Pursuing the undergraduate degree at .. University, I have accumulated a broad and intensive knowledge in semiconductor materials. My motivation to pursue graduate study in semiconductor materials began with a simple but persistent curiosity: how do materials properties at the atomic scale and how can these atomic-level changes be harnessed to engineer electronic components that are increasingly smaller, faster and more efficient?
During my undergraduate study, I have studied many courses relating to semiconductors, such as Semiconductor Materials, Semiconductor devices and Integrated Circuit Fabrication Technology, and Electronic Materials and Components. These classes taught me how semiconductor materials are fabricated, their working principles, and why electronic chips only a few nanometers in size can have such a profound technological impact - this insight aroused my interests in this field.
Although my research projects were not directly in semiconductors, they allowed me to develop the fundamental skills required for semiconductor research. Since my second year, I began with a position as a research assistant at the Quantum Materials laboratory of Professor A, one of the developers of Quantum ESPRESSO, the most commonly used computational materials science software. My main research focused on investigating and predicting properties and behaviours of nanomaterials by using computational methods such as Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. During this time, I was assigned a project, which also became my final-year thesis. It focused on elucidating the mechanism and kinetics of the Pt deposition process - important factors in improving catalyst activity and durability in fuel cells. At the beginning, having no prior experience with DFT, I struggled to understand the mathematical formalisms, physical parameters, setting up input files and fixing bugs. However, I maintained a positive mindset and realized that the only way to overcome these difficulties was to work harder. I began by studying various English textbooks and reading papers. I often received advice from my supervisor about his research experience, focusing on how he overcame obstacles. Despite many challenges, I successfully published my first paper as first author in a Q1-ranked ACS journal, a reputable and influential journal in the field of Materials Science. It partly demonstrates my ability and effort in conducting scientific research.
To strengthen my experimental capability, I joined Professor B's laboratory, where I synthesized Pt nanoparticles on graphene using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technique for fuel-cell catalyst applications. I optimized deposition conditions, conducted measurements and analyzed the results. This experience allowed me to understand the constraints of thin-film processing which are highly relevant to semiconductor fabrication.
My work in simulation and experiments has given me a good starting point in semiconductor-related research. However, my experience is still limited by the lack of exposure to large-scale fabrication tools, advanced characterization techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration. My previous internship at KAIST gave me a glimpse of its state-of-the-art facilities and its collaborative environment. That experience showed me how much more I can learn and it strengthened my motivation to return. I believe KAIST offers the ideal environment to support and elevate my graduate research. Pursuing graduate study at KAIST will be the most logical extension of my objectives. I am confident that the wholesome education that I receive at KAIST will stand me in good stead throughout my career.
In the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, I am particularly interested in the work of Professor C on 2D semiconductor materials and advanced thin-film deposition technique. My background in DFT, MD and ALD provides a strong alignment with his group's research direction. I am eager to contribute to ongoing efforts in designing and optimizing next-generation semiconductor materials.
In the future, I hope to pursue a career in the semiconductor field. I believe KAIST will provide a strong foundation for this path through practical learning, access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities to collaborate with talented researchers from around the world. I also hope that I could contribute positively to this field by publishing our findings in top journal from our progress at KAIST.
During my undergraduate study, I have studied many courses relating to semiconductors, such as Semiconductor Materials, Semiconductor devices and Integrated Circuit Fabrication Technology, and Electronic Materials and Components. These classes taught me how semiconductor materials are fabricated, their working principles, and why electronic chips only a few nanometers in size can have such a profound technological impact - this insight aroused my interests in this field.
Although my research projects were not directly in semiconductors, they allowed me to develop the fundamental skills required for semiconductor research. Since my second year, I began with a position as a research assistant at the Quantum Materials laboratory of Professor A, one of the developers of Quantum ESPRESSO, the most commonly used computational materials science software. My main research focused on investigating and predicting properties and behaviours of nanomaterials by using computational methods such as Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. During this time, I was assigned a project, which also became my final-year thesis. It focused on elucidating the mechanism and kinetics of the Pt deposition process - important factors in improving catalyst activity and durability in fuel cells. At the beginning, having no prior experience with DFT, I struggled to understand the mathematical formalisms, physical parameters, setting up input files and fixing bugs. However, I maintained a positive mindset and realized that the only way to overcome these difficulties was to work harder. I began by studying various English textbooks and reading papers. I often received advice from my supervisor about his research experience, focusing on how he overcame obstacles. Despite many challenges, I successfully published my first paper as first author in a Q1-ranked ACS journal, a reputable and influential journal in the field of Materials Science. It partly demonstrates my ability and effort in conducting scientific research.
To strengthen my experimental capability, I joined Professor B's laboratory, where I synthesized Pt nanoparticles on graphene using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technique for fuel-cell catalyst applications. I optimized deposition conditions, conducted measurements and analyzed the results. This experience allowed me to understand the constraints of thin-film processing which are highly relevant to semiconductor fabrication.
My work in simulation and experiments has given me a good starting point in semiconductor-related research. However, my experience is still limited by the lack of exposure to large-scale fabrication tools, advanced characterization techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration. My previous internship at KAIST gave me a glimpse of its state-of-the-art facilities and its collaborative environment. That experience showed me how much more I can learn and it strengthened my motivation to return. I believe KAIST offers the ideal environment to support and elevate my graduate research. Pursuing graduate study at KAIST will be the most logical extension of my objectives. I am confident that the wholesome education that I receive at KAIST will stand me in good stead throughout my career.
In the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, I am particularly interested in the work of Professor C on 2D semiconductor materials and advanced thin-film deposition technique. My background in DFT, MD and ALD provides a strong alignment with his group's research direction. I am eager to contribute to ongoing efforts in designing and optimizing next-generation semiconductor materials.
In the future, I hope to pursue a career in the semiconductor field. I believe KAIST will provide a strong foundation for this path through practical learning, access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities to collaborate with talented researchers from around the world. I also hope that I could contribute positively to this field by publishing our findings in top journal from our progress at KAIST.
