Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  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)  

Members of the award-winning Office of Marketing and Communications (left to right): Susan Tito, Margot Bennett, Karen Leibowitz, John Griffin, Allison Schwartz, Allie Seal and Jaime Woll. Stony Brook University was honored with 11 awards at the 2024 State University of New York Council for University Advancement (SUNYCUAD) Awards for Excellence, presented at the annual SUNYCUAD Educational Conference in June. The SUNYCUAD Awards for Excellence program rewards the best efforts of talented and creative professionals throughout the SUNY system. Juries with professional experience in the specific categories determine the winners, and judging is hosted and coordinated by colleagues from SUNY institutions. Click here to read the original article.  

  As Stony Brook University’s Student Health Services continues to add new services for students, it is also not resting on its laurels. The department recently received accreditation through the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Services (AAAHS) after a challenging and thorough review of its facilities and offerings.  “[This is] not required but we do this to raise the bar,” said Marisa Bisiani, associate vice president of Health, Wellness and Prevention Services in the Division of Student Affairs. Bisiani explained that this rigorous accreditation surveys a multitude of things, including quality metrics and student satisfaction, and looks at services offered to students. “They survey every single facet of our operation from a medical perspective, our policies, how we practice, how well we practice,” she said. “They also look at our environment of care — is the environment safe and clean. Everything.” Click here to read the original article.

“Glorified Expectations” by Sarah Neil   In just three years of intensive study, the 16 students in the graduating class of the 2024 Master of Fine Arts in Illustration became a cohesive group, according to Brendan Leach, associate chair of the program. Their artistic connection is evident in the visual thesis exhibition, Flood, which opened in early June in Gallery FIT at The Museum at FIT; it continues through June 30. Click here to read the original article.

  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)  

  Habin Lee, the recent PETE Award winner and FIT graduate, shares her inspiring journey from SUNY Korea FIT to New York. In this interview, she discusses her experiences, inspirations, and vision for the future as a fashion designer and entrepreneur. Habin highlights her dream of studying in New York and launching her innovative athletic wear brand, Ranea, showcasing her dedication and creativity in the industry.   Introduce yourself  My name is Habin Lee. I am a graduate of FIT Spring 2023. I received an AAS degree in Fashion Design at FIT SUNY Korea and received a BS degree in Technical Design at FIT New York. I am a fashion designer and an entrepreneur, running the athletic wear brand, Ranea, in New York.  Can you explain your brand, Ranea? Ranea is a therapeutic athletic wear brand that aims to create garments which prevent injuries and increase comfort. Ranea aims to alleviate the wearer’s physical pain during rehabilitation and remind people of the joy of having an active lifestyle. What is the PETE Prize competition about?  PETE Prize is an entrepreneurial competition hosted by DTech from FIT. It is funded by Peter G. Scotese with the initial funding of Edwin Goodman. PETE Prize is awarded to a visionary entrepreneur with an innovative idea. It is an entrepreneurship competition. Anyone with innovative ideas can apply. You can go to the PETE Prize website or the FIT DTech website to apply. Can you explain what you created and the inspiration behind it? I have created a zone-compression top that targets specific muscle groups to provide higher stabilization for agility movements. I was inspired by my injury history. After experiencing sciatica pain for almost a year, I had to adjust my lifestyle and training regime to recover from the injury and prevent it in the future. I wanted a garment that could help me through the unknown process. More specifically, I wanted a garment that could provide core stability while I rebuild muscle mass and strength again.  Were there any difficulties throughout the design process?  Since I am not a textile expert nor have years of experience in athletic apparel design, I had to experiment a lot. I think believing in my hypothesis until I proved it through a physical prototype was the biggest challenge. However, I was able to receive so much help from the DTech and FIT professors, who guided me through the experimentation.  How did you get to know about FIT – New York and how did you apply?  I have known of FIT since I was a kid. I think it is a well-known school, especially if you dream of working in the fashion industry.  I studied at Hong Kong Polytechnic University before I applied to SUNY Korea. I joined SUNY Korea in 2019 to transfer to FIT. I then continued my studies in New York because I was interested in the diverse and creative culture of the city. New York is also one of the best cities for young entrepreneurs. I expected to gain more opportunities to connect with the NY fashion network through FIT. FIT is well-known for its huge alumni group with reliable board members in the fashion industry. I went to New York right after graduating from the AAS program in 2021. I then graduated from the BS program in NY in Spring 2023.  Would you like to share any messages or advice for upcoming SUNY Korea FIT students planning to continue their studies at FIT New York or Milan after earning their AAS degree?  Don’t be shy to connect with people. Everything you want to achieve will happen through your connections. Professor Bess, the former Chair of FIT Korea Fashion Design, always emphasized that your career should be pulled up by your community. Any future or career goals you would like to achieve?  I would like to successfully launch Ranea in Q3 2024 and run the company for at least five years with the help of the sports community. It is my dream to see people wearing Ranea at the gyms. When Ranea kicks off and settles down, I would like to launch an MTO service for professional athletic teams. My personal goal is to learn woodworking soon.  Click Here For More

