Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  SUNY Korea’s 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony took place on December 13, 2024, at the IGC Auditorium. The event celebrated the achievements of 77 graduates, including students from both the main campus and SUNY Korea. The graduates represented various departments, including Computer Science, Technology and Society, Mechanical Engineering, Business Management, and Applied Mathematics and Statistics. The ceremony opened with a welcome speech by Professor Hamid Hefazi, who served as the anchor for the event. This was followed by a congratulatory speech from President Arthur H. Lee of SUNY Korea. President Lee encouraged the graduates to take the knowledge and skills they had gained during their time at SUNY Korea and use them to create meaningful contributions to society. Following that, the Valedictorian of the 2024 graduating class, Jinkyu Lee, delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. He urged his fellow graduates to never give up on their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may encounter along the way. A significant highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Dr. Kim Bong Gun received his Ph.D. in Computer Science, while Dr. Kim Saebom was awarded her Ph.D. in Technology and Society. These achievements were celebrated as symbols of academic dedication and excellence. The event continued with the awarding of certificates to the Fall 2024 graduates. Among the 77 graduates, many earned prestigious honors such as Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude, reflecting their exceptional academic achievements and high cumulative GPAs. The ceremony concluded with a group photograph of the graduates alongside SUNY Korea’s faculty and staff. This moment marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the graduates, who were filled with pride and joy as they celebrated their accomplishments. As these brilliant and ambitious individuals step into the next chapter of their lives, we bid them farewell with confidence that they will make a lasting impact on the world. SUNY Korea is proud to have been a part of their journey and looks forward to seeing them become leaders and history-makers in their respective fields. Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)  

  The 2024 SUNY Korea Research Challenge showcased the remarkable talents of 79 students from Stony Brook University (SBU) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The event aimed to cultivate creativity, independence, and innovative thinking in research and entrepreneurship. Moreover, participants worked collaboratively to develop ideas for patents and startups, as well as solutions for social causes, all tied to this year’s theme of R&D and entrepreneurship. A total of 36 teams competed, comprising 32 students from SBU and 47 students from FIT. These diverse teams united their efforts to create groundbreaking projects. The event was a recognition of SUNY Korea’s excellence in research and collaboration. SUNY Korea announced the winners of this year’s prestigious research awards following a rigorous evaluation process. A panel of judges from various academic departments assessed the projects based on two main criteria: research excellence and potential for industry-academia collaboration. Three teams emerged victorious, receiving accolades for their innovative contributions and practical applications in bridging academia and industry. Furthermore, the celebration of this cutting-edge research was done through various awards. Saebom Jin, a Ph.D. candidate from SBU’s Department of Technology and Society, was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Research for her groundbreaking work titled "Leveraging Data-Driven Innovation and Digital Technologies for Sustainable Transformation in Urban Disaster Risk Management." Her research highlights how data-driven strategies can effectively mitigate urban disaster risks. Following this, the Vice-Presidential Award for Industrial Potential was awarded to Hansol Lim, Jee Won Lee, and Hanbeam Chang from SBU’s Mechanical Engineering Department. Their project, "EV-PINN: A Physics-Informed Neural Network for Predicting Electric Vehicle Dynamics," focuses on developing a real-time energy management system for electric vehicles.  Subsequently, Roman Jano Rabo, a Master's Degree Program student from SBU’s Mechanical Engineering Department, received the Executive Director’s Award for Industrial Potential. His research, "Tidal Power for Low-Energetics Flows in ASEAN Region: A Case in Awasan Bay, Surigao del Norte, Philippines," explores innovative approaches to renewable energy.       Additionally, the challenge also featured a poster exhibition held on December 2, 2024, in the lobby of Building C at SUNY Korea. The exhibition displayed research from 34 teams, encompassing a wide range of disciplines and encouraging intellectual exchange. After all is said and done, to strengthen the academia-industry connection, the annual Research Challenge exemplifies SUNY Korea’s commitment to fostering research excellence and transforming innovative ideas into practical applications. By bridging academia and industry, the event not only celebrates outstanding achievements but also addresses global challenges through collaboration and ingenuity.

