1. Could you please introduce yourself?

I completed both my Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), earning my doctorate in 2014. I am currently serving as a Principal Researcher at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), where I’ve been working for 11 years. My undergraduate studies were in electronic engineering, and in graduate school, I specialized in electromagnetic wave engineering within the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. My main research area involves developing systems that investigate underground structures and buried objects using electromagnetic wave signals.

2. What led you to pursue your current profession among many other career paths?

While most of my lab colleagues pursued careers in telecommunications, defense research institutes, or defense contractors, I was drawn to applying the systems I studied in real-world field environments. Although KIGAM is generally more aligned with departments such as Environmental Energy Engineering or Materials Science rather than mechanical or electronic engineering, I had been aware of the institute since graduate school. I found it compelling that I could apply exploration systems directly in the field. When I completed my Ph.D., I naturally applied to KIGAM and was fortunate to be accepted.

3. What has the field experience been like for you?

It aligned closely with what I had envisioned—if anything, it exceeded my expectations in terms of diversity. Whereas in graduate school I could only apply systems at the laboratory level, my current role allows me to test and refine systems across various geophysical exploration sites around the world. These experiences have broadened my perspective by exposing me to a wide range of environments and people.

4. What are you currently researching?

I’m expanding upon the research I began in graduate school. While I initially focused on sensor systems that could analyze the underground environment without excavation, I’m now also engaged in developing autonomous robots for field-based underground exploration. Additionally, I’m dedicating significant efforts to sensor technologies capable of analyzing subsurface structures at depths of several hundred meters using boreholes.

5. Are you incorporating AI into your research?

Absolutely. I’m actively integrating AI into our exploration systems. We’re working on visualizing underground exploration data and analyzing it using AI. Specifically, we are building a signal database based on different types of buried objects, allowing AI to interpret subsurface conditions. In the realm of exploration robotics, we’re also developing systems that utilize intelligent robot technologies like VLMs and LLMs to enable real-time data interpretation and decision-making.

6. What inspired you to pursue this particular field?

Initially, I didn’t have a strong passion for it. During my undergraduate years, I had a modest interest in electromagnetic engineering among the many subfields of electronics, and I chose a related lab for graduate study. I originally planned to finish with a Master’s degree, but as I became more engaged in research, my interest grew, leading me to continue into the Ph.D. program.

7. Why did you choose GIST for graduate school?

At the time, GIST offered excellent financial support for graduate students. Although Gwangju was far from my hometown of Seoul, I had relatives in the Jeolla region, which made the move less daunting.

8. What was the most rewarding moment in your research career?

One of the most fulfilling moments came during my graduate studies, when I conducted a research project based entirely on my own idea—not on a professor’s suggestion or guidance. The moment my idea was accepted for publication in a journal was incredibly rewarding. I still vividly remember my advisor’s excitement when I first shared the concept, and the journey from idea to publication remains one of my most memorable achievements.

9. How do you relieve stress during research?

Honestly, if anyone has a great solution, I’d love to hear it! (laughs) If I had to choose one, I’d say regular exercise is the most effective. I do try to maintain a balanced life, though I must admit I’m not always consistent due to lack of willpower.

10. What are your future research plans or goals?

Rather than a specific goal, I see this as a personal perspective. Since graduate school, I’ve been fortunate to receive more opportunities than I may have deserved. Now, as a researcher in my 11th year at a government-funded institute, I’d like to shift my role to that of a supporter—helping junior researchers from GIST and KIGAM to take the lead as first authors and produce excellent research. I believe I can play a valuable role in bridging advisors and junior researchers.

11. Any final thoughts or messages you'd like to share?

Many students aspiring to careers in science and engineering may not yet have a clear passion or dream for research. I was no different—I originally intended to stop at a Master’s degree and find a job. But an international conference during my Master’s studies sparked a genuine interest in research, leading me to pursue a Ph.D. and continue my journey. I hope younger students don’t feel that having a dream must be something grand or overwhelming. Even something as simple as having a researcher you admire or a senior you look up to can become a form of inspiration. Having such a figure can be a powerful motivator throughout your research journey.