Technical Group Symposiums

A-1. Physics (PHY)

Quantum science is rapidly gaining popularity in physics as well as among the general public. To address the rising interest in the subject, the Physics Symposium will feature special focus sessions on topics such as the history of quantum mechanics, its foundations, and the latest developments in the experimental and theoretical study of quantum systems. The symposium will also include a session devoted to promoting the work of junior physicists who have made significant contributions to their fields.

Chair: Na Young Kim (University of Waterloo)

Co-Chairs: Joonhee Choi (Stanford University), Wonhee Ko (University of Tennessee, Knoxville), Philip Chang (University of Florida)  

A-2. Chemistry (CHM)

Chemistry has been crucial to understanding material’s properties on the molecular level, and its impacts have been broadened to various applications of energy, new materials, biology, healthcare, and engineering. Thus, interdisciplinary research is becoming increasingly critical in addressing complex problems. This year’s Chemistry Technical Group will organize symposia focused on the following research areas: (1) design and characterization of new materials and energy, and (2) molecular approaches for biology and healthcare. Leading researchers working at the forefront of these topics will be invited to discuss the structures and functions of molecular systems and noble experimental, theoretical, and computational techniques. Researchers, postdocs, and students working in academia, industry, and government laboratories are strongly encouraged to participate in scientific discussions and network building.

Chair: Hoi Sung Chung (NIDDK/NIH)

Co-Chairs: Dong Hee Son (Texas A&M University), Kwang Seob Jeong (Korea University)

A-3. Mathematics, Geology, Meteorology, Statistics (MAS) 

The MAS (mathematics, applied math, and statistics) symposium invites enthusiastic researchers, scientists, and engineers to discuss the latest scientific and technical approaches. The symposium covers various aspects of all areas in mathematics, applied math, and statistics including, but not limited to, classical theories in mathematics and statistics and practical applications inspired by real-world situations. The UKC 2024 MAS provides an opportunity for scientists and engineers to share their experiences and ideas on how different challenges we face can be turned into opportunities.

Chair: Soeun Kim (Azusa Pacific University)

Co-Chairs: TBA

B-2. Agriculture, Ecology, Food, Nutrition (FAN) 

Agriculture, Ecology, Food, and Nutrition Symposium will provide professional opportunities for leading and rising scientists and engineers to learn the latest scientific, and technical advances in various fields of agriculture, ecology, food, and nutrition in the US and Korea. The symposium covers all areas related to the UKC 2024’s topic, ‘Discovery, Innovation, and dissemination for transformative impact’. Areas include:

1. Agricultures including agronomy, entomology, crop, soil science, & environmental science, horticulture, plant science, plant pathology, animal sciences, agricultural biotechnology & engineering, agricultural economics & agribusiness, and other agricultural areas.

2. Ecology including physiological ecology & behavioral ecology, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem, landscape, human ecology, and other ecological areas.

3. Food science including functional food, food processing, food quality, safety and regulation, food nanotechnology, food microbiology, food chemistry, food engineering, sensory science, and other emerging food technologies.

4. Nutrition including dietetics, nutrient metabolism and physiology, precision nutrition, and nutritional management in human diseases including obesity, diabetes, cancer, and stroke, muscle and protein metabolism, gene and diet interactions, international nutrition, nutrition, and intestinal microbiome. 

Chair: Yoo Kim (Oklahoma State University)

Co-Chair: Sungeun Cho (Auburn University)

B-3/C-1. Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Biology, Molecular Biology, Cognitive Science, Botany, Zoology, Biomechanics, etc.) / Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering (BME) 

As in any other major industry, problem solving in modern medicine increasingly requires a true convergence of many scientific and engineering fields. While some of the last frontiers of biomedicine, such as neuroscience and regenerative medicine, critically demand new ideas and tools from other disciplines, paradigm-shifting technological innovations in information science, nanotechnology, and robotics could open new opportunities in healthcare. At the same time, a new generation of engineers, "fluent" in many different languages of science, are creating entirely new fields to view the old questions with a fresh look. In the BME symposium, we strive to provide a stimulating forum for all researchers willing to go beyond the "comfort zone" to explore new opportunities in biomedical engineering.

