Hi, I'm Hanna Cho

I’ve always loved learning new things and figuring out how to solve problems. My background is in chemistry, and after years of working in experimental chemistry, I shifted my focus to a more fundamental level, exploring quantum chemistry and quantum information science at Virginia Tech. While I enjoyed delving into how things work on a deep level, I eventually realized that I wanted to apply my knowledge to solve real-world problems that directly impact people’s lives.

My experience in quantum science didn’t just teach me about mathematics and physics—it also taught me how to think critically about problems and test solutions thoroughly. I’m particularly interested in areas like machine learning and data analytics, and I’m eager to dive deeper into these fields. I also really enjoy working with others. In my research, I often collaborated with people from different fields, and I found that combining our diverse perspectives led to better solutions. I’m excited to continue that kind of teamwork in data science, and I can’t wait to contribute to projects that have a positive impact.

Connect with me on: GitHub Email LinkedIn
Profile photo

EDUCATION

Virginia Tech
Department of Chemistry
M.S.
Blacksburg, VA, United States
Aug. 2021 ~ May. 2024
Seoul Tech
Department of Fine Chemistry
B.S. / M.S.
Seoul, South Korea
Mar. 2013 ~ Aug. 2021

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Research Assistant, Chemistry, Virginia Tech
Advisor: Nicholas Mayhall
  • Integrated quantum information science with chemistry, focusing on the singlet fission process and potential qubit applications. Utilized Ab Initio computational techniques with custom Python and Julia scripts for comprehensive analysis. Processed large-scale datasets to identify critical active spaces and developed algorithms to optimize computational accuracy and efficiency. Bridged chemistry and data science by applying computational techniques to solve complex problems, enhancing data processing and visualization through efficient Python scripts.
  • Technical skills applied: Python (data processing, analysis, visualization), Julia, Bash, Overleaf, LaTeX, IBM Qiskit.
Research Assistant, Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Medical School
Advisor: Uhn-soo Cho
  • Surface modification of graphene oxide Cryo-EM grids
  • Protein preparation for structural study of histone complex
  • Technical skills applied: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), HPLC, autoclave, various chromatography methods including size exclusion, ion exchange, and affinity.
Research Assistant, Fine Chemistry, Seoul Tech
Supervisor: Prof. Cheal Kim
  • Development of a new molecular sensor for the detection of environmental contaminants in water
  • Technical skills applied: Fluorescence, UV-vis, FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and ESI-mass spectroscopy

Other Experiences

Graduate Teaching Assistant: Physical Chemistry Laboratory

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, Virginia | Aug 2021 - May 2023

Graduate Teaching Assistant: General Chemistry Laboratory

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, Virginia | Aug 2023 - May 2024

Research Assistant

Jeju Research Institute: Marine Policy

Jeju, South Korea | Mar 2020 - Jun 2020

PUBLICATIONS

THB publication Haeri So, Hanna Cho, Hangyul Lee, Minh Cong Tran, Prof. Ki-Tae Kim, Prof. Cheal Kim,
"Detection of zinc (II) and hypochlorite by a thiourea-based chemosensor via two emission channels and its application in vivo", Microchemical Journal, (2020)
TAA publication Hanna Cho, Ju Byeong Chae, Prof. Cheal Kim,
"Cinnamaldehyde‐Based Chemosensor for Colorimetric Detection of Cu2+ and Hg2+ in a Near‐Perfect Aqueous Solution", Chemistry Select, (2019)
TP publication Hanna Cho, Ju Byeong Chae, Prof. Cheal Kim,
"A thiophene-based blue-fluorescent emitting chemosensor for detecting indium (III) ion", Inorganic Chemistry Communications, (2018)