Sean Jeon | Parkland High School | Founder of Ethos Medicina

My interest in the relationship between microbes and human health began with a simple question about the invisible world around us. In elementary school, I created a science fair project called Micro Strangers at Your Home, where I explored the microorganisms present on everyday household surfaces. I was fascinated by the realization that organisms too small to be seen could profoundly influence human health. That early curiosity sparked a lasting interest in how biological systems interact with disease, immunity, and medicine.

As my interests developed, I became increasingly drawn to the broader questions surrounding scientific discovery and its role in healthcare. I wanted to understand not only how therapies are developed, but also how scientific innovation should be applied responsibly and ethically. This led me to pursue research on microbial derived therapeutics and the potential use of bacterial products to address infection and inflammation.

At Penn State, I studied biofilm associated infection resistance in Pseudomonas putida and investigated the anti inflammatory effects of bacteriocins such as nisin on immune cells. Through these experiences, I learned that scientific progress is rarely straightforward. Failed experiments, unexpected findings, and the need to continually reevaluate hypotheses required persistence, critical thinking, and careful interpretation of evidence.

At the same time, my clinical and community experiences revealed that healthcare extends beyond scientific advancement alone. Through my involvement with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, I witnessed how illness affects not only patients, but entire families emotionally, socially, and financially. Supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer showed me that medicine is deeply rooted in compassion, trust, and human connection. I began to recognize that healthcare is not only about developing treatments, but also about understanding the human experiences surrounding illness and uncertainty.

These experiences inspired the creation of Ethos Medicina. This platform was founded to explore the intersection of biomedical innovation, clinical ethics, and patient centered care. Through research informed articles, ethical case analyses, and reflections on healthcare, Ethos Medicina examines how medicine can remain grounded in compassion, integrity, and thoughtful ethical reasoning while continuing to advance scientifically.

Rather than offering definitive answers, this work is guided by a commitment to asking meaningful questions about the future of healthcare. I believe that responsible innovation requires not only scientific progress, but also a deeper understanding of the human experiences that shape medicine itself.

Sean Jeon
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Parkland High School (Class 2028)