Q1. Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Hello! My name is Yang Azevedo Tavares, and I was born in Brazil. Since my name can be a bit unfamiliar here in Korea, many people call me “Young.” I came to Korea six years ago to start my integrated MS/Ph.D. program at GIST. After completing my degree, I am now working as an electrical engineer at Samsung Electronics, focusing on circuit design.

Q2. Why did you decide to stay in Korea and continue your career here?

I’ve been passionate about electronics, circuits, and semiconductor technology since my undergraduate studies. Compared to Brazil, opportunities in these fields are much more abundant and advanced in Korea. Beyond that, I fell in love with the people, the culture, and the collaborative research environment I found here. All of these factors made staying in Korea a natural choice for me.

Q3. What led you to choose GIST for your graduate studies?

I was introduced to GIST through its Global Internship Program while finishing my undergraduate studies. During my internship at the Integrated Circuits and Systems Lab, I was deeply impressed by the lab’s collaborative and welcoming atmosphere. I felt right at home and knew this was where I wanted to pursue my graduate research. It was a natural decision, and I never felt the need to look elsewhere.

Q4. How are you finding your new role at Samsung Electronics?

I’m really satisfied because the work aligns perfectly with what I dreamed of doing during graduate school. I get to continue in the same field I specialized in at GIST, and it feels incredibly fulfilling to see my academic interests come to life in my professional career.

Q5. What was the best and most challenging part of your life as an international student at GIST?

The most challenging part was definitely the language barrier. Even after years of studying Korean, I’m not yet fluent, so I sometimes miss out on subtle nuances or social interactions during conversations. I see this as something I need to keep working on.

On the positive side, GIST offers an incredibly efficient and supportive research environment. I always had access to the equipment, resources, and administrative support I needed. The staff were friendly and helpful, and I never had to worry about things like visas, housing, or paperwork — they made sure I could focus on my research. I also loved the convenience of living in a dormitory that was just a short walk from my lab. The beautiful GIST campus — with its cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage — provided daily inspiration.

Q6. How did you manage stress during your research work?

I try to anticipate and plan for stress. When I’m assigned a major task, I estimate how much effort it will require and aim to start early to reduce pressure later. Of course, sometimes deadlines are unavoidable. In those cases, I focus intensely on completing the task and make sure to rest and recharge afterward. Regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and positive thinking also help me stay balanced.

Q7. Could you share a moment during your research that felt especially rewarding?

One of the happiest moments of my research career was when my first paper was accepted by IEEE, a highly respected journal in our field. It had been my dream since I was an undergraduate. I was so excited that day that I remember running up and down the stairs of the GIST building out of sheer joy!

Q8. What makes you happiest right now?

I’m happiest that I’m living the dream I envisioned during my student years. I’m working in the exact field I love, contributing to technological advancements, and seeing my academic passions come to life in the professional world.

Q9. Do you have any final words you’d like to share?

I believe it’s important to find what you truly love, pursue it with passion, and maintain a healthy, balanced life. During graduate school, it helps to revisit your goals regularly and be kind to yourself along the way. My time at GIST was a tremendous gift — it gave me the foundation to grow as a researcher and as a person. I’m confident that anyone who works hard at GIST will find it equally rewarding.