What positions have you held since graduating from Virginia Tech?

After completing my Ph.D. in 2015, I started my career at Samsung Electronics Company’s headquarters in Suwon, South Korea. As a senior engineer on the R&D team of the Printing Solutions Business unit, my primary responsibilities included coordinating packaging development strategies for new copier and printer development projects and implementing cost-saving projects through the optimization of packaging structure, packaging materials, and packaging logistics.

Since November 2017 I have been employed as an assistant professor at the School of Graphic Communications Management of Ryerson University in Toronto. My current role involves teaching and developing courses, conducting research projects, and providing services to the university and the community. In that capacity, I have performed research projects related to packaging, consumer behaviors, distribution, and sustainability, and have taught packaging related courses such as Consumer Packaging, Packaging Prototyping, and Sustainability in Print and Packaging.

What did you learn at Virginia Tech that most prepared you for your current position?

I was fortunate to work with Associate Professor Laszlo Horvath as a graduate research assistant during my Ph.D. program. From frequent and productive discussions with him and other dissertation committee members, I continuously learned how to develop research plans, manage research projects within a timely manner, and solve problems conducting research projects. The knowledge and skills I directly and indirectly learned from the professors still help me to efficiently manage and balance classes, research projects, and service activities.

I also was involved with the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design as a laboratory manager for two years, during which time I supervised many distribution packaging-related projects for a range of clients. Through this extensive project management experience, I learned hands-on packaging testing and laboratory skills as well as improvement and project management skills. This unique experience is especially helpful in teaching my students practical approaches to packaging design and managing my current research projects.

What advice to you have for our current students to prepare for their future in the industry?

Nothing beats a hands-on education, so I would encourage them to participate in as many relevant extracurricular activities as possible during their school years, such as student clubs, trade shows, conferences, field trips, and, especially, internships. These will be the most effective ways to find their career interests, motivate themselves, apply the knowledge learned from the classroom, and connect with their future employers.