Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  On August 23, SUNY Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) to promote the development of talented students. The signing ceremony was attended by President Arthur Lee, SMOE’s Director of Education Policy So-yeon Joo, and other key representatives from both institutions. The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation in education and research, paving the way for various initiatives to nurture young talent. A key aspect of the agreement is the introduction of a special admission program aimed at providing scholarships and educational opportunities to academically gifted students facing financial difficulties. The program will offer a pathway for these students to receive a global education and grow into future leaders. President Lee expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to have this opportunity to discover and educate more outstanding students through our partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. We look forward to launching diverse programs together to contribute to the growth and development of these students." Director Joo, speaking on behalf of Superintendent Hee Yeon Joe, emphasized the significance of the MOU, saying, "This agreement will serve as a stepping stone for high school students in Seoul to gain invaluable global education. The introduction of the ‘Social Integration Admissions’ program is especially meaningful as it aligns with Seoul's educational vision of realizing ‘Innovative Future Education of Coexistence, Where Diversity Thrives.’" This collaboration marks an important step for SUNY Korea, providing more inclusive and global education opportunities for students in the Seoul area.  

  SUNY Korea successfully held its Fall 2024 New Student Welcome Week and the Fall 2024 Convocation Ceremony for the new students of Stony Brook University (SBU) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) from August 16th to the 22nd.  The new freshmen had the opportunity to dive into their first week as university students during New Student Welcome Week. The week was packed with welcome events, orientations, campus tours, and fun activities with upperclassmen. It gave students a chance to learn more about the university, get oriented, and make new friends. The Convocation ceremony, held on Thursday, August 22nd, was attended by over 600 students and parents. The ceremony featured a welcome address by SUNY Korea President Arthur H. Lee, congratulatory speeches by SBU Executive Vice President and Provost Carl Lejuez and FIT President Joyce F. Brown, followed by a student oath, scholarship awards, and a SUNY Korea pin ceremony. For this fall semester, a total of 231 freshmen from 24 countries, including Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, and Turkey, have enrolled, surpassing the target number for the fall intake. Notably, students from Chile, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Syria have joined the SUNY Korea community for the first time, bringing the total number of nationalities represented at the university to 69. In his welcome address, President Arthur H. Lee warmly greeted the new students, stating, “SUNY Korea is the place where you explore new ideas, collaborate with peers, and learn from the best minds in each field to pursue your dreams. Remember that dreams are the seeds for future success, and always approach opportunities with curiosity and an open mind.” Following the Convocation ceremony, the new students from SBU’s six majors—Technology and Society, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Management—along with students from FIT’s two majors—Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management—will begin their semester on Friday, August 23.

        SUNY Korea professor Neal Dreamson was named a Top Scholar (0.5%) by ScholarGPS in the categories of Digital Electronics and Pedagogy for his strong publication record, the impact of his work, and the notable quality of his scholarly contributions. Neal Dreamson, who teaches in the Department of Technology and Society, was ranked 73rd in the world in the field of “Pedagogy” and 32nd in the world in the “Digital Electronics” category.  ScholarGPS (https://scholargps.com) provides rankings of individuals and institutions overall (in all fields), in 14 broad Fields (such as Medicine, Engineering, or Humanities), in 177 Disciplines (such as Surgery, Computer Science, or History), and in over 350,000 Specialties (such as Cancer, Artificial Intelligence, or Ethics). Professor Dreamson stated, “Research originality comes when we think outside the box, moving away from competitive thinking within domestic systems and pursuing contributions based on humanism. This eventually leads to competitiveness in the international community.” Dr. Neal Dreamson received his Ph.D. in Socio-Cultural Philosophy from the University of Queensland. He contributes to the Incheon community through roles in various educational committees and conducts future education research with the National Education Commission.            

