than most and navigating career transitions. “My advice to young researchers in biophysics is to keep their patience and perseverance when facing adversi­ty and/or doubting about themselves,” she says. “I encourage them to have confidence in their capability to pursue careers in biophysics.”

She emphasizes the importance of connection and commu­nication: “Networking and communications are key elements. So, please join BPS and be actively engaged in various com­munity activities!”

Kang’s career demonstrates that scientific paths need not be linear, that passions from one stage of life can enrich later pursuits, and that the most rewarding aspects of science often lie not just in discoveries made, but in the communities built and the students mentored along the way. From piano competitions in South Korea to pioneering research at the in­tersection of biophysics and quantum materials in Florida, her journey embodies the interdisciplinary spirit and collaborative ethos that define modern biophysics.