SEED 2023 was held at the Hyatt Regency DFW, Dallas, Texas on August 1-2, 2023. This workshop supported by KSEA since 2013, has provided mentorship to, and help develop the careers of, junior Korean-American scientists and engineers. I am honored and privileged to be given an opportunity to organize this important workshop as a SEED director with a phenomenal group of committee members, including Prof. Hae-bum Yun (University of Central Florida), Prof. Yumi Kim (Johns Hopkins University), Prof. Juhun Lee (University of Pittsburgh) and Prof. Seungil Kim (University of Pittsburgh).
Under the theme of “Leading and Thriving in Academia,” this year’s program aimed to provide opportunities for participants to discuss career planning and development, leadership development, sustainability, and cultivate mentoring relationships. We are pleased to have more than 80 selected participants, including PhD students, postdoctoral scholars, and early-career professionals in attendance. This year’s program included three plenary sessions, four panel discussion sessions with 11 mentors, and a poster session followed by a teatime with ~19 sponsoring institutes. Three plenary sessions were delivered by leading scientists who shared their wisdom on building an exciting and successful career and life. Multiple panels on seeking academic and industry positions, job interview processes, and negotiations provided opportunities for participants to ask questions and interact with mentors and speakers. Small groups of eight per round table were also designed to foster informal, direct conversations between mentees and mentors regarding career development, research, and any other topics of interest. We implemented a poster session aiming to explore active communication amongst participants, fostering conversations with the sponsors and receiving feedback from mentors and speakers. We had a truly blessed meeting where both mentors and mentees were inspired, refreshed, and strengthened. As evidenced by many testimonials (see below), many participants expressed deep appreciation and gratitude.
SEED 2023 Schedule
Graduate student helpers
Two graduates students, Sunghyun Cho (left) and Jimin Kang (right) were recruited to assist the committee at the SEED 2023 meeting. They provided critical help of setting up the meeting rooms with A/V, checking in all the participants at the registration desk, taking photographs all throughout the meeting, assisting committee members in various aspects and taking care of the sponsors’ need. We are truly grateful for their service.
Plenary Talks
SEED 2023 featured three plenary talks given by three distinguished scholars including Dr. Young-Kee Kim (University of Chicago), Dr. Jae Jung (Cleveland Clinic), Dr. Kwang Soo Kim (Harvard Medical School).
The first plenary talk was delivered by Dr. Young-Kee Kim who shared about her life journey of becoming a high energy physicist which started with a spark of interest in math and physics at a young age. As a fifth child among her siblings, she was given the freedom of pursuing her desire in all aspects of her life. She expressed her deep gratitude toward several key mentors who encouraged her to climb higher mountains in her career trajectory. Dr. Kim unfolded a discussion on a rather sensitive topic of “bamboo ceiling” i.e limitations, discrimination and disadvantages that we face as Asian Americans living in the US, especially in an academic world. She challenged us to have confidence, pursue excellence and be courageous!
Our second plenary talk was given by Dr. Jae Jung who delivered a powerful story of his scientific life as a “mission” that keeps driving him even today. He faithfully followed his calling to be a leader who expands and improves his department and school. For example, his relocation from Harvard Medical School to USC resulted in increasing the ranking of his department from over 20 to top 5 within his ~10 years at USC. Dr. Jung has a remarkable track record of holding approximately ten NIH R01 grants continuously to study various infectious viruses that pose a constant threat to public health. “Infinity and beyond!” is the mindset that Dr. Jung left with us.
The third plenary talk was given by Dr. Kwang Soo Kim who humbly shared with us incredibly difficult setbacks, failures and disappointments that blocked his career path left and right. Nevertheless, he persisted and endured through them to become the successful, innovative, and curiosity-driven scientist that he is today. Each time he faced hardships, there was a special person, circumstance or gift which enabled him to go one extra mile and such miracles empowered him to continue the journey as a scholar and a researcher. His recent discovery led his research team to come up with a dopaminergic cell-based cure for Parkinson’s disease. Unlike other approaches, his research-based therapy is producing highly promising treatment potential. We all cheer for Dr. Kim’s new therapy to save many patients who suffer from incurable neurodegenerative diseases! Overall, the plenary talks were highly impactful, inspirational, energetic, and moving. We were all touched by the sincerity and humility of all three speakers.
