History Makers. We Change the World!
The 2025 IGC Research Showcase was held on May 16 in the IGC Auditorium, bringing together approximately 300 undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professors from all four universities on the Incheon Global Campus (IGC). Participants shared their innovative research through poster exhibitions, presentations, and panel discussions. Among the six awarded teams, the first and second place were claimed by SUNY Korea’s Mechanical Engineering students: Team OneDirection and Team YASRIC First place was awarded to Team OneDirection, comprising of team members Hyoungdong Jin, Aung Ko Khant, Geonwoo Kim, Sunjae Lee, and Yousung Doh. Their project, titled "Directional Audio System for Private Listening Environments Using Resonant Acoustic Damping," focused on delivering sound with high spatial precision while minimizing acoustic leakage. “Our research is centered on creating a directional audio system that provides private listening experiences in shared spaces like libraries and museums,” the team explained. “A key feature is the integration of a passive damping system—specifically, a Helmholtz resonator—embedded in a chair to enhance acoustic performance.” Second place went to Team YASRIC, consisting of Junhyeong Park, Sungwook Choi, Joonhyeong Kim, and Sunghoon Jeong. Their project, "Bulletproof Shield for Urban Counterterrorism Operations with Automatic Movement and Intelligent Target Detection," introduced a robotic system designed for high-risk urban missions. The system includes specialized tracks for stair climbing, a manipulator arm for transporting explosives, and an adjustable tilting bulletproof shield that protects operatives. Its "follow-me" function autonomously tracks the pointman, while AI-driven firearm and facial recognition capabilities enhance operational efficiency and safety. The IGC Research Showcase served as a valuable platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and academic networking among SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, Ghent University Global Campus, and the University of Utah Asia Campus
On May 16th, 2025, the International Student Association (ISA) hosted the Global Flavors Fiesta at the IGC Dining Hall, bringing together students of SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, University of Utah Asia Campus, and Yonsei University for an evening of cultural exchange and celebration. The event opened with a warm welcome, as students, faculty, and staff gathered to enjoy a wide variety of international dishes and connect with one another. Guests had the chance to explore flavors from around the world, such as Indian samosas, Nigerian Jollof Rice, Uzbekistan Plov, Korean chicken, and many more, all while engaging in conversations that highlighted the diverse backgrounds and experiences present on campus. A highlight of the evening was a live performance by Dimo the Magician, whose interactive tricks and use of audience volunteers captivated the crowd. His theatrical antics added an unexpected and entertaining twist to the night, leaving many surprised and delighted. With delicious food, great company, and engaging entertainment, the Global Flavors Fiesta offered more than just a meal, it created a space for connection, appreciation, and shared joy. Events like these continue to reflect ISA’s mission to foster inclusivity and global understanding within the SUNY community. Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)
SUNY Korea Stony Brook is pleased to announce the launch of the Master’s degree program in Data Science. In an increasingly data-driven world, data science has become essential across all industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, government, and media. This new program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who can extract insights from data and be leaders in the digital age. Jointly offered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, the program combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical training. It is delivered entirely in English at SUNY Korea Songdo campus and can be completed in 3 to 4 semesters. Students will gain expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and real-world problem solving. The curriculum emphasizes ethical data practices and effective communication of technical results, preparing graduates for impactful careers in both academia and industry. An information session will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 7 PM KST, both in-person and online. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. Applications for Fall 2025 are now open. For application and admission details, please visit here. For inquiries, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at gradadmission@sunykorea.ac.kr or +82-32-626-1353~4.
This May, a group of FIT students at SUNY Korea had the opportunity to go on a two-part field trip in collaboration with the global luxury house Dior. Created to increase their understanding concerning the Dior brand identity, immersive retail experiences, and strategic marketing, the trip provided both a public showcase and a special behind-the-scenes perspective on how Dior continues to lead in the world of luxury fashion. The trip began on May 11, with a visit to the Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition, held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The exhibition, which has toured across cities such as London, Paris, and Shanghai, arrived in Seoul for a showcase running from April 19 to July 13, 2025. With its thematic focus on flowers, gardens, and lavish balls, the exhibition showcases the creative legacy and strong identity the House of Dior has continued to build upon for decades. Students explored the venue, immersed in haute couture creations, archival designs, and multimedia displays – a window into Dior’s artistic evolution throughout the years. The exhibition was followed by an exclusive visit to the Dior Seongsu store on Friday, May 16. Praised by LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault for its architectural beauty and innovative concept, students gained insight into what a successful concept store looks like, from design to location curation. The visit included a 30-minute guided tour of the space, which places Dior’s identity within a uniquely Korean context. FIT students then had the pleasure of sitting down with Dior’s Marketing Director, who led an intimate Q&A session complete with refreshments from Dior’s private café. Topics ranged from the brand's process in developing the Seongsu concept store to the specific responsibilities and challenges of luxury marketing leadership. For students aspiring to careers in luxury fashion, retail, or marketing, the Dior collaboration was both memorable and deeply instructive. It offered a rare opportunity to witness luxury branding in action and engage directly with industry professionals – enriching their understanding and sparking new inspiration. With Dior to look up to as a leader in storytelling, design, and consumer engagement, FIT students left the experience inspired and ready to shape the future of fashion with the same visionary spirit of beauty and innovation. Written by Student Reporter, Kenessa Washington (kenessa_washington@fitnyc.edu)
Professor Jongseong Brad Choi from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at SUNY Korea has been selected as the sole recipient of the prestigious “Metaverse Lab Support Program,” jointly organized by the Korea Radio Promotion Association (RAPA) and the Ministry of Science and ICT. In previous years, three to four labs were selected annually; however, due to a nationwide reduction in R&D funding, only one lab was chosen this year—Professor Choi’s—making the selection process exceptionally competitive. The program provides 666 million KRW (~555k USD) in research funding over a period of three years. Including continuing participants in their second and third years, a total of four universities are currently part of the program: Yonsei University, KAIST, Korea University, and SUNY Korea. SUNY Korea’s inclusion alongside Korea’s top-tier R1 universities highlights its emerging strength and growing influence in research excellence. Professor Choi’s winning project, titled:“Metareal: Commercialization of Ultra-Realistic Real Estate Spatial Information Metaverse Technology,” focuses on transforming his AI-powered, hyper-realistic 3D modeling algorithms into commercially viable metaverse technologies for the real estate sector. As part of the project, Professor Choi will establish a tech startup, MEIC-AI Co., Ltd., and plans to hire more than 10 undergraduate and graduate researchers among SUNY Korea students, fostering both innovation and student opportunity. Professor Choi’s consistent success in securing competitive R&D grants is especially notable in the context of significant reductions in national research funding for individual researchers. It represents not only a major personal milestone for Professor Choi but a significant institutional accomplishment, underscoring SUNY Korea’s rising reputation as a globally competitive, research-intensive university. It further demonstrates a testament to SUNY Korea’s commitment and focus to becoming a globally recognized research hub through innovative and practical research endeavors. Professor Choi leads the MEIC (Mechanical Systems with Intelligence and Computer Vision) Lab, which is dedicated to the concept of Engineering Soft Power. The lab’s core research areas include visual intelligence systems, vision-based control, digital twins, and human-machine interaction. The current team consists of 12 researchers, including five Ph.D. candidates, three master’s students, and three undergraduates, who have contributed to a series of award-winning research accomplishments. MEIC Lab Website: https://www.meic-lab.com
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