Hello, Mr. Lee Se-won. Could you please briefly introduce yourself?

Hello. My name is Lee Se-won. I am currently pursuing an integrated M.S.–Ph.D. program in the Integrated Circuits and Systems Laboratory at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, GIST. After completing my degree, I plan to continue my research at Aconic, a startup founded by my advisor.

Could you tell us what research topics you mainly focused on during your Ph.D. program?

During my doctoral studies, I have focused on low-power SAR ADCs used in portable devices, sensor interfaces, and high-speed data links.

Was there a particularly rewarding moment or memorable experience during your research?

I felt the greatest sense of accomplishment when my research results were published at a top international conference in the circuit design field and in a well-regarded SCI journal. It was especially meaningful because I felt hopeful that these outcomes could contribute positively to future real-world applications.

How do you usually relieve stress while going through the Ph.D. program?

I tried to step off campus by taking walks every weekend around the area near the school (around the LC Tower). Since the campus is usually quiet, visiting more crowded places from time to time helped refresh my mood. I also occasionally relieved stress in small ways by having late-night meals with my lab colleagues.

Why did you choose GIST when you were deciding on graduate school?

To reduce the financial burden, I mainly considered institutions where scholarship support is relatively stable, such as science and technology institutes. In that process, I learned from a senior alumnus that a renowned professor in the analog circuit design field—Professor Minjae Lee at GIST EECS—was at GIST, which led me to apply.

Do you have any memorable memories from your time in the GIST graduate program?

I especially remember department events I participated in shortly after entering the program (around 2017 and 2018). We visited the Boseong green tea fields, and we also rented a movie theater to watch a film together. I still vividly remember picking up trash together on the way back afterward. It is unfortunate that these kinds of events have largely disappeared since COVID. As graduate school progresses, interactions outside one’s own lab tend to decrease, so it was great to get to know people from other labs through department events.

Do you have any advice for undergraduates or prospective graduate students who are considering applying to GIST?

I believe it is an excellent environment for focusing on research without being distracted by other temptations. If you put in consistent effort and dedication, it is a school where you can achieve meaningful results, and I sincerely wish you the best.

What goals would you like to achieve in your research or career going forward?

The area I have worked on is a relatively small part within the broader field of analog integrated circuit design. Going forward, I would like to broaden my knowledge and become a researcher who can contribute, even in small ways, across other areas as well.

Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to your juniors or readers?

A Ph.D. program is not an easy path unless you have strong resolve and clear goals. Over the course of a long degree program, I think everyone encounters moments when they lose their initial mindset and feel tempted to compromise with reality. I also had times when I felt anxious and rushed when I saw peers who had started their careers earlier. Even when anxiety and uncertainty set in, it is important to steady yourself with an unbreakable mindset. Maintaining good relationships with the teammates you do research with is also a great help. If you lean on them at times and encourage them at others as you get through difficult periods together, you will eventually grow into someone who can demonstrate strong capabilities in society as well. I hope we can meet again someday through a good opportunity—good luck, and keep going!