  On Saturday, December 7th, FIT students and faculty went to Hanyang University Erica Campus to learn from and connect with fashion experts from around the world. This conference, held by the Korean Society of Fashion Business, focused on the future of K-Fashion as we enter the digital age, and what this means for sustainability. The conference had two keynote lecturers, the first being Professor Ali Howell Abolo, from Drexel University, USA. Her presentation explored reviewing a company's sustainability through multiple lenses: not simply through an eco-friendly frame but a social and economic one as well. Afterwards, Shuxin Cheng, Co-founder of SCRY, spoke about the beauty of innovation through digital design and launches, showing how growing a brand digitally can reap big rewards sustainably. Between the two speakers, the audience was able to gain inspiration on how to go about promoting holistic sustainability; additionally, they learned a new model of business creation by going virtual. Following the keynote lecture, an international forum was held by four speakers: Alexander Ruth, founder of PROFESSOR; Jimmyn Parc, professor at the University of Malaya; Jin-Hee Yoon, director of the entertainment division at JTBC; and Jaewon Sheol, editor-in-chief of Cultura. Each focused on different aspects of fashion and media as it concerns Korea on the global stage, from set design, to film, to K-pop. Their executive insight was a large inspiration to the many fashion leaders, professors, and students who attended. The discussions led to casual networking and the growth of new concepts as attendees bounced ideas and asked questions concerning the future of fashion business and design.   The Korean Society of Fashion Business was founded in 1996 to nurture a relationship between academia and fashion. The committee hosts conferences, publishes research, and promotes international exchanges to develop the presence of Korean fashion initiatives globally. This conference was an eye-opening opportunity for FIT students and faculty to expand their knowledge and think critically about the current global shifts in the industry as times change and interest in the Korean market expands.           Written by Student Reporter, Kenessa Washington (kenessa_washington@fitnyc.edu)

  On Thursday, December 5, 2024, SUNY Korea hosted its annual Mechanical Engineering Final Project Showcase from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Doosan Dream Makerspace (IGC Building B1093). The event provided students with an opportunity to present their innovative projects to peers, faculty, and visitors. Projects ranged from AI-based pothole detection systems to student-manufactured items and even casino slot machine prototypes which reflected the creativity and engineering skills of participants.  The showcase featured three main sections: MEC 440/441 project presentations, MEC 325 project showcases, and MEC 101 presentations. Dr. Hamid Hefazi delivered the opening remarks, setting the start for an engaging and insightful event. Closing remarks concluded the showcase at 6:00 PM, celebrating the students’ hard work and achievements.  Claire, a senior participant, shared her reflections on the experience: “The senior design project was a challenging but rewarding experience. Over the course of a year, my team and I worked through countless iterations, using tools like CAD and FEA simulations to design, prototype, and refine our idea. Our journey wasn’t always smooth—there were plenty of late nights troubleshooting and rethinking our approach—but those moments taught me the value of teamwork and adaptability. Presenting our project at the ME final showcase was a proud moment. It felt amazing to share what we had worked so hard on with peers, professors, and our advisor. Seeing everything come together made all the effort worth it and reinforced my passion for hands-on engineering and problem-solving.” The event not only highlighted the students’ technical knowledge and problem-solving skills, but also demonstrated their creativity skills and teamwork. As the event came to a close, the showcase served as an important reminder for students to address real world challenges and inspire a passion for their engineering interests.  Written by Student Reporter, Yeongeun Ahn (yeongeun.ahn@stonybrook.edu)    

