Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  Mechanical Engineering students, Hansol Lim (Ph.D.), Jee Won Lee, Hanbeom Chang (Masters), and Sooyeon Yang (Undergrad), advised by Professor Jongseong Brad Choi, claimed the Grand Prize (대상) as first place winners at the prestigious KSME/KIMM AI/DX Competition. The event was organized by the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials. The 2024 Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers Conference took place at the Jeju International Convention Center from November 6th to 9th. This year’s theme was: “Leading Global Technological Supremacy in Mechanical Engineering – From Breakthrough Core Technologies to K-Defense Technology.” Competing against 19 teams from top-tier universities in Korea, including KAIST and GIST, the SUNY Korea team stood out with their innovative approach and technical excellence, earning the highest honor. KAIST secured second and third places, followed by Ajou University and UST. The MEIC team project, EV-PINN: Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Predicting Electric Vehicle Dynamics, harnesses electric vehicle log data to accurately forecast dynamic parameters such as aerodynamic drag and engine efficiency. Additionally, EV-PINN precisely estimates the vehicle's battery power and energy consumption, showcasing significant advancements in electric vehicle technology. SUNY Korea congratulates Hansol Lim, Jee Won Lee, Hanbeom Chang, and Sooyeon Yang, (as well as advisor Jongseong Brad Choi), for such a wonderful achievement.  

  SUNY Korea's Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS) department hosted a Math Competition on November 20th and 23rd, 2024. The event, moderated by Professor Hongshik Ahn, Chair of the AMS department, brought students together for six rounds of intense problem-solving. It was open to all departments, not just AMS students, and followed a golden bell format, where participants who answered questions incorrectly were given another chance to rejoin the main round. Each round came with exciting cash prizes: 400,000 KRW for the first round, 300,000 KRW for the second, 200,000 KRW for the third, 100,000 KRW for the fourth, 50,000 KRW for the fifth, and in the sixth round, five participants who answered correctly were each awarded 10,000 KRW. The event kicked off with lunch and wrapped up after about two hours, ending with a heartfelt speech from the AMS coordinator and ice cream for everyone. On November 23rd, during SUNY Korea’s Experience Day, another math competition took place, this time geared towards prospective students. The hall was buzzing with energy as contestants eagerly tackled math challenges. Winners received special prizes, and the AMS coordinator once again thanked everyone for their enthusiasm and participation. These competitions weren’t just about prizes, but rather they created a space for students and prospective students to explore math, connect with SUNY Korea professors, and experience the excitement of problem-solving. It was a perfect mix of learning, fun, and community-building.       Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)

  Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Fashion Design students have once again been able to share their art at the annual Incheon Art Show this November, and this year was nothing short of impactful. This past week, the Fashion Design Department of FIT, SUNY Korea had the opportunity to create, showcase, and sell their designs at the Incheon Art Show 2024, held at Songdo Convensia Hall. This was a significant event for many students, allowing them to develop their skills for creating one-of-a-kind art that is marketed towards a large customer base.  The Incheon Art Show is an exhibition consisting of famous artists from Korea and abroad, with over 6,000 works being showcased this year. As the largest art festival in Incheon, it gathers many art enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds, who are now being introduced to the talent FIT has to offer. Professor Blackman, Department Chair of Fashion Design, gave a rundown of their theme this year, explaining that “everything was AI generated to make sure that students understood the business relationship between AI and their own inspiration and intuition.” This was done artfully by having fashion design students come up with concepts that spoke to them, “and then we had to figure out how to make the concepts marketable through color choice, through composition, and sayings.” There were 47 looks to choose from, spanning from futuristic, vibey graphics, to witty, relatable quotes, reaching many different consumer markets interested in the diverse colors, styles, and symbolism of the tops designed by FIT creatives. Designs were sold on tee shirts, allowing visitors to wear the art that resonated with them (or loved ones) best, adding a personalized touch to enjoying and sharing art. Blackman shared that after the event ends, pre orders will be fulfilled, minimizing the risk of extra inventory and allowing students to see what graphics sold best, and in what colors, providing a learning opportunity to get a better grasp of the market and reflect on their predictions. The art show aligns perfectly with the global presence SUNY Korea fosters in its students, giving students experience creating and marketing their ideas in the midst of technological advances and unique cultural tastes to appeal to the wide variety of people attending the art show. Make sure to attend next year to see FIT’s creations, which are sure to reflect the ever-evolving world around us in a fresh and delightful way.   Written by Student Reporter, Kenessa Washington (kenessa_washington@fitnyc.edu)

