2024 South-Western Regional Conference

KSEA-Southern California Chapter

The Korean American Scientists and Engineers Association – Southern California Chapter (KSEA-SC) hosted the 31^st annual South-Western Regional Conference (SWRC) at the Pointe Conference Center of Walter Pyramid, California State University Long Beach (CSULB) on February 24, 2024. This annual conference offered incredible networking opportunities among professionals, industry experts, and future STEM students, as well as a chance to learn about the newest trends in STEM knowledge. This year, we hosted 12 esteemed speakers from both academia and industry, covering a wide range of captivating topics.

The SWRC commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Jin Gi Hong, the Conference General Chair (Chapter President), and a welcoming address from Dr. Yongho Sohn, the 52nd KSEA President. Congratulatory addresses were also delivered by Mr. Youngwan Kim, the Consul General of the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles, and Dr. Jinny Rhee, the Dean of the College of Engineering at CSULB.

During the afternoon session, we held a student research poster competition, welcoming entries from all college levels (undergraduate and graduate) in any research field. The student presenters and attendees actively shared their knowledge and insights in their areas of expertise and interest. Approximately, 20 teams participated in the competition, and 3 teams were awarded in the undergraduate and graduate categories, respectively. Over 150 participants, including professors, post-docs, doctoral/master’s students, undergraduate students, engineers, and scientists, attended the conference and engaged in meaningful networking and discussions.