Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  The Spring 2023 IGC Career Festival - Find Your Mentors was held on Saturday, March 18, 2023. This event provided a great opportunity for the students from four universities (SUNY Korea, George Mason, Utah, and Ghent) to learn about the diverse career paths, how to prepare for jobs, and interacting with qualified professional mentors from diverse industries. Mentors from LG Display, SK Bioscience, SK Magic, L'oreal, Channel.io, Hyundai Department Store Handsome, and Adriel shared their knowledge and experience from their fields. Students had a post-event evaluation session, and one student said, "I learned that it is important to find what field you want to specialize in and what kind of work you want to do during internships. The name value of where you work is not as important compared to what you learn and the realization of what you want to do in the future."            

  Sije Park, Abhishek Gaire and Seungjun Chae from SUNY Korea, and Labesh Baral from SBU in New York, achieved the highest award, “Undergraduate Best in Show” in the Hack@CEWIT that was held in-person on March 3-5, 2023 at Stony Brook University. The Hack@CEWIT is organized in partnership with industry leaders such as IBM, IEEE, Major League Hacking, NASA, and many others, making it one of the premier hackathons at Stony Brook, United States. Around 300 undergraduate and graduate students participated in this Hackathon; among the 16 prizes, Sije’s team attained the highest award. In this Hackathon, Sije’s team was awarded for their project on “Smart Fridge”. Smart Fridge was inspired by the major issue of food waste and inefficient grocery shopping. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, every year 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted due to discretionary purchases. To exacerbate matters, food waste contributes to climate change as a large amount of methane gas is produced when decomposing food in landfills. Therefore, Sije’s team developed a technology that will help solve this issue for environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. Their team used a combination of technologies, including Amazon Textract OCR tools and AI-powered algorithms, to create a seamless user experience web app. The web app addresses this issue by using OCR technology to scan grocery receipts and track foods before they expire. Using an AI-powered recipe generator, users can discover new recipes based on their ingredients and food items that will expire the quickest. The app also allows users to save their favorite recipes and track their eco points.   For more information about the Hackathon: https://www.cewit.org/hackatcewit/ For more information about “Smart Fridge”: https://devpost.com/software/smart-fridge-7m1qsi   

    Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) ranked first on the Best Fashion Schools In The World For 2023, released on Monday, March 6th by the CEOWORLD magazine.    The magazine took into account of seven major metrics: perceived global brands influencce, recruiters responses, employers feedback, job placement rate, admissions eligibility, specialization, and academic reputation. Click here to read the full article --> LINK

