Reported by Dr. Ji-Hwan Kang (KSEA-Southern California Chapter President)
The Korean American Scientists and Engineers Association – Southern California Chapter (KSEA-SC) hosted the 32nd annual South-Western Regional Conference (SWRC) on March 8, 2025, at the Pointe Conference Center in the Walter Pyramid, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). This annual conference provided exceptional networking opportunities for professionals, industry experts, and future STEM leaders while showcasing the latest advancements in STEM fields.
The event commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Ji-Hwan Kang, KSEA-SC Chapter President, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Tae (Tom) Oh, the 53rd KSEA President. Dr. Jinny Rhee, Dean of the College of Engineering at CSULB, also delivered a congratulatory address.
Middle: Welcome Address by the 53rd KSEA President, Dr. Tae (Tom) Oh
Right: Congratulatory Address by the Dean of the College of Engineering, CSULB
This year’s conference featured 13 distinguished speakers from academia and industry, covering a diverse range of compelling topics. Dr. Patrick Kwon, Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University, shared his insights on subtractive and additive manufacturing. Dr. Eun Ji Chung, Associate Professor at USC, presented research on nanotherapeutics for genetic and chronic diseases, while Dr. Kwang-Mook Jung, Associate Adjunct Professor at UC Irvine, discussed the effects of adolescent THC exposure on brain microglia function. Dr. Changho Suh, Professor at KAIST, addressed the intersection of AI and fairness, and Dr. Cholsoon Jang, Assistant Professor at UC Irvine, highlighted new biological discoveries through analytical chemistry techniques. Dr. Do Kyeong Lee, Associate Professor at CSU Fullerton, provided longitudinal insights into infant motor development, and Dr. Sunook Park, Professor of Art at CSULB, explored the global cultural positioning of Korean Suul.
The afternoon session continued with engaging talks, including Dr. Seunghyun (Seu) Sim from UC Irvine, who discussed molecular assembly in living and lifelike materials. Dr. Gene Lee, Head of Research at CLO Virtual Fashion Inc., examined technology in fashion, while Dr. Jung Hoon Han, Chief Technology Officer at Unlimeat, provided career guidance for young Korean scientists in the U.S. Dr. Jina Hong, Principal Research Scientist at Nutrilite, explored plant-based multivitamin supplementation and its role in enhancing DNA repair response to metabolic challenges. Dr. Suejung B. Huh, Founder and CEO of Ohhh, introduced WebXR and its potential to bring immersive experiences to the web. Additionally, Mr. Gyedo Jeon, Lead Technical Director at DreamWorks Animation, shared insights on the roles of non-art majors in animated feature filmmaking.
The student research poster competition showcased innovative projects from undergraduate and graduate students, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration. Approximately 15 teams participated, with three teams receiving awards in both the undergraduate and graduate categories.
The conference was organized by the KSEA-SC leadership and Program Committee, including Dr. Ji-Hwan Kang (CSULB), Dr. Bo Y. Park (CSUF), Dr. Jiae Lee (CSULB), and Dr. Sean Park (SDSU), with support from the KSEA-SC Executive Committee Advisory Board and additional conference committees. Sponsorship was provided by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, the Korea-US Science Cooperation Center (KUSCO), KIA USA, Wang Korea (Surasang), and SoCal K-Group. The Young Generation Leader Committee facilitated student engagement across multiple universities, including UCI, UCLA, USC, CPP, 5C, UCSD, and UCSB.
With over 140 attendees, including faculty, postdoctoral researchers, students, engineers, and scientists, the conference fostered valuable discussions and collaborations, strengthening connections within the STEM community.
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