Joining Korea University as Adjunct Professor and K-Club Member

I'm thrilled to share that I've accepted an appointment as an Adjunct Professor at Korea University (KU), with a focus on research collaboration and academic engagement. This is especially meaningful to me because, truth be told, this isn't the first invitation I've received from a university. Over the past few years, several institutions have reached out, but this is the first one I've said yes to.

When the invitation from KU landed in my inbox, I actually paused. I've grown used to reading and politely declining similar offers, but this one felt different. I reread the message, and then read it again. It wasn't just another academic engagement. For me, it was an opportunity that resonated deeply with where I am in my career and where I want to go. There was something about the alignment of values, the clarity of purpose, and the warmth of the people that made me say: "Yes, this is the one."

What This Means to Me and My Work

Accepting this role represents much more than a professional milestone. It's a chance to be part of something that feels meaningful. I've always believed that research is most powerful when it's driven by curiosity and shared with a community that challenges and inspires you. KU offers exactly that kind of space.

In terms of my work, this position allows me to deepen my focus on educational innovation and technology while opening doors to new interdisciplinary collaborations. I'm especially eager to work with faculty and students who approach familiar problems in unfamiliar ways, because that's often where real breakthroughs begin. Whether it's through joint research, mentoring, or simply long conversations over coffee, I know this experience will stretch my thinking in all the right ways.

Why I Think They Selected Me

If I had to guess why KU extended this offer, I'd say it comes down to a combination of consistency and curiosity. I've spent years building a body of work that connects theory to practice, and I think they saw not just a researcher, but a collaborator — someone who wants to build, explore, and challenge ideas.

Colleagues have often said I "make ideas feel real" by translating complex concepts into meaningful, often surprising, applications. I suspect that reputation, along with a strong track record of international collaboration, helped make the case. But more than credentials, I think it was about shared mindset: being open, ambitious, and committed to making a contribution.

About KU: A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1905, KU stands as one of South Korea's oldest and most prestigious private universities. Situated in the heart of Seoul's Seongbuk District, KU is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and fostering global leaders. As a member of the esteemed "SKY" universities, alongside Seoul National University and Yonsei University, KU has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's educational landscape.

With a diverse student body of over 29,000, including more than 9,800 postgraduate students, and a faculty comprising over 1,500 members, KU offers a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarly pursuits. The university's motto, "Liberty, Justice, Truth," reflects its dedication to nurturing critical thinkers and responsible global citizens.

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, KU achieved a global ranking of 67th, underscoring its strong performance in academic reputation, employer reputation, and research output. Additionally, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 placed KU in the 189th position globally, highlighting its strengths in research quality and industry engagement.

My First Visit to the Campus

I had the chance to visit the KU campus on March 31, 2025, and the experience honestly sealed the deal for me. The cherry blossoms hadn't bloomed yet, but the weather was perfect, crisp and clear, and full of that early-spring energy that makes you feel optimistic. It was the kind of day that made walking through campus feel almost cinematic.

During the visit, Kunyoung offered to buy me something from the campus gift shop, and I chose the classic red varsity jacket. There was something about it, bold and collegiate, unmistakably KU, that just clicked with me. Putting it on made the moment feel official in the best way. I remember standing near the main gate, looking around, and thinking, "This feels right." Between the atmosphere, the people, and that small but meaningful gesture, I knew this was a place I wanted to be part of.

Returning for the 120th Anniversary and K-Club World Conference

I'll be returning to KU on July 3–4 to celebrate the university's 120th anniversary and to take part in the first-ever K-Club World Conference. The K-Club is a remarkable community of KU's adjunct professors, distinguished scholars and professionals from around the world, coming together to contribute to the university's global research mission.

This upcoming gathering will bring together members of the K-Club and KU faculty in what promises to be an inspiring exchange of ideas, perspectives, and shared goals. I'm honored to be part of this inaugural event and excited to see what emerges from this diverse and talented group. It's not just a celebration; it's the beginning of something forward-looking and collaborative.

Looking Forward

As I begin this new chapter, I do so with gratitude, excitement, and a lot of ideas. I'm eager to dive into new research, explore cross-disciplinary projects, and support the next generation of scholars. Whether through mentoring, publishing, or collaboration, I hope to contribute something meaningful to the university and learn just as much in return.

If you're curious about what's ahead, want to connect, or are looking for opportunities to collaborate, I'd love to hear from you. This is just the beginning.