Ling Sheng Loh
Career Development Subcommittee
California Institute of Technology

What is your research interest? What organism do you work with, and what do you want to do in the future?

Inspired by the diversity in nature, I am interested in how diverse cell types arise using genomic and genetic approaches. How do genetic networks and regulatory pathways drive the differentiation and diversification of cell types during development, and what genetic mechanisms underlie the adaptability of these cell types to various physiological and ecological contexts? I study insects to answer these questions. Insects have a wide range of specialized sensory structures, such as antennae, compound eyes, and mechanosensory bristles, which are composed of distinct cell types that develop through tightly regulated processes of differentiation and patterning. These organs also show remarkable evolutionary plasticity, allowing them to adapt to different ecological niches and environmental pressures. My doctoral work with butterflies focused on a class of sensory organ derivatives that lost neuronal innervation and instead underwent a whole suite of diversification in their extracellular secretion. By showing that sensory organs need not always serve a purely sensory role, my work emphasized how developmental pathways can be reused or repurposed to generate new functions, providing perspective on sensory organ evolution.

I am currently working on another group of insects, beetles, to understand the mechanisms behind their sensory modulation. In particular, I focus on how sensory systems can be modulated and specialized in response to shifts in beetles’ new communication requirements, specifically as they transition from free-living to obligate symbiotic relationships. By exploring how sensory systems undergo modulation and specialization in response to ecological shifts, my long-term goal remains to probe the developmental basis of diverse cell types and explore how these cells adapt to changing physiological and ecological roles over time.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

I am most interested in a career that lets me dive deep into research while working with others who are equally passionate about discovery. I enjoy both working independently to solve tough problems and collaborating with a team to exchange ideas and push boundaries. For me, research is exciting because it is never static—there is always a new question to ask, a new method to try, or an unexpected finding to chase down.

The freedom to explore diverse topics is especially important to me. I am drawn to fields where I can combine creative thinking with technical skills to generate insights that push science forward. In particular, I am fascinated by how advances in technology have revolutionized the way research questions can be formulated and tackled. The increasing resolution and completeness with which we can approach biological systems—whether through high-throughput transcriptomics, advanced imaging, or computational modeling—have fundamentally transformed the scope of what we can understand. This constant innovation keeps the field dynamic and inspires me to imagine new possibilities for discovery.

Collaboration is also a huge part of why I love research. Some of my best ideas have come from conversations with colleagues or students, and I find mentoring others incredibly rewarding. Seeing someone I’ve worked with grow and succeed is one of the most satisfying parts of being in science.

In the end, I want a career that keeps me curious, allows for meaningful collaborations, and provides the flexibility to ask bold questions. With the continual evolution of technologies enabling us to delve deeper into unanswered questions, this is where I see myself thriving.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

Mentorship is particularly important to me. Science thrives on fresh perspectives, and I see training students and early-career researchers as a vital part of advancing the field. By creating an environment where they feel supported to ask bold questions and pursue creative solutions, I hope to inspire curiosity and confidence in future scientists.

Another area I am especially passionate about is improving diversity in science, with one issue being silos within the scientific community. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for addressing complex problems, and I want to create opportunities for researchers across fields to exchange ideas and tackle questions together. Whether through organizing workshops, initiating collaborative projects, or building stronger networks, I aim to enhance the collective capacity of science to innovate.

Another issue involves challenges tied to global mobility. Research depends on the exchange of ideas across borders, yet systemic barriers make relocation difficult for many scientists, particularly those from underrepresented regions or backgrounds. Financial burdens, visa issues, and lack of relocation support can exclude talented researchers from international opportunities. In particular, I want to advocate for mentorship programs for international scientists. By reducing these barriers, we can create a more inclusive research environment that benefits from a diversity of perspectives and expertise.

By combining my passion for research with efforts to mentor, collaborate, and engage, I hope to leave the scientific enterprise stronger and more connected.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

I joined the ECLP leadership program initially to connect with fellow geneticists-in-training and provide support for early career scientists. Through the Career Development Subcommittee, we have organized workshops and interview panels that give early career scientists the chance to hear from people with diverse experiences in science—whether in academia, science policy, or other career paths. It has been really fulfilling to help create spaces where these scientists can get practical insights that might not be available to them at their home institutions.

What I hope to accomplish is to expand these efforts and help even more early career scientists access resources that can make their transitions into the next phase of their career smoother. Whether it is helping them explore different career paths or connecting them to mentors, I want to provide a diverse set of options so they can make informed decisions about their futures. I have also been fortunate to work with amazing advisors and staff at GSA who offer mentorship and guidance, and I am excited to continue learning from them and growing in this role.

Attending TAGC 2024 was an incredible experience—it was great to connect with like-minded individuals and hear about interesting work. I plan to attend more conferences in the future and continue building those relationships. Ultimately, I want to promote greater engagement within the genetics community and help foster a supportive environment where early career scientists can thrive.

Previous leadership experience

  • Moderator, Virtual Career Exploration panel, “Running a successful multi-model organism lab,” 2024.
  • Mentor to undergraduate and graduate students in the lab, 2022–2024.
  • Instructor, Technical workshop on single-cell transcriptomics; Undergraduate workshop on CRISPR, 2023.
  • Staff, George Washington University Student Association, 2022–2023.

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