Jinah was an amazing scientist and role-model, which most people already know.  But she also has a very special place in my heart.  My first year in grad school was very difficult and she was there to support, help, and stand up for me when other members of the UCM community were rooting for my failure.  She was strong for me when I felt weak.  I'll never forget her and with a heavy heart I say goodbye.

It is utterly sad to know that Dr. Choi had been battling with breast cancer for years and finally succumbed to it. I can still remember her demure smile when I greeted her at our lab suite, and her occasional outburst laughter coming from her lab as she discussed something  happy with her lab people. She is always 
so graceful and collected, and never fails to allow us to borrow her lab instruments for experiments. Though I may not know her at a personal level, I could see how she has impacted the lives of many others with her talents and kindness. It is a great loss to lose her in such unfairness, but her legacy will be imprinted in our hearts and minds forever. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

I just can't believe that we have lost such a beautiful , caring and a brilliant scientist. I had met Dr. Choi when I was doing my PhD at UCMerced, I still remember how peaceful and smily she was everytime I saw her, very polite and genuine. When I asked her to be a member of my thesis jury, she accepted right away and she took all the time to read my manuscript and to go over every single detail. She used to give her comments in a very respectful way and made sure to deliver the message without offending any one. Today we all have lost a beautiful person and a great scientist. May your soul rest in Peace
Najwane Said
Beirut, Lebanon
Sept 7th 2018

Jinah was an amazing mentor and scientist. When I rotated in her lab as a PhD student she was always so incredibly patient and kind. She was the brightest and hardest working person in the room, and she inspired those around her to be their best. I'm truly grateful for all she gave to me and UC Merced in the early days of the campus and I hope she is now finally at peace. 

I hope you and your family can be together in this difficult time and as someone who has also lost recently I understand and offer my condolences. 
Jinah was a special soul, I was happy to finally have a professor at UC Merced who I could communicate with and have as a confidant in two very difficult subjects biochemistry and virology. The recommendation letters she wrote for me helped pave a road for me in science. I am currently researching cancer in UBC and I feel lucky I met such an amazing individual and force. I will be thinking of her along my path in university, hoping that she can see the amazing influence she had on me and others.

Dr Choi, you have always been my favorite teacher. You've always being so patient and kind to your students. I learned so much from working in your lab. You gave me the most merry memories I ever had at UC Merced. I want to say thank you so much, and you will be always in my heart. 

I was deeply saddened by the news of Dr Jinah Choi's passing. Dr Choi was such a wonderful and brilliant mentor for me. She helped me out when I had difficulties; she taught me  with great patience and beautiful sciences; she cared me as a warm-hearted friend.  Her soft voice, comforting smile, and elegance are still shining in my eyes.  My thoughts and prayers are with her. My most sincere condolences.

Jinah unni, although it's been a long time since I last saw you, the thought of you always brings  a warmth to my heart.   
 I would like to thank you from bottom of my heart , and I will surely miss your  sense  of humor and beautiful smile and laughter.   
Jinah unni,  we love you.






Dr. Jinah Choi has been the most caring, patient, kind, and brilliant mentor I've yet to have. She was extremely passionate and clever when it came to science while managing to be kind to others. This is a rare quality in the academic sciences. With lots of patience Jinah helped me learn the principles of molecular biology. I'm still using her weekly meeting plans while completing my postdoctoral work. Because of Jinah and her mentorship, I continued to pursue a career in academia. Jinah Choi has been and will always be an inspiration to those who got to experienced her kindness and passion for science. She will always be in our hearts. 

You've always been a great friend and comforter to me.   You helped me in so many ways.  This whole thing is still really hard for me to understand...  
You're missed greatly and I just wanted to say thank you.                         


                                                               Love   Mel

Jinah, thank you so much for the guidance you have given me. You were always so patient with your students, and it was a joy to learn so much from you. I want to let you know that the baked goods that I brought to the lab were always from my heart. I want to thank you for your kind words and open door whenever I needed help. I will never forget you. 

With much love,

Christina Lee

We were so sorry to hear that Jinah passed away.  She was a talented scientist and a good person.  She truly provided one of the pillars of a strong scientific foundation at UC Merced.

We're sorry to hear of Jinah's passing. She was a gifted scientist and friend. She is in our thoughts and prayers. Rudy, Brenda, Sophia and Marisa Ortiz

OBITUARY

Jinah Choi

February 27, 1970 – August 28, 2018

Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home

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