Panel Discussion
Four panel discussion sessions were facilitated during the SEED 2023 Workshop. The mentors are the leaders or rising stars in their fields, which included Dr. Young-Kee Kim (University of Chicago), Dr. Jaeung Jung (Cleveland Clinic), Dr. Kwang-soo Kim (Harvard University), Dr. Harold Kim (Georgia Tech), Dr. Dong-Hyun Kim (Northwestern University), Dr. Kate Hyun (University of Texas at Arlington), Dr. Joon-Seok Kim (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), Dr. Hyun-Eui Kim (UTHealth Houston), Dr. Eunhee Kim (University of Texas at Houston), Dr. Myoungkyu (University of Alabama), Dr. Yoon-A Kang (Washington University in St. Louis), Dr. Juhyun Lee (University of Texas at Arlington), Dr. Sunghoon Kang (Johns Hopkins University), and Chi Hwan Lee (Purdue University).
Two panels were held on the first day in the afternoon and the two breakout panels were held on the second day morning. Each panel session first started with a brief introduction of the panel members; discussed the questions that are pre-collected via participant surveys; and ended up with an open discussion. Four panel discussion sessions discussed different topics that include Leadership development, Seeking professional jobs, Navigating the Academic Job Market: Strategies and Tips for Success in the USA, and Lab Mastery: Unlocking the Secrets to Effective Management and Success.
Dinner Banquet and Presentation by Dr. Tae-Sik Lee (KOFTS President)
The evening event of the first day started with congratulatory remark by Dr. Tae-Sik Lee, the President of KOFST. Dinner banquet was followed by social networking session. Delegates from 12 sponsoring institutes joined the banquet and social networking.
Kahoot and networking session
After the dinner, all SEED participants, including mentors and sponsors, engaged in an icebreaking team collaborative game called Kahoot. Following 40 minutes of friendly and lively games, all participants transitioned to the networking session to further their discussions with mentors, peers, and sponsors.
Poster Session and Poster Awards
On the second day, we held a poster session, during which 45 participants from diverse backgrounds and ranks showcased their work. All SEED participants and sponsors were present at the poster session, and the Nobel Laureate, Dr. Barry Barish, made a special appearance. The poster session sparked lively discussion among the attendees and provided excellent opportunities to connect with the sponsors and network with the other attendees.
The posters were evaluated by 14 poster judges consisting of SEED mentors and committee members (Drs. Sua Myong, Yumi Kim, Juhun Lee, Seungil Kim, Haebum Yun, Joon-Seok Kim, Harold Kim, Dong-Hyun Kim, Yoon-A Kang, JuHyun Lee, Sunghoon Kang, Hyun-Eui Kim, and Chi Hwan Lee). Scores ranging from 1 to 5 were assigned based on the provided background and hypothesis, the clarity of materials and methods explanation, impact on the field, and presentation style. Each poster was evaluated by two judges, and awards were given to the top five participants with the highest scores, as indicated below. The poster awards were generously provided by UKC president Dr. Yongho Sohn and were presented during the closing ceremony.
| Awards | Awardees |
| Best Presentation Award (1st place) – MacBook Air | Sungha Hong |
| Best Presentation Award (2nd place) – iPad | Sunghee Estelle Park |
| Best Presentation Award (3rd place) – AirPod | John Sunwoo |
| Best Presentation Award (3rd place) – AirPod | Jimin Kang |
| Best Presentation Award (3rd place) – AirPod | JuHyeong Ryu |
Photos from the poster session and award ceremony
Teatime
After the poster session, we organized a teatime event with delegates from sponsoring institutes, which provided a unique opportunity for networking.
Concluding Remarks:
I am truly grateful for the privilege to serve as the director of the 2023 SEED meeting. The 2023 workshop brought together a special group of students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members who willingly shared their precious time with each other. I want to express my deep gratitude to the three plenary speakers who poured out their life stories of failures, hurdles and difficulties that led them to who they are today. I also want to thank all the mentors who spoke at the panel meetings with passion and genuine heart. All the participants were greatly touched, encouraged, and strengthened! The success of this workshop was enabled by the SEED committee members and the two graduate student helpers who tirelessly served all the needs that arose before and during the meeting. We formed a tightly knit team! My special thanks to KSEA president Dr. Yongho Sohn, especially for his generous gift of Mac book air, ipad and air pods that were awarded to the five poster winners. The KSEA head quarter staff including Dr. Soyoon Kum, Euna Yoon, Joseph Kim and Katie Park provided timely help all throughout the preparation and during the meeting. I sincerely hope that the memories of the SEED 2023 will be cherished by everyone, and the information shared, and the opportunity provided for networking during the workshop will help participants further their career.
Reported by
KSEA e-Letters 