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Meet Elias Hyun, A Freshman’s First Year at SUNY Korea Can you briefly introduce yourself? Hello, my name is Jinkyu Hyun; I also go by Elias. I’m a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering. At 15, I was accepted into KMLA (Korean Minjok Leadership Academy), which I attended briefly before making one of the toughest decisions of my life: stepping away from high school all together in the face of personal struggles and health issues. This period of extenuating circumstances was one followed with deep reflection and personal growth, and honestly, some academic stagnation. Luckily, I found my momentum in reclaiming intellectual independence, took the Korean GED, and studied for the Korean CSAT. Ultimately, that journey led me to enroll at SUNY Korea to pursue my goal of becoming an aerospace engineer. What made you choose SUNY Korea and your major? When I was around six, I had the opportunity to study in Vancouver, Canada for around two years. That experience gave me a strong foundation in English and planted dreams of studying in an international and global environment, although I had not realized this till much later. Though my academic journey ultimately took me through the Korean admissions process, the SUNY Korea campus – being both a global extension and close to home – positioned itself as a natural and appealing choice. I decided on Mechanical Engineering because I have always been interested in the making of things. From a young age, I was obsessed with LEGOs – I think I probably had the biggest collection out of anyone I knew. In particular, the LEGO Technic series, 과학상자 (a Korean educational mechatronics kit) was another source for my growth of passion and skill in building mechanical objects. Thus, Mechanical Engineering felt like the best path, combining my early interests and constant growth into my future career. How did you first hear about SUNY Korea, and what attracted you to apply? After returning from Vancouver, my family settled in Songdo. Unknowingly, I drove directly into the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) when I began swimming at the on-campus pool. This further attracted me to apply given my family and I heard great things about SUNY Korea — highlighting its fully English-taught programs and intensive academic atmosphere. What stood out even more was the opportunity to gain hands-on engineering experience, a hard-to-find aspect in the Mechanical Engineering program of many Korean universities, as well as the chance to make global connections within a diverse community. What has your academic journey been like so far? Any classes or professors that really stood out? As I am finishing my first year at SUNY Korea, I think naturally, my MEC courses have stood out the most. MEC101, Introduction to Mechanical Engineering, gave me a firsthand taste of the hands-on engineering experience that had initially attracted me to SUNY Korea. We started with a simple line-following car, then moved onto working on our freshmen engineering projects. My team and I crafted a functional remote-controlled vehicle equipped with features like a solar-tracking panel, omnidirectional movement, and custom software for Bluetooth control. At the end, we were given the opportunity to present our work in front of Mechanical Engineering faculty and peers. I think most fondly of Professor Bradter, who was a constant source of support, even late into the night. He spent countless after-hours with students, helping us construct parts for our projects and guiding us in our approach to engineering problems. Along with this, MEC226, Modern Machining Practices, gave me the opportunity to work with both modern and traditional machining tools. Another memorable course was WRT101, especially because this was basically my first time learning academic English writing. Professor Santos was a mentor who fostered both literary growth and confidence. I remember preparing for my first paper, when an important interview had gotten cancelled, and I unfortunately lost contact with my source. I was hoping for a response, but alas, none came. Thankfully. Professor Santos helped me restructure my essay to work with what I had, and with a bit more research and work I was able to successfully submit my first paper – just in time. Like many university students, I was required to take courses outside of my major to fulfill general education and earn credits. CAR151, Career & Life Design I: Introduction, was one of those courses I took because I needed a few extra credits; however, through the semester, it grew to be one of my favorite lectures. It was unlike any other course I had taken previously: it used a seminar-style format, focusing on peer interaction, self-reflection, and practical life skills instead of rigid academics. Through the course, I was able to reflect upon my future goals and, based on those goals, network with professionals already in the field through LinkedIn. Also, with the guidance of Professor Wu, I created my first resumé based on activities I had done over my first year at university. What’s student life like at SUNY Korea? Can you describe a typical day for you on campus? A typical day on campus is a mix of academic rigor and genuine connection. The is the intellectual demand of classes, but also the joy of seeing and connecting with other students in the midst of it all. I usually start the day with a 9am lecture, and my favorite place to spend time in between is the major room, where I study and chat with my friends. After lunch at the school cafeteria or the dorm kitchen, I usually exercise or attend my evening lectures. For dinner, I tend to eat on campus or head to nearby malls like Triple Street with my friends to eat out. In the evening, I find myself in the major room again, to study into the night. Most club meetings tend to occur late at night as well. Around midnight, I return to my dorm where I can get ready for bed – sometimes my friends and I gather around the dorm kitchen for some tea or go play basketball at a park near campus. What do you want to achieve during your student life at SUNY Korea? My main priority at SUNY Korea is, of course, academic excellence — but that's something all university students strive for. On top of that, I want to experience new things, step out of my comfort zone, and make connections with the people around me. SUNY Korea offers a unique academic environment where meeting people from different cultures is easier and natural. Beyond coursework I aim to translate my academic pursuits and personal interests into tangible actions. I am currently working on starting a solar-related automotive engineering project, bringing together an interdisciplinary team of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science students. Through this project I hope to apply academic knowledge to practical challenges to develop interdisciplinary problem-solving and collaborative skills. In a few years, I see myself at grad school, maybe even pursuing a Ph.D. My goal is to work in the field of mechanical engineering, particularly the aerospace or defense sectors. However, since I have only finished my freshman year, it is not a stretch to assume my career path and dreams may change over time as I gain more experience and discover new passions.