<From Left to Right: Wada Yoshiaki, Member of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan; Pyungryun Yu, Vice President of SUNY Korea; Kada Hiroyuki, Member of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan>   Two members of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan visited SUNY Korea on August 7th to discuss ways to promote global education between the two counties. The Liberal Democratic Party has shown interest in Korea for its highly developed semiconductor companies and STEM-focused education. They especially expressed high interest in STEM education and industry-academic cooperation at SUNY Korea, a representative institution of global education.  Pyungryun Yu, Vice President of SUNY Korea, attended the meeting with Wada Yoshiaki and Kada Hiroyuki, Members of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan. They discussed the background and status of the establishment of the Incheon Global Campus and SUNY Korea, as well as the current status of industry-academia cooperation and future prospects. Wada Yoshiaki said, "I was able to hear about SUNY Korea after a visit to the State University of New York (SUNY), meeting with the Vice Chancellor, and I am very happy to understand and fully discuss the successful educational model of Korean campuses. I hope we will show deep interest in the achievements of STEM education and seek ways to cooperate with each other for the development of global talent and industry-academia cooperation in the future." “We are happy to introduce the excellent education system and industry-academic cooperation model of New York State University to Japanese political and research officials through this visit,” Vice-President Pyungryun Yu said. "We look forward to developing relations in the future through exchanges between the two countries."

  On Monday, July 23rd, 17 students from the Fashion Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) were invited to the newly opened Chanel & Moi – Les Ateliers Seoul. This location marks the fifth Chanel Les Ateliers worldwide, a significant milestone for the brand as the number “5” has significant meaning for the founder, Gabrielle Chanel, making the Seoul location particularly noteworthy. Recognizing the growing demand for high-end fashion in Korea, Chanel opened this latest atelier to connect more closely with its customers. The place not only offers a wide range of exclusive services but also provides comprehensive after-sales support for all Chanel products. One of the highlights is the opportunity for one-on-one connections with one of Chanel’s ‘Tailor Apprentice,’ a top specialist who possesses an in-depth understanding of the brand’s unique characteristics. During their visit, the FIT students participated in Chanel’s first-ever ‘Career Day’ at the new atelier. They were given a tour of the workshop and introduced to a special Chanel’s Apprentice Program. This recruitment initiative aims to educate and inspire young talent, fostering a new generation of designers who will continue the Chanel legacy. They were also given the opportunity to connect with the tailors and ask one-and-one questions about what it is like working at Chanel. The event emphasized the importance of building trust and maintaining strong relationships with loyal customers, highlighting how crucial it is to offer exceptional service. For the FIT students, this was a unique opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of a leading fashion house and potentially secure employment to further develop their skills.    

<Students from the NSLI-Y Program at the SUNY Korea Quad> The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Summer Immersion program offers high school students the chance to gain knowledge in critical foreign languages and cultures, funded by the U.S. government. Since 2013, SUNY Korea has hosted the NSLI-Y Korean Language and Culture Summer Immersion program in collaboration with Stony Brook University’s Center for Korean Studies. NSLI-Y offers instruction in several languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Turkish. Heejeong Sohn, the Associate Director of the Center for Korean Studies, directs the Korean language summer program. Under her direction, the program has thrived alongside the rapid development of Songdo. Initially, Songdo was still developing, but today it boasts modern amenities and efficient transportation, making it an attractive location for students. The six-week program features a rigorous curriculum with daily Korean language instruction and immersive cultural experiences. Students engage in real-life activities and field trips across Korea, deepening their understanding of Korean society and culture. The global popularity of K-pop, K-food, and K-dramas has increased interest in the Korean language and culture. As a result, the program requires students to have basic Korean language skills before arrival, enabling them to delve deeper into their studies. This year, 20 students from 16 states were selected from a competitive pool of 4,800 applicants. Hailey, a student in this year’s program, learned about NSLI-Y from a college counselor. Her interest in studying Korean and experiencing the culture was sparked during the pandemic while listening to K-pop. Starting with a basic understanding of Korean grammar and small conversations, her language skills improved significantly over the six weeks. "The culture is beautiful, the food is amazing, and the hard work, ethics, and appreciation for public property, family, and elders are really unique and special," she remarked. Another student, Emmanuel, cherished his experience during a temple stay in Gyeongju. He enjoyed conversing with a Buddhist monk and appreciated participating in the Buddhist lifestyle and the extensive walking involved.   Professor Heejeong Sohn, the Director of the NSLI-Y Korean Language and Culture program, is also the Assistant Director and Advanced Senior Lecturer in the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies at Stony Brook University. She earned her Ph.D. from Stony Brook University, where she studied history and taught Korean, eventually establishing the Center for Korean Studies.           <Left: Heejeong Sohn, Director of the NSLI-Y Korean Language Program, RIGHT: Hailey and Emmanuel, students from the NYSLI-Y Korean Language Program>

