Faces Behind the Science: Paul Yoo

Behind every research breakthrough is a person driven by curiosity, compassion, and commitment to improving lives. In our Faces Behind the Science blog series, we’re highlighting some of the next generation of multiple sclerosis (MS) researchers whose dedication is shaping the future of MS research and care.

Meet Dr. Paul Yoo. 

Paul recently joined Colorado State University as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, marking a new chapter in his research career focused on improving the lives of children living with MS. As a former recipient of an endMS Postdoctoral Fellowship and a graduate of the SPRINT (Scholar Program for Researchers in Training) program, Paul has been a part of the MS research community for many years.

In this Q&A, you’ll learn about Paul’s current research program, the impact of working with people affected by MS, and how support from MS Canada helped build the foundation for his academic career and future research directions.

What’s the focus of your current research program? 

We look at how lifestyle and environmental factors help shape children’s ability to participate in home, school, and community activities, particularly those who are living with MS. We explore how these factors are linked to depression, anxiety, and fatigue that are experienced by children with MS, and how these changes can limit their ability to participate in daily activities. By understanding these factors, we can design and implement specific approaches to expand opportunity, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life for children with MS and their families. 

Our goal is to make sure an MS diagnosis doesn’t determine what a child can access, experience, or become. We’re currently developing a program that will inform and empower community organizations to build inclusive programming for children with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

How has working with people affected by MS influenced your perspective as a researcher? 

Working with children and families affected by MS has strengthened my belief for purposeful and meaningful research. What strikes me most is the resilience of children living with MS, especially in navigating symptoms like fatigue, depression, and cognitive changes that the world around them often doesn’t recognize. It’s also made communication central to how I work – listening carefully to the people and the families and what’s meaningful to them. Their lived experience is so powerful in directing and informing my research, reminding us why patient/client-centered practice and community engagement in research matters.

How has MS Canada supported your academic training?

MS Canada has played a significant role in my development as a researcher. I was a recipient of MS Canada’s endMS Postdoctoral Fellowship for two years and I also participated in the endMS National Training Program’s SPRINT program from 2024-2025. 

My Postdoctoral Fellowship award has played an important role in shaping my current research program at Colorado State University by allowing me to gather preliminary data that became a foundation for my future research direction. 

Beyond funding, the SPRINT and Summer School programs also gave me something that no single lab or institution could – a community. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with trainees from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, all united by a shared commitment to advancing MS research. These programs also connected me with established mentors and potential collaborators who have meaningfully shaped my career trajectory and identity as an independent researcher.