20260119 Hits 89
BM Department Broadens Student Experience Through Two Field Trips This semester, the Business Management Department organized two field trips that offered students meaningful exposure to innovation, industry trends, and professional career paths. On October 24, students visited the NAVER 1784 Building in Seongnam, where they explored NAVER’s next-generation smart office environment. The tour introduced students to AI-driven robotics, autonomous delivery systems, digital twin technologies, and other cutting-edge tools used to enhance workplace efficiency and collaboration. Many participants explained that the visit expanded their understanding of digital transformation and emerging business technologies. On November 28, the department’s US CPA Study Group visited KPMG Korea at the Gangnam Finance Center. Students learned about the firm’s structure, recruitment pathways, and the real career experiences of junior professionals. A special talk by Mr. Geun Gu Leem, Partner at KPMG Korea, offered insight into the firm’s growth and the evolving role of accounting professionals in the global market. Together, these two field trips provided valuable real-world perspectives, helping students connect classroom learning with industry practice. The BM Department looks forward to offering more experiential opportunities that support student growth and career readiness. Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)
2025.12.15 Hits 2066
SUNY Korea Supports Student Well-Being with Fall 2025 Finals Countdown Dinner On December 4, SUNY Korea Student Affairs hosted the Finals Countdown Dinner to help students prepare for their upcoming finals. During this event, students were provided with a meal to enjoy and a place to relax with friends and classmates in the SUNY Korea Lounge. This Dinner was a time when the students were uplifted and encouraged with a delicious meal, snacks, and drinks, along with words of encouragement from the staff and faculty at SUNY Korea. Students were given the option of eating in the SUNY Korea Lounge or taking their meals back to their residence halls. During a time of heightened stress as they prepare for finals, this event provided students with not only a healthy meal, but also an opportunity to connect with others, share in the joys of community, and be supportive of one another's efforts. The Countdown Dinner also illustrates SUNY Korea’s commitment to supporting student health and wellness, as well as academic achievement. Students were able to share a meal, receive encouragement from faculty, staff, and peers, take a break from their studies, and support one another during the most hectic time of the academic year. Written by Student Reporter, Moldir Salim (moldir.salim@stonybrook.edu)
2025.12.10 Hits 2298
Global Flavors Fiesta Celebrating Culture and Community at SUNY Korea In Fall 2025, the Global Flavors Fiesta returned to SUNY Korea with renewed energy, stronger community engagement, and even greater cultural diversity. Held on November 14, the event gave students the opportunity to experience traditional Mexican culture through authentic food, vibrant decorations, and a meaningful cultural performance inspired by Mexican traditions. Hosted by the International Student Association (ISA), the goal of this event was to create a space for students to experience global cultures through food, performance, and active participation. The theme for this year was "Viva México," to emphasize the beauty found in Mexican cooking and artistry, while still encouraging multicultural participation from our diverse student body. Beyond the festive atmosphere, the Global Flavors Fiesta served as an essential cultural platform for SUNY Korea students. Events like this provide opportunities for cross-cultural interaction, appreciation for global traditions, and a larger sense of belonging among students. Whether students choose to take part in the festival through cooking or performance, or simply come as an attendee, the Festival offers a place to build community and creative expression, while enriching transactional and social aspects of campus life. With SUNY Korea's and the university's growth as an international campus, projects such as the Global Flavors Fiesta played a valuable role in developing cultural appreciation and advancing meaningful experiences for students throughout their academic careers. By integrating food, art, and community, this event truly reflected the diversity of SUNY Korea students. Written by Student Reporter, Moldir Salim (moldir.salim@stonybrook.edu)
