Please introduce your most impressive experience at POSTECH
  It was the CES 2023. Cultivating a relationship with an exhibitor from Canada and sharing dinner, registering for the Digital Health session to participate in a lecture by the CEO of Moderna, and exploring booths to learn firsthand were moments where I could expand my perspective to the global stage. Attending CES annually, meeting various people, and experiencing the latest technologies has become my new goal.
Is there any special method of studying?
  It is crucial not to be ashamed of what you do not know. While studying my major, I received much help from intelligent friends. Still, when I could not understand something, I solved my doubts by actively asking the professors and assistants. As much as I received, I also helped friends and juniors; this positive cycle has contributed to my improvement.

What future career plans do you see for yourself?
  I plan to attend medical school and continue research in medical imaging. As interest in computer vision led to medical imaging, it hit me that engineering technology could contribute to saving lives. I plan to utilize my undergraduate major in electrical engineering and become an MD-PhD specialized in medical imaging. I want to grow into a researcher who saves lives through my research.

Please briefly introduce yourself.
  Hello, I am Hong Jungtaek, a major in Mathematics. I graduated one semester early, so I am currently in the Mathematics graduate school at POSTECH. I thought I could not win salutatorian, but I am very proud and honored to win a big award. Now, I am aiming to finish my graduate life successfully and write a good thesis.

What was the most meaningful experience while attending POSTECH?
  Unfortunately, as soon as I entered the POSTECH, I rarely experienced activities such as Freshman Orientation or Membership Training due to COVID-19. So, to create a meaningful experience, and at the recommendation of people around me, I participated as a representative of the POSTECH-KAIST Science War. Although I was defeated, unfortunately, the preparation time with good team members and the enthusiastic support I received at home remains an unforgettable experience for me.

Any last words for Postechians?
  Dear Postechians, you are wonderful people enough to come to POSTECH. The hard work you put into entering POSTECH is beyond my imagination. That is why you have the potential to overcome any difficulties ahead of you. I sincerely hope you will trust your abilities, work hard, and achieve your goals.

Please introduce yourself.
  Hello, I am Oh Ji Hoon who received a Ph.D. degree in Professor Kug Jong-Seong’s lab (DESE). I am glad and honored to have received such a noble award. I believe I was able to receive this award because of the help from many people. As I have received this award, I will try to become a researcher who can contribute to POSTECH.

Please introduce your research.
  To overcome the increasingly serious climate crisis, global efforts are being made in recent times. However, the extent to which such policies can stabilize and even reverse the climate change already occurring remains uncertain. I have researched topics related to the irreversibility of our climate – whether our climate can truly be restored through human efforts – aiming to contribute to the establishment of more effective future climate mitigation policies.

What did you learn during your research?
  The most significant lesson was the process of formulating hypotheses based on prior research and systematically verifying them through logical reasoning. This process required deep contemplation, which I believe is only possible with a passion for one’s own research. The thrill of successfully validating a hypothesis and publishing it as a paper is the driving force that enables me to continue with research.

How did you encounter your current research topic?
  In the initial stages, my mentor assigned me a small project. Reviewing relevant literature, I identified unmet needs and emerging trends. It appeared that my idea could address it effectively. Serendipitous occurrences and unexpected phenomena during experiments led to intriguing research topics that currently occupy my focus, shaping the trajectory of my research endeavors.
 
How would you describe your years at POSTECH?
  My time at POSTECH was not solely filled with joy, but it was undeniably a period of immense significance and personal growth. During those years, I not only established my identity but also underwent a transformative journey, evolving into a researcher. The opportunity to connect with exceptional individuals, including professors and fellow lab members, was a truly priceless gift that greatly enriched my experience.

During your research, were there any adversities? How did you overcome them?
  Throughout my research, I encountered a range of adversities, including experimental failures, depression, and skepticism. Overcoming these challenges did not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, and mental resilience was crucial. I coped via regular exercise, maintaining a clear mind amidst research pressures. Additionally, my family’s unwavering encouragement and understanding became a pillar I could lean on during challenging times.
 

Introduction
  Hello everyone, I am Sangyun Han, graduating class of 2024 with a Life Science degree. 

What was your main focus during your degree?
  My major focus was to bolster my competency as a neuroscientist. My first two years were about building a solid theoretical foundation by devoting most of my energy on course work. I soon realized, though, that it takes more than a top GPA to become the researcher I dreamed of being. For that I had to go beyond the classroom setting, and even beyond POSTECH. I spent time in the University of Tokyo to gain a more holistic perspective by submerging myself in an international environment and networking with international scholars. I, lastly, served as the student representative of the Life Science department as my way of returning the favor and contributing to the POSTECH community.

What is the next step in your career?
  I am a firm believer that I am, in no way, better than my fellow graduates. I am confident, however, in my keen enthusiasm towards neuroscience and my perseverance to achieve the goals I have set to achieve. Throughout the highs and lows of my degree, neuroscience has always been the major source of excitement and I believe it will continue to be so. I have decided for my next step to pursue a higher education at KAIST with a firm determination to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and our country’s technological advancement.
 

Please introduce yourself briefly.
  Hello, I am Kim Ikjae, a graduate student majoring in Materials Science and Engineering at POSTECH. I work in the Nano-Electronic Materials Laboratory led by Professor Jang-Sik Lee, focusing on advanced materials for next-gen memories, their implementation, and exploring unconventional computing methods.

Please briefly introduce your representative research.
  My notable research, published in Nature Communications 2023, centers on a three-dimensional strong ferroelectric memory array. Despite reported potential, experimental verification for Hafnia-based ferroelectrics in three-dimensional integration was lacking. With Prof. Lee’s guidance and support from Nano-Imaging and Nanofabrication Technology (NINT) at POSTECH, I successfully fabricated and evaluated the memory array, addressing this gap in the industry’s direction.

Advice to Postechians.
  While hesitant to give advice due to my reliance on support from my advisor and fellow students, I share insights gained during my degree. Recognizing each lab’s unique style is crucial, urging junior students to seek diverse opinions from advisors. Active acceptance of renowned professors’ advice enhances research outcomes. Collaboration with fellow students fosters breakthroughs. Time management is vital; make the relatively short degree program fulfilling, avoiding regrets in hindsight.
 

What was your most memorable campus activity?
  For me the ongoing discussion and collaborative experience in the lab was vital. I study visual correspondence and computer vision. Having in-depth discussion with lab students gave me insight in solving problems with different perspectives. The overall experience allowed me to find balance between technology and practical application. 

What were your priorities in university days?
  My two highest priorities were establishing myself as a researcher and spending time with my family. Having a wife and daughter, it was not easy to strike a balance between my research but it led me to  prioritize and manage my time. When parallel situations arose, finding balance was most important. Those have made me who I am today. 

Advice to Postechians?
  I especially want to give advice to students who dream of becoming a researcher, that it is important to experience diverse areas and search what beats your heart. Having a big goal is important, however setting small goals by achieving in a short period of time is crucial. Achieving continuous stable performance would lead to building expertise. Do not forget that these processes ultimately lead to great achievements.