    Wondering what you want to do after graduating SUNY Korea? Sunghwan Kim, a senior at Stony Brook, got accepted to Stanford’s Master’s Degree Program and is waiting for opportunities from other universities. Here is his story of his experience in SUNY Korea and how it made an impact on his decision to go to graduate school to pursue his dream in his field.     Briefly introduce yourself Hello, my name is Sunghwan Kim. I am a Senior at Stony Brook University’s Engineering & Applied Science Program majoring in Technological Systems Management, minoring in Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and expected to graduate this spring semester. If you have any questions about energy-related research or graduate school application, please feel free to email me:sunghwan.kim@stonybrook.edu    Why did you decide to study at SUNY Korea? Ever since I was young, I have been interested in technology and how it affects society. I set out to become a scientist who gives hope to mankind and the nation. So, in the Department of Technology and Society, I wanted to look at how engineering can directly help people through efficiency and optimization in areas such as sustainability.   What is your most memorable experience at SUNY Korea? While studying Technology Systems Management at Stony Brook University, I have been able to look at technology and its broader impacts such as developing institutional regulations and policies for various energy technologies with the theme of sustainability. I have been able to apply the lessons from my coursework to several research projects with Professors Mark D. Whitaker, Sira Maliphol, and Neal Dreamson. One of the most memorable experiences while studying at SUNY Korea is my internship experience at Stanford center. I worked as a research support and project consultant intern at the Stanford Center at Incheon Global Campus (SCIGC) Sustainability Department. As the only undergraduate member, I worked hard with many Stanford professors and researchers on projects studying the trends of EV charging technology and business, demand response (DR), reverse DR, renewable energy, and Smart Mobility. As part of the study, I was able to analyze cases of overseas energy companies and schematization of enterprise types and write a research report. Also, I analyzed GS Caltex Electrical P2P Transactions and V2G Services in Jeju Island, which is a new experimental smart city island in South Korea.   What is your greatest accomplishment as a student at SUNY Korea? At the World Federation of United Nations Associations, I participated as a team leader in climate action (SDG13) and as a South Korean representative. Since sustainability is a global issue, I also wanted to learn about the multilateral international organizations that address it. I carried out a project focused on the technology transfer of ESS and EV tractors to prevent carbon emissions from Agri-Business farming in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The findings and proposed policies were presented to officials at the UN headquarters in New York. In addition, in my last project, I investigated public interest in energy by region. From this study, we realized what is most important is that we need policies and regulations to support continuous attention and scientific development. Our study won the Best Paper Award at the 14th International Conference on Intelligent Human-Computer Interaction, which will be published in the Springer-Human Computer Interaction booklet. Also, I participated in various programs and competitions on behalf of the university, such as IGC Central Library Learning Spaces Naming Contest and IFEZ Happy Study Room Mentoring Volunteer work.   What are your research interests and career goals? In my current research project, I focus on applying energy storage system (ESS) technology to address the production and demand volatility of wind, water, and solar-derived (WWS) energy. Since renewable energy supply highly depends on weather conditions, ESS can stabilize the energy grid by storing WWS energy. And for my future career, I want to be a professor or project consultant who can suggest technological assessments and proper policies for various government organizations and businesses.

SUNY Korea Spring 2023 Convocation Ceremony 177 students from six majors of Stony Brook University entered the 2023 Spring Semester of SUNY Korea * SUNY Korea Spring 2023 Convocation Ceremony   On February 24th, at the Incheon Global Campus Auditorium, SUNY Korea held the Spring 2023 Convocation Ceremony. A total of 177 students enrolled in Stony Brook University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Business Management, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Technology and Society. In his congratulatory speech, President Arthur H. Lee said, "One of the most enjoyable things to do at the university is welcoming new members to the family. We have 177 new students of the most accomplished and the brightest ever. The incoming class this semester is represented by students from 10 different countries, America, Australia, Nepal, Myanmar, Tanzania, Korea, etc. Overall the student body at SUNY Korea now is represented by over 40 countries worldwide. I ask each one of you to be a responsible member to the SUNY Korea family. Think about your long-term goals. Don’t be afraid of failing as you accomplish these goals, especially while you are at school. Setting up short term goals and intermediate goals would help accomplish your long-term goals eventually. “History makers, we change the world” Where do you start? Perhaps you can start with something that you can do right now, tomorrow and next week. Think about what that might be. We have excellent faculty, dedicated staff to support your educational endeavor and help you achieve your educational and life goals” Dr. Carl Lejuez, Executive Vice President and Provost of Stony Brook University (New York Campus), also joined the Convocation Ceremony this year. He stated, " We’re extremely proud of our partnership from Stony Brook with SUNY Korea. We consider it a significant distinction that we helped to establish the first American University in Korea. We’re honored this year to take the place of the number one public university in the State of New York. This combined with our recent designation of the flagship of the SUNY system recognizes what the Stony Brook University is known for a long time. Stonybrook University and FIT across the SUNY system are committed to student success. We take serious role in preparing our students to be leaders of the next generation. Our graduates bring talents to a broad array of employers and our faculty are active in extensive partnership that support innovation, sustainability, community help and creative activity. SUNY Korea shows the power of collaboration between academia, government and industry. And I want to thank all of our faculty and newest students placed to define our new era of excellence for SUNY Korea. Welcome to this new semester of discovery and best of luck.” SUNY Korea, founded in 2012 in Songdo International City and which celebrated its 10th-anniversary last year, is the first American university in Korea to host and operate excellent departments from Stony Brook University (SBU) and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). All classes follow the New York campus curriculum in English, and graduates will receive the United States Stony Brook University and Fashion Institute of Technology degrees. SUNY Korea is a STEAM convergence education university that offers courses in Natural Science and Business Management fields (Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Business Management, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Technology and Society) at Stony Brook University, and Fashion fields (Fashion Business Management, Fashion Design) at Fashion Institute of Technology.