2025.11.19 Hits 2909
SUNY Korea’s “SUNY Eagles” Team Selected for Final Exhibition at 2025 Student Startup Promising Team 300+ Competition Six senior students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at SUNY Korea—Hyoung-Dong Jin, You-Sung Doh, Wha-Rang Shin, Sun-Jae Lee, Joon-Heong Kim, and Joo-Hyun Lee—have been selected as one of the Top 30 finalists in the Growth Track (A) category of the 2025 Student Startup Promising Team 300+ Competition, hosted by the Ministry of Education and organized by the National Research Foundation of Korea and the Korea Entrepreneurship Foundation. The SUNY Eagles will showcase their startup innovation, NanoTrace — a total solution for democratizing high-precision analytical instrumentation, at the final exhibition and evaluation, which will be held from October 29 to 31 at EXCO in Daegu. The event is part of the Industry-Academia-Research EXPO 2025, where selected university startup teams nationwide present their prototypes and business models before investors, accelerators, and industry experts. The Student Startup Promising Team 300+ Program aims to nurture entrepreneurial talent in Korea by discovering and supporting 300 promising student startup teams across the country through mentoring, commercialization training, and prototype support. Among these, only 30 outstanding teams are chosen for the final exhibition round NanoTrace, developed by the SUNY Eagles, focuses on making cutting-edge SERS-based analytical devices more accessible and affordable for real-world applications in environmental monitoring, food safety, and precision medicine. Further details about the team’s project and the competition can be found at https://www.u300.kr/ipo/detail/1/123.
2025.10.27 Hits 4235
SUNY Korea Student Wins 2025 WeGO Global Youth Award and Earns Admission to KAIST Graduate Program Joonhyeong Kim, a senior in the Mechanical Engineering Department, has received the WeGO Global Youth Award in the Advanced Technology category at the 2025 Global Youth Award Ceremony held at COEX, Seoul on October 1st, an event organized by the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO). WeGO is a youth capacity-building program that helps young people exchange knowledge and develop expertise in urban development, sustainability, and smart cities, with workshops held all over the world, such as in Geneva, New York, Kuala Lumpur, Athens, Milan, Brescia, and Seoul. This program recognizes exceptional young leaders who demonstrate strong potential in shaping the future of smart cities, advanced technologies, net-zero initiatives, social media impact, entrepreneurship, leadership, culture, and more. Joonghyeong Kim has demonstrated strong academic performance throughout his four years at SUNY Korea. Among his numerous achievements, he has been awarded 2nd place in the 2025 IGC Research Showcase, received an Excellence Prize in the Barrier-free Ideathon, and earned Honorable Mention Award in the 2023 IGC Research Showcase. He actively participated in many research labs, completed his 2025 summer internship at POSTECH, and was recognized by many professors in the ME Department for his academic excellence. These accomplishments have culminated in Joonghyeong receiving the Global Youth Award in the Advanced Technology category. Along with his achievement, he will be joining KAIST to pursue his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering next spring. SUNY Korea congratulates Joonhyeong Kim on these remarkable accomplishments. His recognition with the WeGO Global Youth Award and his admission to KAIST showcase not only his strong academic excellence and potential for advanced research in the field of mechanical engineering, but also SUNY Korea’s role in nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation in engineering and global collaboration.