Chair: Deok-Ho Kim (Johns Hopkins University)

Co-Chairs: Young Bin Choy (Seoul National University), Youngjae Chun (University of Pittsburgh)  

C-2. Chemical, Textile, Energy, and Nuclear Engineering (CHE) 

This symposium provides a forum for leading experts and young researchers to present and discuss cutting-edge research advances in the broad areas of chemical engineering and related fields. Topics of interest include various aspects of such areas including (but not limited to) advanced nanomaterials/biomaterials, nanoscience/nanotechnology, and complex processes for energy, health, and environmental problems. Both experimental and computational approaches as well as synergistic methods to address grand challenges in aforementioned topics are welcome.

Chair: Hyun-Tae Hwang (University of Kentucky)

Co-Chairs: Jaewon Lee (University of Missouri), Seung-Soo Kim (Kangwon National University)

C-3. Mechanical, Aerospace, and Naval Engineering (MAN) 

The Mechanical, Aerospace, and Naval Engineering (MAN) Symposium covers a wide variety of related areas including energy, manufacturing, mechanics, control, robotics, materials, and so on. Experimental, theoretical, and computational studies are all welcome to the MAN symposium. The MAN symposium facilitates communication and collaboration on cutting-edge research in mechanical, aerospace, and naval engineering.

Chair: Eon Soo Lee (New Jersey Institute of Technology)

Co-Chairs: Jae-Won Choi (University of Akron), Min Hwan Lee (University of California Merced)

C-4. Materials Science and Engineering, Nanotechnology (MSE) 

Materials innovation plays a pivotal role in tackling pressing societal issues linked to energy, the environment, and sustainability. The Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) symposium aims to unite leading scientists and engineers in the field, fostering a platform for fresh insights and opportunities to build connections for future collaborations. The symposium will delve into various topics, including electronic materials, functional materials, and nanomaterials, with a focus on advanced applications like micro/nanoelectronics, energy conversion/storage, and additive manufacturing. Additionally, the symposium will address novel approaches to materials design, synthesis, processing, characterization, and modeling. 

Chair: Chang-Yong Nam (Brookhaven National Laboratory)

Co-Chairs: Yeonwoong Jung (University of Central Florida), Hyun Suk Jung (Sungkyunkwan University)

C-5. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Architecture (CEA) 

The 37th annual UKC conference welcomes you to the forefront of innovation and progress in Civil, Environmental, and Architecture (CEA) Engineering. As we embark on the next era of science, technology, and entrepreneurship with artificial intelligence (AI), the CEA symposium promises to explore groundbreaking advancements that redefine the boundaries of traditional engineering and scientific disciplines. Amidst the rapid integration of AI into our daily lives, the CEA symposium serves as a beacon of insight into the evolving landscape of resilient infrastructure and sustainable environments. Our symposium is dedicated to unraveling the synergies between AI technologies and the resilience of buildings, transportation infrastructure, and the environment. As we stand on the precipice of a new era driven by AI, the CEA symposium invites you to be at the vanguard of transformative change. Join us in shaping the future of engineering and scientific endeavors, where innovation, sustainability, and resilience converge in harmony with artificial intelligence.

Chair: Youngguk Seo (Kennesaw State University)

Co-Chairs: Eul-Bum Lee (POSTECH) 

C-6. Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) 

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Symposium is designed to provide emerging technologies and diverse developments in a wide range of disciplines of Electrical and Computer Engineering. With the global success of smart devices and the increasing importance of intelligent systems, this symposium provides a platform to introduce the latest innovations as well as showcase applications enabled by these technologies. This symposium brings together scientists and engineers from the US and Korea, promoting the opportunity for technical information exchange and research collaboration between these two vibrant communities. ECE symposium will cover i) electronic and photonic devices, ii) integrated circuits, intelligent systems, control, and networks, iii) emerging applications in healthcare, artificial intelligence, and robotics, and iv) energy, power, and other areas of smart devices and systems. 