  On October 30, 2024, SUNY Korea's FIT FBM students embarked on an educational field trip to Applerind, located in Wonju, Kangwon-do. Thirty-five FBM (Fashion Business Management) students participated in this enriching experience, accompanied by Professors Robin Baxter, Hyeseon Kim, and Linda Kim. The trip began with a warm welcome from CEO Yunsoo Kim, whose collaboration with SUNY Korea reflects Applerind's commitment to fostering academic-industry partnerships. Students toured the facilities, gaining firsthand insights into the company’s innovative design processes, project management strategies, and production techniques. A presentation by the CEO highlighted Applerind's current and historical projects, followed by a Q&A session that shed light on the challenges and opportunities in the industry. After the visit to Applerind, the group visited Museum SAN, where they explored exhibits showcasing the harmonious interplay between art, nature, and space. This visit sparked creativity and emphasized the importance of cultural perspectives in design. The field trip offered FBM students a comprehensive look at industry practices and trends, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. The experience not only inspired the students’ creative aspirations but also deepened their understanding of how business and design intersect in professional environments.

  On November 15, 2024, SUNY Korea's CPA Study Group visited PwC Korea in Seoul. Thirty students, including three faculty members, Business Management Department Chair Jeehong Kim, Professor Soo Young Kwon, and Professor Koren Jo, joined this insightful field trip. The program began with an introduction to PwC, highlighting the company's global impact and diverse range of professional services. Following this, students enjoyed a group lunch and networking session with PwC partners, receiving invaluable advice on career planning and insights into the accounting industry. During the Q&A session, the students had the opportunity to engage directly with PwC professionals, deepening their understanding of what it takes to thrive in a dynamic work environment. The event concluded with a tour of the PwC office, offering students a glimpse into the corporate culture and operations at one of the world's leading professional services firms. Established in Spring 2022, the CPA Study Group at SUNY Korea has consistently provided its members with enriching experiences such as seminars, mentorship, and field trips. Events like this reflect the group's commitment to inspiring and equipping CPAs with the knowledge and connections needed to excel in their careers.        

    On November 13, SUNY Korea Career Development Center (CDC) held a seminar on employment strategies at major Korean companies. This seminar offered students invaluable insights on ways to navigate the competitive job market and its trends. The event attracted students from various backgrounds who were eager to learn about the recruitment processes and strategies for securing positions at some of Korea’s largest companies, such as LF , Shinsegae, Celltrion, Hanhwa, CJ and Nexon. The CDC brought in HR professional, Hyewon Lee, to share her professional insights, making the session highly relevant and informative.  Throughout the seminar, Hyewon shared practical tips for excelling in recruitment, from preparing strong resumes to acing interviews and understanding the expectations of Korean employers. Students were able to ask questions and engage in open discussions about topics like mastering application processes and honing essential skills for a competitive edge. The event was not only informative but also inspiring, and students left the room with a clearer understanding of what major companies look for in candidates and how they can effectively prepare for future job opportunities.   Written by Student Reporter, Yeongeun Ahn (yeongeun.ahn@stonybrook.edu)  

  The Mechanical Engineering senior design group, CARmodynamics, won a bronze award at the 14th KSME Student Creative Design Competition (SCDC), organized by the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers (KSME). CARmodynamics consists of five Mechanical Engineering students: Jinkyu Lee, Yunjeong Kim, Hojin Song, Sooyeun Yang, and Sehyeon Jeong. They were selected as one of 15 teams, out of a total of 180 entries, to present at the competition. Their presentation addressed the growing problem of potholes and the need for efficient detection methods. The team developed an automated pothole detection system to replace current manual reporting methods, using a YOLO v5 deep learning model, GPS, and machine learning-based vibration analyses to accurately identify and document pothole locations. Testing was conducted with a custom-built electric vehicle, with structural integrity verified through Finite Element Analyses using ANSYS. The results validated each module's performance, demonstrating the system's potential to improve pothole detection and enhance road maintenance efficiency.    

