□ DGIST (President Kunwoo Lee) has announced that, as a result of its creative and interdisciplinary education, its first batch of undergraduate alumni have been appointed as professors at major universities in Korea.
□ DGIST alumni Myojung Kim, Junmo Yang, and Donghyun Yu, members of the first cohort of DGIST’s School of Undergraduate Studies (Class of 2014), have secured professorships at Yonsei University, Yeungnam University, and Chonnam National University, respectively. After graduating from DGIST, Myojung Kim earned her PhD at KAIST, and Junmo Yang and Donghyun Yu both obtained bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from DGIST.
□ Professor Myojung Kim developed an interest in organic synthesis research during the various laboratory internships she completed beginning in her third year at DGIST, particularly during the course of her organic light-emitting diode research. She pursued further studies at KAIST, where she conducted research on organic synthesis using visible light-catalyzed reactions. She subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago, where she conducted skeletal editing research on organic compound transformations to explore their potential industrial applications.
□ Professor Kim’s[1] major research achievements include pyridine C-H bond functionalization, protein bioconjugation, and sulfonamide transformation reactions, all of which have contributed to the field of organic reaction development research. Regarding her appointment as a chemistry professor at Yonsei University, she stated, “I look forward to conducting independent research, mentoring students, and nurturing future scientific talent.”
□ Professor Junmo Yang laid the foundation for his research during his undergraduate studies in robotics, mechanics, and mechatronics. He actively participated in UGRP and summer/winter internship programs and gained hands-on experience as a member of student-led research projects. Additionally, he played a meaningful role in presiding over DGIST’s degree conferral and entrance ceremonies, during which he congratulated both graduates and new students.
□ His major research achievements while enrolled in the integrated master’s and PhD program in DGIST’s Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering include the development of a humanoid robotic hand using a compliant hinge structure, which was featured on the cover of the journal Soft Robotics); and his undertaking of supernumerary robotic finger research, for which he received the Samsung Human Tech Thesis Award. He has also published six research papers, presented at eight international conferences, and registered four patents. Regarding his appointment as a robotics professor at Yeungnam University, he stated, “I am committed to advancing robotics research and education and will do my best to contribute to the development of national research.”
□ Professor Donghyun Yu built a strong academic foundation during his in-depth undergraduate studies in mathematics, telecommunications, and security-related subjects. He developed his research skills by learning about number theory and working diligently on advanced mathematics coursework. Moreover, from his third year onwards, he focused on graduate-level communication and security courses, and as a graduate student, he conducted in-depth research on security and cryptography and gained international collaboration experience by regularly conducting research with overseas professors.
□ His major research achievements during his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies in DGIST’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science include the development of attribute-based encryption, as well as authentication-key exchange protocols for secure data sharing between internal and external vehicle devices and attribute-based encryption incorporating location information as a dynamic attribute. He also contributed to research on quantum cryptography and underwater communication security. Regarding his professorship at Chonnam National University, he remarked, “Cryptography and network security require a strong mathematical background, which is why the field is populated by relatively few researchers. I will actively conduct research, train new talent, and strive to become a leading researcher in this field.”
□ DGIST President Kun-woo Lee commented that “The appointment of DGIST’s first undergraduate alumni to professorships at leading universities is a testament to DGIST’s unique interdisciplinary education and its capabilities as a research-centered institution. DGIST will continue to cultivate creative and innovative talent who will contribute to global academic advancements and strengthen national competitiveness.”
□ Since DGIST accepted its first undergraduate students in 2014, the institute has consistently received high recognition both domestically and internationally for its creative, interdisciplinary education programs and advanced research infrastructure. With this latest achievement involving three alumni professorships, DGIST has, once again, demonstrated its excellence at fostering academic and research talent. The institute will continue to position itself as a world-class educational institution that nurtures future leaders in academia and research.
[1] Professor webpage: https://fancymyo.wixsite.com/myokimgroup