SUNY Korea Signed an MOU with HDC I'PARK Mall - HDC I'PARK Mall offers various opportunities including internship experiences to students at SUNY Korea SUNY Korea (President Arthur H. Lee) and HDC I'PARK Mall (CEO Daesoo Kim) announced that they signed a MOU agreement on February 22. The main contents of this MOU agreement are △Offering HDC I'PARK Mall internship experiences towards outstanding FIT students △Planning of education and trainee program events jointly participated in professors at FIT, SUNY Korea, and executives and employees of HDC I'PARK Mall △Visiting both institutions and developing of various programs are in the works. President of SUNY Korea Arthur H. Lee said, “By forming a new partnership with HDC I'PARK Mall, the trend-setter of Korean Fashion, our FIT college students will have a window of opportunity of experiencing practical work in various fields". HDC I'PARK Mall CEO Daesoo Kim said, “I’m very glad to allow having a practical work experience to students of FIT, one of the world’s top four fashion schools. For the students to grow into experts, we will continue to develop and provide opportunities to improve various work capabilities.”  

  The PETE Prize for Entrepreneurs, a student award that recognizes excellence in the development of fresh and creative ideas that are translated into business plans leveraging innovative design-oriented thinking, is now accepting applications for its 2023 prize through March 27. The PETE Prize includes a $30,000 cash prize and recognizes excellence in the development of fresh, creative ideas that are translated into business plans leveraging innovative, design-oriented thinking. The winning team will also receive office space and marketing, legal, financial, creative, and operational guidance on how to build and launch an innovative company. Click here to read the original article.

    FIT was named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022–23 academic year, underscoring the college’s global reach. The honor was given to 174 colleges and universities this year. Fulbright is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Since its inception in 1946, there have been more than 400,000 participants from all backgrounds and fields, from the United States and over 160 other countries. A central goal of the program is to form bonds and mutual understanding between countries. Click here to read the original article.

  Coming home … wherever in the world home may be. Feeling included and accepted … for whoever you are or wish to become. Diverse voices coming together in song and forming a community of support. These are the values Stony Brook University Chorale Director Shoshana Hershkowitz lives, breathes, creates and shares with her students every way she can and every chance she gets, whether it’s a student conveying his personal reflections on Transgender Day of Remembrance, an Iranian student raising awareness of the violence happening in her home country, or first-generation students sharing their unique circumstances, challenges and joys. Click here to read the original article. Click here to read the original article.  

  On Tuesday, February 7, The Museum at FIT (MFIT) held the opening reception for Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style. Co-curated by Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at MFIT, and Elena Romero, journalist and assistant chair of Marketing Communications, the exhibition celebrates the birth of hip hop and its influence on fashion over the past five decades. This is the largest and most comprehensive exhibition to explore this revolutionary and influential style, and features over 100 garments and accessories that capture the pivotal moments in hip hop fashion’s evolution. Click here to read the original article.

  In a milestone for the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ), student Viola Flowers won a 2023 Scholar Award by the Overseas Press Club Foundation. Flowers is the first SoCJ student to win the award, which consists of a foreign reporting fellowship with a leading media company or a $3,000 scholarship. “I was shocked by how competitive it was and that I was chosen out of a national applicant pool, but also immensely proud of myself,” said Flowers, a sophomore journalism major from Waterbury, CT. “I pour so much time and energy into my passion because it’s what I love to do and what I feel so strongly about. To have that recognized, and to know that it stands out among such a wide range of applicants, is beyond rewarding.” Click here to read the original article.

    Stony Brook University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year, the second time in three years that Stony Brook has been so honored. The Fulbright Top Producing Institutions for 2022-2023 were announced in the online edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education on February 10, and on the Fulbright program website. Click here to read the original article.