  Meet Provost and Professor Hamid Hefazi at SUNY Korea. In this interview, he shares valuable insights into the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) and his journey to joining IGC. He discusses how IGC offers a global education and a diverse range of experiences within Korea's advanced technological society. Click here to watch the full interview: LINK

  SUNY Korea professor Seung-Bok Choi was recognized last month with a prestigious “Best Researcher Award” for International Research Awards on Sensing Technology from the journal Sensors. Choi, a distinguished professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has published 6 papers in the journal over the last year. His recent publications include: i) "Sensor-Less Control of Mirror Manipulator Using Shape Memory Polyimide Composite Actuator: Experimental Work,” Sensors, vol. 24, no. 12, June 2024, Article No. 3910 (19pp), doi.org/10.3390/s24123910 ii) "Sensors and Sensing Devices Utilizing Electrorheological Fluids and Magnetorheological Materials – A Review,” Sensors, vol. 24, no. 9, May 2024, Article No. 2842 (23pp), doi.org/10.3390/s24092842  iii) “A Novel Tactile Sensing System Utilizing Magnetorheological Structures for Dynamic Contraction and Relaxation Motions,” Sensors, vol. 23, no. 22, November 2023, Article No. 9035 (17pp), doi.org/10.3390/s23229035. (Video Link: https://encyclopedia.pub/video/video_detail/1020) Sensors is an international open-access journal published by MDPI that covers research on sensors. Along with the IEEE Sensors Journal, it is one of the leading journals in the field. Professor Choi received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Inha University, and MS and PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. He has been serving as a leading professor at SUNY Korea since March 2021 after retirement from Inha University. He has published over 700 SCI journal papers so far, 80 SCI journals with SUNY Korea, and was ranked #1 scholar in the world evaluated by ScholarGPS.com in the area of vibration control.   

  SUNY Korea Professor Chihmao Hsieh won 2nd place in a nationwide competition at the 2024 Culture Communication Forum, hosted by the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI). The CICI is a non-profit organization accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dedicated to showcasing the essence of Korea’s image to the world. The theme of the competition was “New Korea Ideas Contest”, aimed at identifying new ways in which Korean culture could be shared with the rest of the world.  Out of 256 projects submitted to this competition, 15 finalists were showcased on the final day at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Professor Hsieh won the “Excellence Award” for giving a presentation on how the “K-gestures,” including the finger heart and other well-known hand gestures in Korea’s informal communication culture, could be spread commercially around the world via logo design, as well as campaigns involving tailor-made animated characters or Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok reels. The judges for the competition included CJ Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, Hyungji Group VP Choi Jun-Ho, Ambassador Hotel Group Seo Jung-ho, PMC CEO Song Seung-whan, Flitto CEO Lee Jung-Soo, and nearly a dozen National Ambassadors to Korea. The event and Professor Hsieh’s award were mentioned on Arirang TV and TV Chosun, as well as in a dozen newspapers.    

  On June 16th, 2024, in SUNY Korea's CDC office, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sunghyun Sean Lee, professor and team leader of Career Development Center (CDC), to uncover the essence of the Career Development Center and its pivotal role in shaping student careers. The CDC serves as a guide for students’ next chapter in life, offering tailored support in internships, job placements, and postgraduate paths aligned with their majors. It helps connect students with diverse opportunities—from webtoon and beauty companies to AI firms and international corporations—making summer internships readily accessible. According to Professor Sean Lee, preparation is key for securing a CDC’s summer internship programs. Fluency in both Korean and English, along with thorough interview readiness, is essential because the summer internship programs fill-up quickly. There have been many cases of successful outcomes from past students' internship experiences, as they were able to learn through real-world experiences that led to promising careers.  What sets apart a CDC summer internship? Beyond gaining hands-on experience in their field, students acquire practical skills and the chance to earn income, enriching their academic journey with invaluable workplace insights. Why pursue a CDC summer internship? Internships show employers that students are prepared and reliable. They help students learn life skills and develop a strong work ethic during summer breaks. Looking ahead, SUNY Korea's Career Development Center remains committed to empowering students with the tools needed to thrive in today's competitive job market. With diverse internship and volunteer opportunities, the CDC continues to shape the career path for SUNY Korea's students. These summer internship programs provided by CDC will not only offer you a diverse experience, but will also set a path for your future success.    Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)  