  On November 6, 2024, SUNY Korea hosted a Distinguished Seminar by Mr. Horyun Jung, Director of General Motors Technical Center Korea Operations, where he led an informative discourse on virtual technology and its influence on product development and future prospects. The seminar took place in Academic Building C105, with students and faculty interested in the changing face of technology in business and engineering attending. Mr. Jung received his MBA from Seoul National University and BS in Product Design from Handong Global University. He has accumulated work experience for more than 20 years in General Motors while climbing the career ladder in engineering and design development. That foundational experience helped bring into focus the core of the seminar: how technological commercialization—namely, the use of virtual tools—is now shaking up industries. He provided examples from the automobile industry on how virtual technology improves efficiency and accelerates innovation in product development. The examples given during the seminar on crucial technologies, especially in the auto sector, where digital tools fast-track operations from design to production, were highly enlightening. Mr. Jung explained that virtual tools give the potential to make changes in real time, at a lower cost, and hence improve development. This helped the attendees understand the growing importance of such tools in the global quest for efficiency in product innovation. He also identified the skills and competencies required by the professionals of the future, given anticipated changes in technology and business practices, sharing with the students many gems on how to prepare for careers that would require adaptability, technical savvy, and awareness of virtual technologies. Overall, the seminar was a great opportunity for SUNY Korea students to gain insight into industry trends from a leading source in the field, allowing the attendees to see how technological advancement shapes the future of product development, and leaving them better prepared to meet the challenges in a rapidly changing job market.   Written by Student Reporter, Moldir Salim (moldir.salim@stonybrook.edu)  

  The 3rd Incheon Global Citizenship Education Festival was held on October 29th and 30th at the Songdo Convensia. The slogan for this year was "Read, Walk, Write-Based Education for Global Citizenship, Focusing on Peace and Coexistence in Incheon." This year’s event featured 80 booths run by various schools, organizations, and companies. SUNY Korea was represented by two student clubs: the International Student Association and Thé Former. The International Student Association played a guessing game and handed out refreshments, while Thé Former held a perfume making workshop. The clubs shared information about SUNY Korea and what it's like to be a student. Many interested high school students and parents stopped by to hear more about our unique program. The Global Citizenship Education Festival is held every year to give a global citizen experience to the people of Incheon. The majority of the attendees are elementary, middle, and high school students, along with people from influential organizations such as UNESCO. This festival is important because it allows people to broaden their horizons about the world and lets students start networking with people in different fields.    Written by Student Reporter, Alicia Garringer (alicia.garringer@stonybrook.edu)  

  The United World Korean Women (UWKW) visited SUNY Korea on October 9th. On this day, SUNY Korea President Arthur Lee and Vice President for Administration and External Relations Pyung Ryun Yu met with United World Korean Women President Hyojung Lee and Secretary General Seyoung Park. Approximately 90 UWKW members toured the university's educational and research facilities and engaged in discussions about potential areas of collaboration between the two organizations. The United World Korean Women is a global network of Korean women actively engaged in various fields across the world, working to promote women’s empowerment and enhance their opportunities. Many of the delegation members emigrated in the 1970s and 1980s, making significant contributions to Korea’s development during challenging times while pursuing successful careers abroad. Among the members were those who had worked as nurses in Germany, along with other professionals in countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. SUNY Korea places great emphasis on the value of “Shared Prosperity,” living in harmony with others. Many years ago, South Korea was also a nation receiving help from many international countries, and now South Korea has developed to the point that it is capable of supporting developing countries. As an American university in South Korea, SUNY Korea shares its prosperity by selecting outstanding students from developing countries and providing scholarships for them to be able to receive high-quality education. In return, these students are empowered to become ‘History Makers’ who try to contribute to the advancement of their home countries. The delegation expressed strong agreement with these values and with exploring future possibilities for sustaining exchange and cooperation based on shared principles. President Arthur Lee remarked, “We are delighted to host such a distinguished group of Korean women leaders from around the world. I hope that this visit will not only strengthen the collaboration between our institutions but also lead to opportunities for broader global partnerships.”  