Chair: Jin W Choi (Michigan Technological University)

Co-Chair: Jeongwon Park (University of Nevada, Reno)

C-7. Computer and Information Sciences (CIT) 

The Computer Sciences and Information Technologies (CIT) symposium encompasses diverse areas of research and development in CS/IT fields as well as the arts and social sciences. The symposium also provides a variety of opportunities to emerge entertainment and other technology related areas such as connected vehicles, smart city and bio-medical. The symposium also provides a unique venue for CS/IT researchers and engineers from both academia and industry in the US and Korea. The topics include artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, connected vehicles, augmented reality/virtual reality, art technology, software engineering, human computer interaction, big data and data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, robotics, and computer educations. The CIT Symposium consists of regular sessions and a poster session.

Chair: Sam Chung (City University of Seattle)

Co-Chairs: Chul Sung (Pryon Inc.), Wonil Chung (Kyungpook National University), Jeongkyu Lee (Northeastern University Silicon Valley), Jenny Ju (City University of Seattle)

C-8. Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering, Management Sciences, Operations Research (IMS) 

The Industrial Engineering and Management Science (IMS) Symposium aims to discuss recent theoretical advancements and practical developments in the areas of industrial and systems engineering, management science, and supply chain management. The symposium would disseminate, to all branches of academy and industry across the U.S. and Korea, the most relevant theoretical research as well as applications. Topics include, but are not limited to: Intelligent Systems, Internet of Things (IoT), Supply Chain Risk Management, Service Science, Revenue Management, Finance Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics, Optimization, Network Science, Transportation Science & Logistics, System Simulation, Modeling & Decision Analysis, Quality & Reliability Engineering, Engineering Economic Analysis, and Ergonomics & Human Factors.

Chair: EunSu Lee (New Jersey City University)

Co-Chair: Hyesung Park (Georgia Gwinnett College)

D-1. Social Sciences (Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, etc.), Psychology, Digital Arts, STEM Education, and Other Sciences (SSP) 

Multidisciplinary research opens a broad spectrum for understanding human nature through advanced science, engineering, and technology. Moreover, it has the potential to nurture equity in education and society, strengthening social justice. The TG D-1 group symposium aims to present a holistic view of the intersections of advanced technology in education, mental health, and crime prevention. To achieve this aim, we are looking for researchers for the following three sessions.

Session 1: AI-driven Methods in Education and Social Science

AI-driven or machine learning methods strengthen the ability to undercover intricate patterns and trends that may be difficult with traditional analysis and mapping complex networks to reveal crucial social structures and dynamics. We welcome researchers using AI methods in education and other social sciences are welcome, especially those who are willing to share their studies on machine learning algorithm development and their applications in various fields.

Session 2: Promoting Mental Health and Well-being in K-20 Education

Recognizing psychological distress and mental health crises faced by students at all levels, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we invite researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to share their rigorous empirical findings and scholarly insights to address the urgency. Through collective efforts, we aim to tackle this pressing contemporary issue and develop effective strategies that promote students' resilience and holistic development for their academic success and well-being.

Session 3: Navigating the Nexus of Technology and Crime Prevention in the Digital Age

This session explores the evolving relationship between technology and crime prevention, highlighting the opportunities and challenges it presents. With a focus on advancements like predictive policing, AI surveillance, cybercrime prevention, and robotic patrols, we aim to enhance law enforcement and safety. The discussion also covers ethical considerations, aiming to develop effective, fair, and responsible strategies for crime prevention in the digital age.

Chair: Saahoon Hong (Indiana University, Indianapolis)

Co-Chairs: Jae Hoon Lim (The University of North Carolina at Charlotte), Gilbert Park (Ball State University), 

Kyung-Shick Choi (Boston University)