  SUNY Korea celebrated the illustrious career of Professor Emeritus James Larson on Wednesday, June 5th. The event, which commenced at noon in Academic Building A402, honored Dr. Larson’s significant contributions to the institution and the field of ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development).  Dr. Larson has been a distinguished faculty member at SUNY Korea since 2014. During his tenure, he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chair of the Department of Technology and Society, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to academic excellence. His recognition as an Emeritus Professor marks a historic first for SUNY Korea.   Here is a short interview with Professor Larson.  Please introduce yourself. I first came to Korea in early 1971 at age 23 as an American Peace Corps Volunteer and taught English at Kangwon National University in Chuncheon. Over fifteen years later I returned to Korea as a Senior Fulbright Scholar at Yonsei University in the Department of Mass Communication. In 1996 I joined the staff of the Fulbright Commission (Korean-American Educational Commission) in Seoul and have been living and working in Korea continuously since then. How do you feel about your retirement as the first Emeritus Professor in SUNY Korea (and the Department of Technology and Society)? I am genuinely honored and humbled to be designated as SUNY Korea's first Professor Emeritus. It will allow me to continue my association with this history making venture in international education as I enter the retirement phase of my career. I know that others will follow as SUNY Korea continues to grow and thrive. Could you introduce some of your accomplishments while in SUNY Korea? The privilege of co-authoring the book Digital Development in Korea: Lessons for a Sustainable World 2nd ed., London: Routledge 2020 with SUNY Korea's founder and honorary president Dr. Oh Myung was my major achievement. Other main accomplishments included introduction of the ICT4D specialization in the curriculum of the DTS and establishment of strong working relationships with both the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Songdo and SafeNet Forum, Korea's multi-stakeholder organization dedicated to oversight of Korea's efforts to build the world's first nationwide public safety network. Finally, I've enjoyed teaching and developing several new courses, most recently EST 204 Modern Digital Technologies and Innovation, into which I've introduced critical use and understanding of generative AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini. I am confident to say Dr. Larson helped SUNY Korea to grow this much successfully. What are your thoughts on the future of SUNY Korea? I believe SUNY Korea has a bright future, based in part on the wisdom of its founders and the acknowledged excellence of its two schools, Stony Brook University and FIT. The departments represented here and the curriculum are particularly well-matched for Korea, given this nation's status as the only developing country in the world to so effectively harness the power of information and communications technology (ICT) for national development. Korea's digital transformation was accompanied by tremendous growth and change in the fashion industry, including global recognition. Could you speak about the future outlook of the Technological Systems Management field, especially ICT4D?  As to the technological systems management field, current changes including the arrival of generative artificial intelligence (AI) suggest that there will be new employment opportunities for graduates who are AI literate and equipped to deal with both the positive and negative aspects of this new technology. There will likely be future management challenges across many related technologies including, to name a few, robotics, quantum computing, biotech, and nuclear fusion. I believe that graduates of SUNY Korea will be well equipped to deal with the challenges of AI if indeed it turns out to be the next big wave of technology change. Lastly, do you have any words of advice for the students?  Always keep in mind the new imperative of global sustainability, as all of our best human efforts will be for nothing if life on planet earth cannot be nurtured and sustained.    Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)  

  SUNY Korea held its Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony and the AAS Exhibition for FIT’s graduating class of 2024 Fashion Design students on June 14th. Spring 2024 Commencement  A total of 158 people graduated, including 81 from five departments from Stony Brook University – Computer Science, Technology & Society, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Business Management – and 77 from the Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management Departments of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). During the commencement ceremony, Arthur H. Lee, President of SUNY Korea, sincerely congratulated the graduates. He emphasized the SUNY Korea spirit to the graduates, urging them to put into action the knowledge acquired during their university years, execute their plans, and share these efforts with those around them to contribute to making a better world. Deborah Klesenski, FIT’s Associate Vice President for Faculty and Student Academic Support Programs, gave a congratulatory speech. She praised the students for their hard work and advised the graduates to be artists who always question their own perspectives, emphasizing that what makes an individual's life special is their story. She encouraged them to never abandon three essential elements – art, passion, and friends – in order to better endure the various chapters of life. Klesenski reminded the graduates that their efforts and perseverance can lead to significant achievements in the future. Carl Lejuez, Chairman of SUNY Korea LLC, also attended the graduation ceremony. He stated, "There is no predetermined correct path in life; I hope you walk a journey that is meaningful to you." He expressed gratitude for the students' dedication, which has enabled SUNY Korea to become a more advanced educational institution. AAS Exhibition The AAS Exhibition, organized by the graduates of FIT's Fashion Design Department, featured the theme of "Thierry Mugler." All garments on display were designed and produced by the graduating class of 2024 in remembrance of Thierry Mugler's design legacy. Mark-Evan Blackman, Fashion Design Chair, praised all the students for their hard work these past two years, and said, “This event allows you to appreciate a variety of skills, including illustration and color analysis, as well as the high-quality draping, flat patterns, and advanced sewing techniques that FIT is renowned for.” The exhibition will be open free of charge from June 14 to September 7. To watch the Commencement Video, CLICK HERE To watch the AAS Exhibition Video, CLICK HERE  

