Reported by Seungheon Lee
(President of UT Austin YG Group)
On March 29, 2025, the Austin TX Chapter of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) hosted its first-ever Scientists and Engineers Early Career Development (SEED) Workshop at The University of Texas at Austin. The event marked a significant step forward in supporting the career advancement of junior Korean-American scientists and engineers, particularly postdoctoral researchers and graduate students navigating the transition into independent careers in academia or industry.
Bringing together eight accomplished mentors from academia and industry, the workshop created a rare and impactful opportunity for early-career professionals to gain personalized guidance, broaden their professional networks, and receive actionable advice tailored to the challenges they face.
The mentors for the inaugural SEED Workshop were:
- Dr. Soyoon Kum (Angelo State University)
- Dr. Seoyoung Kim (Stantec, Inc.)
- Dr. Sibum Sung (UT Austin)
- Dr. Jihoon Jeong (Texas A&M University)
- Dr. Hyeun Ah Kang (UT Austin)
- Dr. Eun Jeong Cho (UT Austin)
- Dr. Joonyeup Lee (Emerald Cloud Lab)
- Dr. Chang Hae Park (NXP Semiconductors)
Each mentor brought a wealth of experience and insight, engaging in panel discussions, presentations, and small group mentoring sessions throughout the day. Topics ranged from research strategy and grant writing to leadership skills, industry transitions, and maintaining work-life balance. Their diverse backgrounds and career paths offered mentees a wide spectrum of possibilities and practical takeaways for building their own careers.
The response from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees, comprised mostly of postdocs and graduate students from the greater Austin area, expressed that the workshop provided a new sense of clarity and direction. One participant shared, “It was incredibly helpful to hear honest, practical advice from those who have gone through the same uncertainties I’m facing now. I walked away with a better understanding of my next steps and how to prepare for them.”
Another attendee noted that having mentors who could speak directly to the cultural and professional nuances faced by Korean-American scientists added an invaluable layer of relatability. “It made me feel seen and supported in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere,” they said.
The broader mission of the SEED Workshop is encapsulated in its tagline: Empowering the Next Generation. The workshop was designed in direct response to the unique challenges that many Korean-American early-career professionals encounter—challenges such as navigating ambiguous career trajectories, limited access to culturally attuned mentors, and the intense competition for research funding and academic positions.
By fostering an environment of trust, shared identity, and professional excellence, SEED seeks to fill this gap through a structured, supportive platform. The day-long program featured a mix of interactive sessions, career panels, and informal networking opportunities, encouraging participants not only to learn but also to connect with others who share similar aspirations and struggles.
What sets SEED apart is its focus on holistic career development. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, the workshop emphasized individual paths and decision-making, helping participants reflect on their own goals and how to pursue them with confidence. Whether aspiring to become tenured faculty, industry leaders, or research innovators, mentees found guidance and encouragement rooted in real-world experience.
The inclusion of both academic and industry mentors also broadened the conversation. As career opportunities in STEM fields become increasingly diverse, many participants appreciated hearing from those who had successfully made transitions between sectors. This dual perspective helped mentees better understand the range of options available to them, as well as how to strategically plan their next steps.
The success of this first SEED Workshop has already sparked conversations about expanding the initiative. Organizers hope to make it an annual event and are exploring ways to include virtual components to reach mentees and mentors beyond the Austin area.
“The SEED Workshop is more than just a seminar—it’s a movement to build a supportive community of future leaders in science and engineering,” said Dr. In-Hyouk Song, President of the KSEA Austin TX Chapter. “By investing in the next generation, we’re strengthening not only individual careers but the entire Korean-American scientific and engineering community.”
As the inaugural SEED Workshop concluded, the sense of momentum and inspiration was unmistakable. For many young professionals in attendance, it wasn’t just a career development event—it was a turning point.
KSEA e-Letters 