2025.10.13 Hits 5766
Hana Academy School Alumni Reunite at SUNY Korea to Pursue Global Engineering Dreams Two alumni from Hana Academy School have embarked on their academic journey at Stony Brook University Korea, both choosing to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Soomin Lee joined in the Spring 2025 semester, and Deokwoong Han joined this Fall 2025 semester. Sharing a common dream of becoming future engineers, they discuss their aspirations, what they hope to achieve at SUNY Korea, and their plans for the future. Q1. Why did you choose SUNY Korea? Soomin Lee: For my dream of becoming a global engineer, SUNY Korea was the best place to fulfill my passion and curiosity for advanced science and technology. What really stuck out to me was all the courses held in English and being able to study with students from all around the world. Also, the amount of lab courses to get deeper into my studies made me choose SUNY Korea. Deokwoong Han: The most unique thing that stood out to me was being able to receive the same degree as the home campus. I aspire to pursue a career in the aerospace industry or 3D printing, and since the United States is at the forefront of these fields, I always considered studying abroad and finding a job there. SUNY Korea is the perfect fit for me because it allows me to receive an American degree and it can also prepare me for my future career in this global setting. Q2. What do you like most about SUNY Korea after being accepted here? Soomin Lee: I am very satisfied coming to a campus like SUNY Korea, especially the small student-to-faculty ratio. The close relationship with the professors helps academically because I am able to ask questions immediately. For example, in the Physics Lab class, if I have a question while conducting an experiment, I can ask right away and check if my experiment is going correctly. Additionally, connecting with students from all over the world, such as the United Sates, Canada, India, Singapore, Africa, and many more is something I am very satisfied with. Being able to study with students from all over the world helps me to think more deeply with different perspectives and allows me to brainstorm new ideas together with others. Deokwoong Han: What I like most is that all the classes are conducted in English. Honestly, I wasn’t very confident in English before, and being able to speak fluently in English felt like a distant dream. After attending several classes, I can now understand and communicate more effectively than before. Q3. What are some similarities or differences between SUNY Korea and a private high school class environment? Soomin Lee: When I first came to SUNY Korea, I thought SUNY Korea was a university version of Hana Academy School because of how similarly the classes were conducted in debate- and lab-oriented styles. However, I realized that SUNY Korea has a more interactive and open learning environment. Just as we had the “one student, two activities” approach to arts and culture at Hana Academy, here we can also enjoy various clubs and sports like swimming, volleyball, and dance with international friends, which makes campus life even more fun. Deokwoong Han: I don’t see a huge difference in the academics, but communication between students is much more open here. In high school, the competitiveness often prevented us from sharing information with each other. At SUNY Korea, the community-oriented environment makes it easier to connect and interact closely with other students. Q4. Why did you choose Mechanical Engineering as your major? Soomin Lee: My first encounter in the mechanical engineering field was when I was in 9th grade. I was able to build an Arduino Robot through Python in an Engineering Leader program at school and I really enjoyed this program because I always loved to build Legos or make things with my hands. The moment I wanted to choose mechanical engineering was in 10th grade, when I had the chance to participate in the Hyundai Mobis Junior Engineering Leader Autonomous Driving Competition. I won the competition by building an autonomous car which could be driven. I faced many challenges because I had to also focus on my schoolwork while preparing for this competition, but the joy/adrenaline I felt being able to create a moveable machine made me choose mechanical engineering. Deokwoong Han: I have loved robots since elementary school. When I got my first Power Ranger robot in kindergarten, I didn’t just play with it, I studied how it moved and how it was made. In 2nd grade, I joined a robotics club, which deepened my fascination with the endless possibilities of machines. From that point, I dreamed of studying mechanical engineering when I grew up. Q5. What subject or project did you like the most at Hana Academy School? Soomin Lee: The most interesting subject for me was autonomous driving. This field is special to me because I spent a lot of my time as a child in a car and often hoped for a day self-driving cars would come, especially when seeing my father tired after long drives. At Hana Academy School, I was able to participate in the Autonomous Competition, allowing me to explore deep into this field. Deokwoong Han: I have been interested in 3D printing since middle school and engaged in many related activities. I gave a lecture on 3D printing to the entire school and participated in an International Academic Symposium on 3D-printed food. These experiences helped me develop a clearer vision for the field I want to pursue in the future. Q6. Do you have any special memories with connecting with students here at this international setting? Soomin Lee: I am currently a Resident Advisor (RA), and I manage a dorm floor together with two other friends from Nepal and Nigeria. Together we advise residents and plan events. It was difficult at first to reach out to them, but now we’ve became close friends. One special memory for me was spending half a day in meetings, getting to know each other and learning about their cultures. Deokwoong Han: I haven’t had many opportunities to get to know international friends yet, but something personally that I thought was funny was that I didn’t know if I was supposed to greet them in English or Korean. There