  On Monday, October 21st, 2024, SUNY Korea students celebrated National Hanbok Day through a special campaign, held by FIT students, in honor of Korean traditional attire. All students, staff, and faculty were able to join and celebrate this day. The event showed the cultural meaning of hanbok combined with its fusion into modern forms, merging the timelessness of this garment with the most recent fashion trends. Established by the Korean government in 1996, Hanbok Day is dedicated to preserving Korea’s cultural heritage and strengthening generational connections. This year’s celebration at SUNY Korea went beyond the traditional wearing of hanbok, with students from the Fashion Design Department crafting innovative hanbok pieces that combined historical elements with modern practicality. Their designs aimed to reimagine hanbok as an everyday fashion staple while maintaining its deep cultural significance. Through this celebration, SUNY Korea reinforced its commitment to promoting Korea’s cultural heritage while inspiring innovation in fashion. The event provided an important platform for future generations to appreciate the beauty of hanbok and contribute to its continued relevance in the fashion world.   Written by Student Reporter, Moldir Salim (moldir.salim@stonybrook.edu)

  SUNY Korea officially opened its newly renovated library and student lounge on October 21, 2024. The renovation, which began at the start of the semester, provides more modern facilities and a better environment for studying and relaxing. The library now includes more seating, improved lighting, and modern furnishings, while the lounge has been redesigned with comfortable seating areas and study-friendly spaces. The renovated library and student lounge now provide a perfect space to prepare for their upcoming exams while also offering a place to relax.  The newly designed lounge is located on the first floor of the building. It gives students a space to relax and hang out with their friends. Now that the lounge offers more comfortable seating and a casual environment, students can unwind or catch up with friends in between classes.  The second and third floors serve as study zones. On the second floor, a reading lounge is available as well as several group study rooms for students studying together. The third floor is operated as quiet study zones, designed for those needing a more focused environment. Reservations are required for all seats, except for the window study zones on the third floor, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve seats or group study rooms, students can use the kiosks located on both the second and third floors. Reservation can be made for a maximum of four hours at a time.  A major change made in conjunction with the renovation is that both the second and third floors are now open 24 hours, giving students more flexibility in their study schedules. Just remember to bring your SUNY Korea student or faculty ID to enter the library!            Written by Student Reporter, Yeongeun Ahn (yeongeun.ahn@stonybrook.edu)  

