KAIST has recruited three world-renowned scholars to strengthen its global research capabilities.
On June 27, KAIST announced the appointment of Professor John Rogers from Northwestern University in the United States, Professor Gregg Rothermel from North Carolina State University, and Dr. Sang Hyuk Choi from NASA Langley Research Center as distinguished visiting professors in key departments.
(From left) Professor John Rogers, Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Professor Greg Rosamil, School of Computing; Dr. Sanghyuk Choi, Department of Aerospace Engineering. Provided by KAIST
Professor John Rogers will serve in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at KAIST until June 2028, Professor Gregg Rothermel in the School of Computing until July 2026, and Dr. Sang Hyuk Choi in the Department of Aerospace Engineering until April 2028.
Professor John Rogers is recognized as a global authority in the field of bio-integrated electronics. He has led advancements in flexible electronic devices, smart skin, and implantable sensors, publishing over 900 papers in top academic journals such as Science, Nature, and Cell. He has also achieved an H-index of 240?meaning more than 240 of his papers have each been cited at least 240 times?underscoring his significant influence across academia and industry.
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to leverage Professor Rogers's appointment to strengthen its research capabilities in next-generation bio-implantable materials and wearable devices, thereby enhancing its global competitiveness. In particular, synergy is expected with the development of bio-convergent interface materials, a core project of the leading research center led by Professor Lee Geonjae.
Professor Gregg Rothermel is a world-renowned scholar in software engineering. Ranked second among the world's top 50 researchers by Communications of the ACM, he has conducted practical research for over 30 years to improve the reliability and quality of software. He has also produced influential research outcomes in collaboration with global companies such as Boeing, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin.
The School of Computing plans to strengthen its research capabilities in software engineering through Professor Rothermel's appointment and to conduct collaborative research on software design and testing aimed at improving the reliability and safety of AI-based software systems.
In particular, Professor Rothermel is expected to contribute to technological advancement by participating in research to enhance the safety of complex mobility systems and to resolve uncertainties in machine learning-based AI software, in collaboration with the Big Data Edge-Cloud Service Research Center led by Professor Ko Inyoung of the School of Computing.
Dr. Sang Hyuk Choi is a world-renowned expert in space exploration and energy harvesting, having worked at NASA Langley Research Center for over 40 years. He holds more than 200 papers and reports, 45 patents, and has received 71 awards from NASA.
In 2022, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame, part of NASA’s Technology Transfer Program, which recognizes researchers who have contributed to the civilian application of space exploration technologies. To date, only 35 individuals worldwide have been honored in the Inventors Hall of Fame.
Dr. Choi plans to lead the development of core lunar exploration technologies?including energy sources, sensing, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU)?in collaboration with Associate Professor Kim Hyunjung, a former NASA research scientist, who joined the Department of Aerospace Engineering last September.
Lee Kwanghyung, President of KAIST, stated, "Based on these appointments, KAIST will further strengthen its world-class research competitiveness in advanced convergence technologies such as bio-integrated electronics, AI software engineering, and space exploration, and will establish itself as a university leading global innovation."
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