  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  

Photo by Jez Coulson, used with permission   Nine students and alumni from the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ) were part of a team that won one national and one regional award for a series of stories that aired on WSHU Public Radio earlier this year. The students were part of a 13-person team at WSHU to create a multi-part story, Trash Talkin’, about waste and environmental justice on Long Island.  The awards were a Folio Award, given by the Fair Media Council, and a Continuing Coverage Award, from the Public Media Journalists Association. Click here to read the original article.  

  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)  

Corey Moran, board member, FIT Foundation; Jerry Vittoria, president, Fine Fragrance Worldwide; Dr. Brooke Carlson, interim dean, School of Graduate Studies, FIT; Robin Burns-McNeill, chair, FIT Board of Trustees; Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president, FIT; Dr. Yasemin Jones, interim vice president, Academic Affairs, FIT; and Stephan Kanlian, chair, Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management MPS, FIT.   On Monday, June 3, during a joint meeting of the advisory boards of FIT’s Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management (CFMM) and Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing (CFM) programs, the college formally opened the Beauty Center at FIT, a dynamic research center for the beauty industry dedicated to global business strategy and consumer trends located in Midtown Manhattan. In partnership with the beauty industry, the center will contribute thought leadership to the beauty sector, which is expected to continue to grow at impressive rates on the heels of nearly 20 percent growth since 2018, according to Cosmoprof North America, the leading B2B beauty trade show in the Americas. A successful education partner to the beauty industry for over 35 years, FIT is also the only college in the United States with a state-of-the-art fragrance and cosmetics laboratory. Now, with the addition of the Beauty Center, the college will accelerate its ability to predict market trends, identify strategic business opportunities, and build on its record of global research success. Past research by CFMM has incorporated extensive field study work in markets ranging from Asia to the Middle East and North Africa to Europe. On June 26, the Class of 2024 will unveil its latest research study, “The Future of Accessible Beauty.” (RSVP to attend in person here, or watch the livestream here.) Click here to read the original article.

    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.    

  It is said that the most important quality of a good game is its “replayability.” The same might be said about Stony Brook’s annual Game Programming Competition, presented by the Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Not only did the event recently celebrate its 20th anniversary, but it has maintained relationships that go all the way back to the very first one in 2004.  On May 10, the SAC Auditorium hosted the 2024 event before a live crowd and was broadcast with the help of Stony Brook TV live on Twitch. Richard McKenna, lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and founder and coordinator of the competition, said the event grew out of the game programming course he first taught in 2004.  Click here to read the original article.

  Each semester, SUNY Korea's student club “MATE” prepares a theatrical performance for students, faculty, and staff at the Incheon Global Campus. This semester, the club hosted a two-day performance on May 28th and 29th, running from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM each night, with a total runtime of approximately two hours. Around 100 people attended each performance. As a part of the Incheon Global Campus Union of Clubs, this semester’s MATE consists of 23 members.  This semester’s production was “How Are You,” a musical theater piece featuring several musical numbers aimed at captivating the audience’s attention. The storyline revolves around a main character who regrets hearing about his past love’s news of marriage. An angel appears to offer him a chance to revisit the past and change his future. In the end, altering the past proves to be no easy task. Despite the main character’s inability to win back his love, he discovers valuable insights throughout the journey; similarly, the female protagonist also achieves a happy ending. Sooyeon Lim from FIT, the director for this semester, concluded the production with a message for the audience, emphasizing the significance of the present moment. She remarked, “The past is behind us, and the future remains unknown, making the present crucial. It is our past that shapes our present existence, supporting us to live every moment carefully, without wasting a single one.”   Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)