DGIST (President Geonwoo Lee) announced on the 19th that, as a result of its creative and convergent education, its first undergraduate graduates have been consecutively appointed as professors at major universities in Korea.
Alumni Kim Myojeong, Yang Junmo, and Yoo Donghyun, who were the first undergraduate students (class of 2014) at DGIST’s Basic Science Department, have been appointed as professors at Yonsei University, Yeungnam University, and Chonnam National University, respectively. Kim Myojeong earned her Ph.D. at KAIST after graduating from DGIST’s undergraduate program, while Yang Junmo and Yoo Donghyun obtained both their bachelor’s and doctoral degrees at DGIST.
Professor Kim Myojeong developed an interest in organic chemistry-based synthetic methods through various laboratory internships starting from her third year as an undergraduate at DGIST, particularly cultivating her enthusiasm for organic synthesis through OLED research. To deepen her research in the related field, she entered KAIST and conducted research on organic synthesis using visible light catalytic reactions. She also worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago in the United States, where she conducted skeletal editing research, developing organic compound skeleton transformation reactions and exploring their industrial application potential.
Professor Kim’s major research achievements include pyridine C-H bond functionalization, protein bioconjugation, and sulfonamide transformation reactions, contributing to the field of organic reaction development. As a professor in the Department of Chemistry at Yonsei University, Professor Kim Myojeong stated, “I look forward to conducting independent research, mentoring students, and nurturing future scientific talents.”
Professor Yang Junmo built his research foundation by taking courses related to robotics, machinery, and mechatronics during his undergraduate studies. He actively participated in the UGRP and summer/winter internship programs, which are research projects led by undergraduates, gaining practical experience. He also played meaningful roles by hosting the graduation and entrance ceremonies, celebrating graduates and new students.
During his integrated master’s and doctoral program in the Department of Robotics and Mechanical-Electronic Engineering at DGIST, Professor Yang achieved research outcomes such as developing a humanoid robot hand using a compliant hinge structure (selected for the cover of the Soft Robotics journal) and research on Supernumerary Robotic Fingers (awarded the Encouragement Prize at the Samsung Human Tech Paper Awards). In addition, he published six papers, presented eight times at international conferences, and registered four patents. Appointed as a professor in the Department of Robotics Engineering at Yeungnam University, Professor Yang Junmo expressed his ambition, saying, “I will devote myself to robotics research and education and do my best to contribute to the advancement of national research.”
Professor Yoo Donghyun solidified his academic foundation by studying mathematics, communications, and security-related courses in depth during his undergraduate years. He enhanced his research capabilities by completing various mathematics courses, including number theory, and focused on graduate-level communications and security courses from his third year. During his graduate studies, he conducted advanced research on security and cryptography, gaining international collaboration experience through regular cooperation with overseas professors.
In the integrated bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral program in the Department of Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering at DGIST, Professor Yoo conducted research on attribute-based encryption and authentication/key exchange protocols for secure data sharing between internal and external vehicle devices, as well as attribute-based encryption research adding location information as a dynamic attribute. He also achieved academic results by researching various security technologies such as quantum cryptography and underwater communication security. Starting his first professorship at Chonnam National University, Professor Yoo Donghyun said, “Research in cryptography and network security requires a mathematical background, making it a field with relatively few researchers. I will actively conduct research and nurture talent, striving to become a leading researcher in this area.”
DGIST President Geonwoo Lee stated, “The appointment of DGIST’s first undergraduate graduates as professors at major universities is a testament to DGIST’s unique convergent education and its capabilities as a research-oriented university. Going forward, DGIST will continue to nurture creative and innovative talents to contribute to global academic development and national competitiveness.”
Meanwhile, since selecting its first undergraduate students in 2014, DGIST has consistently produced outstanding talents through creative and convergent educational programs and advanced research infrastructure, receiving high evaluations domestically and internationally. Through this achievement, DGIST has once again demonstrated the excellence of its creative and convergent education and plans to establish itself as an educational institution that produces world-class academic and research talents in the future.
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