  As the semester draws to a close, SUNY Korea's Student Services hosted the Spring 2024 Finals Countdown Dinner on June 5th at the SUNY Korea Quad. Before the final exams, 300 students gathered in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. The goal of this dinner was to provide students with a break from preparation for final exams so they could relax and spend time with each other. Participants were served a wide variety of food including chips, coffee, drinks, fruits, kimbap, and ramen, ensuring there was enough dinner for everyone. In order to improve the outdoor experience, picnic mats were supplied to enable attendees to comfortably enjoy their meals in a natural environment. Additionally, by bringing their own bags to carry the food, students expressed dedication to sustainability which effectively reduced waste and promoted environmental responsibility. The Spring 2024 Finals Countdown Dinner was an enjoyable event that united the SUNY Korea community and offered a refreshing break before the final exam period. This event not only helped to reduce stress but also strengthened the bonds between students. The participants were reminded of the supportive and active community they are part of, which surely contributes to their overall academic experience.  Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (Amirbek.Zokirov@stonybrook.edu)  

    On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the SUNY Korea Mechanical Engineering Final Project Showcase was successfully held at the Incheon Global Campus. The event provided a platform for students to present their creative and innovative projects. The event began with an open viewing of the Doosan Dream Makerspace. Participants had the opportunity to explore various mechanical equipment and view the projects created by the students. The opening remarks were given by Dr. Hamid Hefazi, chair of the Mechanical Engineering department. Dr. Hefazi commended the students for their hard work and emphasized the importance of the showcase as a significant opportunity for academic growth. Students from three Mechanical Engineering classes were able to present their projects with a focus on real-world industrial applications, sharing in-dept research and experimental results. The ME classes include: the MEC 101 project presentations, the MEC 530: Applied Stress Analysis project presentations, and the MEC 440 project presentations. The projects presented were not only a display of academic prowess but also highlighted the practical application of engineering principles to solve real-world problems.  Through this event, students were able to gain invaluable experience in presenting their work, receiving constructive feedback, and engaging in intellectual discourse with their audience. The showcase underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration in engineering, encouraging students to push the boundaries of their knowledge and skills. SUNY Korea's Mechanical Engineering Department remains committed to fostering an environment that nurtures academic excellence and practical expertise. By continuing to hold such events, the department aims to equip students with the necessary tools to excel in their future careers, drive technological advancements, and contribute meaningfully to society.     Written by Student Reporter, Suhyun Kim (suhyun.kim@stonybrook.edu)

      On Saturday, June 1st, the Business Management Department hosted the BM Open House for enrolled students’ parents. Around 70 attendees, including SUNY Korea parents, professors, and staff joined the event. The BM Open House aims to provide an opportunity for the parents of current students to learn more about the offerings of the Business Management Department and the university, as well as to foster networking among the parents.   Provost Hamid Hefazi and BM Chair Jeehong Kim gave the opening remarks. Provost Hefazi emphasized the importance of parental support in managing academic stress faced by students in today’s modern society. Chair Kim then welcomed the guests and elaborated on the school's vision and the strengths of the Business Management Department. He also discussed the faculty and their contributions to the program.    Following this, Professor Sunghyun Lee, the Team Leader of the Career Development Center, detailed the career opportunities available to students, highlighting their success and placements in elite companies and graduate schools. Additionally, current undergraduate Hyeonik Park shared insights into campus life at SUNY Korea from a student's perspective.   The event concluded with a mingling session where professors and parents engaged in more detailed discussions about the BM department. The BM Open House provided a comprehensive insight into the Business Management Department for the parents of current students, helping them understand their children's academic journey and how they can support their children's academic and career success.