are some students at SUNY Korea who look Korean but can’t speak Korean, and there are many international students as well. At first, I would greet everyone in Korean, but now, I feel more comfortable approaching them and saying “hello.” Q7. Is there a unique point/thing you like about SUNY Korea? Soomin Lee: Students at SUNY Korea think of their future career and path seriously. Many have a concrete plan, whether it’s studying abroad, transferring, pursuing a global career, or attending graduate school. This motivates me to study harder, and it is easier to find teammates who share similar goals when working on projects. Deokwoong Han: I found the small campus size to be a major advantage. It’s easy to move between facilities, and the underground connections make it convenient even on rainy days. Except for busy times like the opening ceremony or dorm move-in, parking is also plentiful, which is very convenient. Q8. What is your favorite spot on campus? Soomin Lee: My favorite spot is the stairs in front of the cafeteria. When I look up from there, I can see the clear blue sky along with the SUNY Korea buildings. On windy days, it’s the perfect spot to site and take a break from all my schoolwork. I also use the study rooms next to the IGC Library; compared to the quiet study rooms, the study rooms are a more open space to study in groups. Deokwoong Han: I like the small pond located between the IGC building and SUNY Korea. After 10 PM, I am able to relax from all the stress with the nice quiet atmosphere accompanied by the sound of the frogs. Q9. What has been the most memorable moment of all the moments spent at SUNY Korea? Soomin Lee: The most memorable moment was spending time with my international friends during the Spring Festival. Especially, being able to watch the fashion show organized by the FIT students was a unique experience that I wouldn’t normally have at a university. I also cherished the time spent socializing with the professors at the Spring Festival. Deokwoong Han: My first day of school was the most memorable moment for me. It happened to be a Friday, so many students didn’t have classes, and the school was almost empty; it was so silent I was able to hear birds chirping. The moment I stepped into my first physics class, I thought to myself, “Is this really the first day of university?” The class was small and the atmosphere calm, which was very different from the energetic and exciting start I had imagined. I think that contrast made the day even more memorable. Q10. What are your future plans? Soomin Lee: I want to focus my engineering research on creating social value. My goal is to develop AI-powered autonomous companion vehicles to assist people with limited mobility, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with young children. Beyond next-generation autonomous vehicle systems, I hope to contribute to advanced, cross-disciplinary research in areas such as aerospace and underwater technology. Deokwoong Han: I am deeply interested in the aerospace industry and 3D printing. My dream is to integrate 3D printing into aerospace technology, either by working for an international company or conducting research at a specialized lab. I also plan to pursue graduate studies through SUNY Korea’s combined bachelor’s and master’s program. Q11. Are you excited to go to the States in the fall semester of your second year ? Soomin Lee: I am really excited to go to the New York campus since it will be my first time going to the United States. And it’s New York! There are so many things that I want to do while I’m there, and I am a little worried at the same time. One thing I want to do is to rent a car and drive, so I even got my driver’s license. Deokwoong Han: The first time I went to New York was when I was in elementary school, so I don’t remember much. I really look forward to going again. I especially want to visit Times Square at Christmas. I want to go to the States with the friends who joined this fall semester, and after coming back, I plan to serve in the Air Force as an aircraft maintenance soldier. Q12. What advice would you give to students who are considering coming to SUNY Korea? Soomin Lee: SUNY Korea is an excellent environment for gaining diverse experiences and building a global network. You can participate in clubs, projects, and competitions with international peers to broaden your perspective. Don’t only focus on preparing for your exams as a high school student, but enjoy the process of discovering your own path. Deokwoong Han: If you are determined to pursue opportunities abroad, SUNY Korea is a great choice. All courses are conducted in English, and there are many connections to global opportunities, making it ideal for preparing for an international career. Q13. How would you describe SUNY Korea in one phrase to your friends or family? Soomin Lee: “SUNY Korea is like a place where KAIST and Korea National University of Arts come together on one campus.” Deokwoong Han: “SUNY Korea is a place where the elite meet.” Q14. What is SUNY Korea to you? Soomin Lee: SUNY Korea is “Optimum” to me. I define SUNY Korea as an optimum campus, the most favorable environment, because SUNY Korea offers a customized environment to support my dream of being a global engineer as it offers courses in English, friends from diverse nationalities, and hands-on-experience courses. Therefore, coming to SUNY Korea was the best choice I made. Deokwoong Han: SUNY Korea is like a staff on a music sheet. I love music, and the step-by-step process of learning mechanical engineering at university is like drawing music notes on the staff, eventually forming a complete piece. As of now, it is not a finished song, but as I fill in the notes one by one, I believe one day I will be able to achieve a beautiful song – my career. The passion of these two students, which began at Hana Academy, has grown even stronger at SUNY Korea. They are developing into next-generation engineering talents ready to make their mark on the global stage. Each pursues their own path, one as a researcher creating social value, the other as a pioneer in aerospace and 3D printing, and we cheer on their ongoing journey and challenges.
2025.09.22 Hits 6160