SUNY Korea Freshmen, Gather Around! Hosting The Spring 2023 New Student Welcome Week Various programs prepared for freshmen from February 20th to 24th.      The State University of New York, Korea (President Arthur H. Lee) announced that they will hold a welcome week event for the 2023 Spring semester freshmen. The five-day welcome week event at SUNY Korea in Songdo Global Campus, Incheon, will be attended by newcomers from six different Stony Brook University departments: Computer Science, Technology and Society, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Business Management, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. The main events include △ A Campus Tour △ Department of Education and dormitory guidance △ Orientation led by the Student Services Team △ Lunch in each department, and other various activities. New students will have time to get to know each other and be informed about university life during the welcome week event. In particular, on the 24th, the last day of the welcome week, the Spring 2023 Convocation will be held at the Incheon Global Campus Auditorium to celebrate the first big step up of college life for freshmen. President Arthur H. Lee said, "We have prepared various programs to help students adapt well to university life and maintain their studies. Students are the key reason why SUNY Korea exists, and we will provide excellent educational opportunities to help develop students into talented people to become the next generation of the world". He also said, "As it is the first face-to-face event since the end of indoor face masks, we will make every effort to ensure the health and safety of students."

Opening Ceremony of "Crafts in Fashion" 4 FIT Graduates Participated in this Special Exhibition On Monday February 6th, the opening ceremony of the "Crafts in Fashion" held in The Seoul Craft Museum (SeMoCA) Exhibition Building 1. The theme of the "Crafts in Fashion" exhibition introduces the craft elements used in the works of the first-generation fashion in Korea. Four FIT graduate students collaborated with The Seoul Craft Museum (SeMoCA) on the special exhibition. Hannah Kim, Yoojin Lee, Percy Batdorj, and Nicole Martinez’s designs were inspired by the main historical designers Kyungja Choi, Nora Noh, and Andre Kim, designing their clothing elements from a historical to a modern look. The students’ works were selected during the 2022 June AAS Exhibition, when the director of the SeMoCA museum visited SUNY Korea. The director of SeMoCA stated, “[The students’ works] is way higher and better than what I expected, and it will be very difficult to make a garments selection.” SUNY Korea’s FIT Professor Bonkuk Koo commented on why this exhibition was significant, saying, “Even if we are in the generation of digital or virtual, we always learn from history and it is the same for Fashion. To my memory, this is the first and biggest fashion exhibition that praises three masters in Korean fashion history. This exhibition will give priceless voices to the current generation that is working or studying in Fashion.” Linda Kim, an FIT professor of SUNY Korea, praised the four student’s participation in this exhibition: “In general, notable museums like SeMoCA are hesitant to exhibit student works due to the quality of works produced and the many external criticisms they could face. However, our students' meticulously sewn and beautifully constructed pieces satisfied the museum's standards. I am very proud of our fashion design students and the exquisite and fascinating works they produced. And thanks to Director Heisoon Shin of the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume, who served as a bridge for these students, offering the excellent opportunity to exhibit their beautiful pieces at SeMoCA.” SeMoCa is the first public museum of craft art in Korea and recently opened in 2021. It is a prestigious museum that only exhibits works with technical, artistic, and cultural values of craft. This special exhibition is located on the 3rd floor of The Seoul Craft Museum Exhibition Building 1 and the duration of this exhibition will be from February 7, 2023 to April 2, 2023.         Shapes of Grace, Colors of Innocence Hannah Kim   Blooming; New Hope and Youth Yoojin Lee   Rebirth Percy Batdorj   Diamond of the Night Nicole Martinez    

  For Black History Month, Black FIT students created an exhibition that expressed their perspective in Out of Body or Out of Place? The exhibition includes visual depictions of intense racial dysmorphia, impostor syndrome, and ostracism. The curators were Rukaiah (Ruki) El, Fine Arts ’24 (with a double minor in Art History and African American & Africana Studies) and Kira Cunningham, Fashion Design ’25, both members of the Black Student Union. El is the Director of Digital Media/PR for the BSU and Cunningham is the Treasurer. Click here to read the original article.