    November 29th, 2024, was a memorable night for the SUNY Korea community. The annual Year-End Party was held at the IGC Banquet Hall, where many students, staff, and faculty gathered to celebrate and close out the year. This year’s theme was Casino, and the games and dress code were aligned with the casino theme. During the party, there was a talent show along with special guest appearances to electrify the crowd. There were a total of 9 performances, all of which were fantastic and showed a new side of people many didn't know existed. The attendees enjoyed finger foods and holiday desserts throughout the event and played a variety of casino-inspired games to win prizes. It was the perfect way to close out the year. The talent show was undoubtedly one of the evening's highlights, featuring captivating performances including a looping DJ, a band performance by our talented faculty members, and many more outstanding performances. Each act showcased the incredible talents and creativity within the SUNY Korea community, leaving the audience mesmerized and cheering for more. Among the standout performances, U-Do Band took first place with a remarkable singing performance accompanied by piano, followed by 1018 with a lovely duet dance performance. Third place went to Bohyeon Lee, who showcased an excellent singing voice. In addition to the talent on stage, the night celebrated personal style with the Best Dressed Award, recognized the most voted individuals with the People of the Year Award, and honored those who won the most chips in the casino games. The Year-End Party was an unforgettable event for everyone, offering a brief but refreshing break from the hectic schedules of wrapping up the semester. 1st Place: U-Do Band   2nd Place: 1018   3rd Place: Bohyeon Lee             Written by Student Reporter, Alicia Garringer (alicia.garringer@stonybrook.edu)  

  A special lecture was held for Business Management students on November 27, 2024. The special lecture, "Aging Society and its Business Opportunities," was given by guest speaker Jungwon Lee, the Head of Healthcare Business at LG Electronics. Jungwon Lee spoke about the declining birth rate in Korea, and what that means for the future of electronics. He shared examples of products that failed and succeeded amongst the old and young generations, such as at-home beer brewers and water filters. Jungwon Lee displayed products from the past and the future, and explained how they will change with the aging population.     The lecture drew an audience of over 50 students and more than 10 faculty and staff members. The event was not only an academic success but also an inspiring reminder of the importance of staying informed and adaptable in an ever-changing business industry. By addressing real-world issues and offering actionable insights, Jungwon Lee's lecture exemplified the kind of forward-thinking education that SUNY Korea strives to provide for its Business Management students.                 Written by Student Reporter, Alicia Garringer (alicia.garringer@stonybrook.edu)  

    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)

After experiencing a stroke, nearly 60 percent of survivors continue to suffer from persistent impaired upper limb function and weakness. This impacts a person’s ability to perform routine daily activities like eating, pouring a drink, putting on clothing and, ultimately, on quality of life. To help improve the lives of these patients, is the first healthcare system on Long Island to implant an FDA-approved technology for ischemic stroke survivors that improves upper limb function for those who have not regained mobility after active rehabilitation therapy, even years later.  Click here to read the original article.

  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.

The New York Climate Exchange, a first-of-its-kind organization working to implement innovative climate solutions in New York City and across the globe, has announced a $10 million gift from Stony Brook University alumnus Glenn Dubin ’78, Hon. ’12 and his wife, Eva Andersson-Dubin, MD. The pledge will be used to support The Exchange’s critical capital projects, faculty research, community programs, student activities, and conferences, among other operational activities. “In its first year of operation, The Exchange has begun to show how our unique partner network can drive forward climate solutions,” said Stephen Hammer, chief executive officer of The Exchange. “We’re grateful to the Dubin Family Foundation for this very generous gift which will help us dramatically expand the scale of impact we can have on pressing climate challenges and opportunities.” Richard L. McCormick, co-chair of The New York Climate Exchange Board of Directors and interim president of Stony Brook University, added: “The Exchange provides a platform for researchers and experts from multiple disciplines, institutions and nations to come together to tackle one of our world’s most pressing challenges. We are incredibly grateful to Glenn and Eva for their partnership and for their investment in the critical work that is taking place in this global hub of education, research, and action.” Click here to read the original article.

  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)  

On November 19, FIT held A Celebration of National Native American Heritage Month, a full day of panel discussions and performances featuring Indigenous designers and creatives. The special event was timed to Red Shawl Day, a day of remembrance honoring murdered and missing Indigenous people and Alaska Natives, especially women and children. FIT’s Social Justice Center cohosted the conference with 4KINSHIP, a retail brand and shop in New Mexico, founded by FIT alumna Amy Denet Deal, that sells sustainable clothing and accessories designed by Denet Deal and other Indigenous artists. Before founding her business in 2022, Denet Deal designed for major corporate brands, such as Reebok and Puma. She grew up in Indiana and was raised by an adoptive family, but always felt the desire to connect with her Navajo heritage. In 2019, she decided to move to New Mexico to start that journey. Click here to read the original article.