An Exclusive Interview with Prof. Sung Woo Kim –Senior Editor, North Carolina State University
Microbiome Research Reports (MRR) recently had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Sung Woo Kim, Senior Editor and William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the Department of Animal Science at North Carolina State University, USA. In the interview, Prof. Kim shared insights from his research on young pigs, focusing on how dietary interventions shape the small intestine’s mucosa-associated microbiome and influence immune responses, stem cell activity, and growth performance.
He highlighted innovative approaches using enzyme-treated soybean, seaweed polysaccharides, and plant-derived bioactive compounds to improve gut health and nutrient absorption, offering potential strategies for sustainable, antibiotic-free pig farming. As a Senior Editor of MRR, Prof. Kim emphasized that a clear hypothesis, coherent experimental design, and data-supported conclusions are critical for evaluating manuscripts, even amid the demands of extensive peer reviewing.
Watch the video for expert insights from Prof. Sung Woo Kim:
Interview Questions:
1. Could you introduce your current research focus and the main objectives of your laboratory?
2. Your lab studies ways to improve piglet health and growth through diet. What have been the most surprising or interesting findings from your recent work?
3. We noticed that some of your work explores replacing traditional feed with functional ingredients like enzyme-treated soy or seaweed polysaccharides. How do these ingredients benefit the pigs, and what could this mean for future pig farming?
4. As a Senior Editor of our journal, when deciding whether a manuscript is worth publishing or sending out for review, what aspects do you focus on the most?
5. Outside of research, what hobbies or activities help you recharge and stay creative?
About Interviewee:
Prof. Sung Woo Kim is the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University. Since earning his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in 1999, he has established a world-class research program in monogastric nutrition, advancing the understanding of intestinal health, amino acid nutrition, and functional nutrients in pigs and other monogastric animals. He has published over 289 peer-reviewed papers and delivered more than 305 invited talks worldwide. Prof. Kim has received numerous awards, including the AFIA Award in Nonruminant Nutrition Research, the Vernon Young International Award, and the Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Asian-Australasian Animal Production.
Editor: Judy Zhang
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Microbiome Research Reports
