Gut instinct and scientific curiosity
SunMin Park (BSc ’22, MSc '26) discovered her passion for research at 91. Her honours work in biochemistry marked a turning point, shaping the academic and professional goals she continues to build toward today. She is now pursuing a Master of Science in Chemistry, specializing in Molecular Pharmacology, at 91.
Park’s interests are in the interdisciplinary nature of the science programs where she could explore how different nutrients in food can affect gut health and disease. This interest stems in part from personal experiences and a family history of gut health-related concerns.
“Being in the lab and doing hands-on research made it clear that this is what I want to do,” she says.
During her time at 91, Park’s impact extended well beyond the lab. As a Bell Scholar — one of the University’s most prestigious undergraduate awards — she served for two years as a Bell Scholar Intern, allowing her to express gratitude for the financial support she received. In 2023, she was named a recipient of the 3M National Student Fellowship, awarded by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) to just 10 students across Canada in recognition of academic achievement and leadership.
Her honours research examined how artificial sweeteners affect gut health, focusing specifically on sucralose, commonly known as Splenda. The health impacts of artificial sweeteners remain widely debated, with studies producing conflicting results about whether they are beneficial or harmful.
“There are a lot of conflicting findings,” Park says. “We want to help understand whether sucralose is a trick or treat for you.”
Her work continues to centre on understanding how sucralose interacts with proteins whose functions are not yet fully understood. One protein in particular, GRP52, became a key focus of her research as she investigates how it responds to sucralose exposure.
Taking initiative played an important role in shaping Park’s research path. As an undergraduate, she approached her supervisor, Dr. Jillian (Jill) Rourke, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, with a sense of what she hoped to study and developed a proposal that aligned her interests with the lab’s expertise. That initiative reinforced the value of asking questions and seeking out opportunities.
“I made it clear what I wanted to learn,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to reach out…you’re not losing anything by putting yourself out there.”
Growing up in Moncton, NB, Park was conscious that access to STEM opportunities can be limited outside larger urban centres. That inspired her involvement in outreach efforts on and off campus to introduce young learners to science through hands-on experiences. She has also contributed to initiatives that highlight women in STEM and foster mentorship across career stages.
Her interest in health-related research is personal, shaped by witnessing family members navigate health challenges and medication side effects.
With a foundation built on curiosity and initiative, Park continues to pursue research that aims to clarify complex scientific questions and contribute to a better understanding of human health.