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Kang OO, a graduate
● Entered the Department of Science Studies at Jeonbuk National University in 2005 and graduated in 2011 ● Working at the New Renewable Energy Materials Development Support Center, Jeonbuk National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
"In your twenties, you can do anything. Gain many experiences, but quantity must be accompanied by quality. I support you." |
0. Please briefly introduce yourself.
Hello, I am Kang OO from the Class of 2005. I graduated in 2011 and currently work at the New Renewable Energy Materials Development Support Center of the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation at Jeonbuk National University, researching renewable energy in the solar power field.
1. Do you have any memorable school life experiences?
Participating in the department’s traditional pub event: The preparation was hard but memorable. It was good to build closer relationships with professors and seniors/juniors.
Participating in club events: We walked around to get sponsorships for a pop song contest and sang "My Love" by Westlife fully on stage with my classmates, which was a great memory.
2. Any memorable department activities?
I participated in the department club “San,” where we enjoyed hiking with seniors and juniors. It was good for health and enjoyable to have a glass of makgeolli after hiking. (Advisor: Professor Jong-Il Kim)
3. Any memorable department classes?
In 2009, in the second semester science culture and philosophy class with Professor Hea-Ryun Shim, we had group presentations. Our group made a video and performed a skit about the ambivalence of mobile phones, which was very well received.
4. Do you have any memorable memories with professors?
Professor Jin-Gon Oh: In 2005, while taking his general education class “Understanding History of Science,” one day he came wearing sunglasses because he had been hit in the eye by a baseball while playing with his grandchild. He told the story humorously, which was heartwarming.
Professor Geun-Bae Kim: After graduation, he officiated at my wedding in October 2016 and gave a beautiful speech referencing a ship named “Seong Ji-Ho,” made from our names. It beautifully lit up the wedding. He also shyly but wonderfully sang “Write Love with a Pencil” during first-year opening meetings at a pub with a microphone speaker.
Professor Jong-Il Kim: During the “San” club’s activity near Jeonju National University of Education’s mountain, after hiking with him, we sweat and ate soba at “Jinmi-jip,” which was very delicious and memorable as my first soba experience.
5. How has your department life influenced your life and career?
Department activities helped boost my confidence. Communicating and playing with classmates, seniors, and juniors, I reflected on career paths and supported others as well. This was a major turning point for me, who lacked confidence.
6. Why did you choose your current (or previous) career? Please share your decision-making process and personal criteria with juniors.
I did not choose my career initially but pursued diverse experiences through the department, clubs, and external activities. This helped me build confidence and leadership while gradually exploring suitable career paths. I became interested in renewable energy solar power research through environmental club activities called “UNEP Angel,” which led to my current field.
7. What efforts have you made to advance toward your current career? What would you recommend students to do during school?
I spent a lot of time outside the library doing various external activities, which I found more helpful than studying alone. Although I’m not sure about recent trends, I think experiences through departments, clubs, and external activities can lead to valuable results.
8. What would you like to say to juniors?
You can do anything in your twenties. Gain many experiences, but quality must accompany quantity. I support you.
9. Finally, what is “Science Studies” to you in one or two words?
A field that seems easy but is difficult.