  On October 16th, SUNY Korea’s Museum of Modern Costume had the honor of opening its doors to showcase the work of Jaewon Park, a brilliant artist who has brought her Korean roots to life through fashion design. To celebrate the new exhibition, Resonance: 60 years of Jaewon Park’s Design Legacy, SUNY held a reception & ribbon cutting ceremony with faculty, staff, and students joining Jaewon Park in recognizing her remarkable career. The reception began with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Professor Linda Kim, during which 10 notable figures had the honors: Designer Jaewon Park, Museum Director Heisoon Shim, Vice Presidents Pyungryun Yu and Hamid Hefazi, Fashion Design Chair Mark-Evan Blackman, Fashion Business Management Chair Robin Baxter, President of the Fashion Group Korea Hyunmi Jang, and first-generation fashion designers of Korea, Taewook Jin, Eunhwan  Oh, and YounHyung Sul.  Following the ceremony, Heisoon Shim, Director of the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume, commented on the historical weight of this exhibition, stating, “Jaewon Park has been a pioneering figure in the world of fashion, having made significant contributions to elevating the level of Korean artwear by organizing Korea's first international fashion art biennale in the 1900’s.” Vice President Dr. Pyungryun Yu added a congratulatory remark, noting that the exhibition “beautifully showcases the creativity of Korean fashion. Today we honor the incredible legacy of Jaewon Park . . . who has shaped Korean fashion.” The opening ceremony closed with words from Jaewon Park herself, who shared some insight into the story behind the essence of her designs: “I worked with the belief that the most Korean elements are the most global. I expressed myself . . . using traditional Korean materials such as ink, Hanji paper, and ramie fabric, which I later developed into products.” Jaewon Park has been closely knit into the fabric of Korea's fashion legacy, participating in various fashions tours all over the world, joining the Korean Chapter of the World Fashion Group in 1992, and being awarded Fashion Person of the Year at the 1st Fashion Awards in 1995. It is SUNY Korea’s joy to house this collection for everyone to see. The Resonance: 60 years of Jaewon Park’s Design Legacy exhibition is being held in two parts, with PART 1: Black & White from October 16, 2024 to November 11, 2024, and PART 2: Colors being showcased from November 27, 2024 through March 7, 2025. Held in Academic Building A, B-101, come experience Jaewon Park’s unique story for yourself through her iconic pieces.   Written by Student Reporter, Kenessa Washington (kenessa_washington@fitnyc.edu)  

  SUNY Korea participated in the recent IGC Career Day event, which featured a series of mentorship sessions led by professionals from various industries and companies. The event took place at the Incheon Global Campus on October 12, 2024, hosted by all four universities (SUNY Korea, George Mason Korea, Ghent University Global Campus, and Utah Asia Campus). It began with a special introductory lecture on recruiting trends in companies, followed by a total of 12 mentorship sessions covering diverse fields such as tourism, marketing, finance and accounting, life sciences and technology, global sales, entertainment, aerospace, mechanical engineering, product planning, data science, cosmetics, gaming, and the F&B industry. This event offered valuable information and resources that are crucial for students preparing to enter the job market. To wrap up the day, there was a raffle draw, where students had the chance to win prizes of 60,000 won and 100,000 won. Overall, the IGC Career Day was a significant opportunity for SUNY students to engage with industry professionals, gain insights into various career paths, and enhance their preparedness for future employment.    Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)

  SUNY Korea will celebrate ‘Hanbok Day’ on October 21st as a new campaign with students from the Fashion Design Department at FIT. ‘Hanbok Day’ is a day to recognize the cultural significance of this traditional Korean attire, and to promote its preservation and development in fashion. This day was established by the Korean government in 1996, and it serves as an important occasion to honor Korea’s cultural heritage and strengthen bonds across generations. This day consists not only of wearing the hanbok, but goes beyond that into reviving the beauty of this Korean tradition with a modern touch. The Fashion Design Department at SUNY Korea FIT has come up with a variety of innovative ways to make Hanbok a more dearly loved attire in the fashion industry, contributing to its evolution from a traditional garment into a more modern and practical clothing. Through this project, the Fashion Design students have designed and crafted hanbok pieces, and invited students from Incheon to participate in this event. The event aims to provide an opportunity to learn and experience the history and values of the hanbok, so that the rich cultural heritage of Korea can be passed down to future generations.     In particular, this campaign will serve as a signicificant milestone as SUNY Korea FIT is taking the lead in celebrating Hanbok day and revitalizing Korean culture. FIT emphasizes that the hanbok should not only be worn on special occasions but also as a modern day clothing to demonstrate a new cultural identity and pride. Participation in this campaign is simple. Anyone can join by simply wearing a hanbok and sharing photos and stories on Instagram, hashtagging #HanbokDayFIT2024. Mark-Evan Blackman, the chair of the Fashion Design Department, stated, “I hope that everyone can take part in this journey of continuing to spread the importance and pride of the Hanbok to keep its legacy alive.”