Brown Environmental Leadership Lab - Alaska
I.
Field Exploration
During the Brown Environmental Leadership Lab in Alaska, I explored environmental change through direct field observations of glaciers, earthquake-formed landscapes, and volcanic monitoring sites. The experience connected geological processes with the visible effects of a changing climate.
I also studied glacier retreat, geoid science, and Alaska Native perspectives on environmental issues. Building on these observations, I developed and presented an Action Plan focused on educating the community about reducing milk-carton waste
Selected to participate in Brown University’s Environmental Leadership Lab in Alaska, an immersive program combining environmental science, field exploration, and leadership.
The experience brought together students interested in environmental challenges to study Alaska as a living classroom — connecting scientific observation with questions of climate, community, and environmental responsibility.
→ Explore the Program
Environmental Science & Engineering
I.
UV-Resistant PLA Artificial Turf
This project explored a more sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic turf by developing artificial grass blades from biodegradable PLA. Working under a professor mentor at the University of Suwon, I designed and 3D-printed prototypes that mimic the texture and structure of real grass.
The prototypes were then tested for UV resistance over three weeks, showing no statistically significant material degradation. The research suggests that PLA-based artificial turf could offer a durable outdoor solution while reducing microplastic pollution and heat retention associated with traditional synthetic grass fields.
II.
Eco-Friendly Soccer Field Energy Harvesting Infrastructure
This project explored how the kinetic energy generated by soccer players could be converted into usable electricity through piezoelectric devices embedded beneath the turf. I designed an energy-harvesting system that converts player movement into electrical energy and stores it in batteries through a custom circuit.
The system also considered real-world implementation by targeting high-traffic areas of the field, where player movement is most concentrated. This approach aimed to maximize energy generation while reducing installation costs, offering a more sustainable way to support stadium energy demands.
III.
Entofarm
Entofarm is a biodegradable pesticide project designed to address the growing mosquito population associated with climate change. Using entomopathogenic fungi, our team developed a self-reproducing system that selectively targets mosquitoes as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides.
Designed with scalability in mind, the project envisions a platform that could be distributed to farmers globally. Entofarm was selected for the Climate Change Challenge at Oxford Saïd Business School, where it received 2nd Place among more than 1,000 teams.
Athletics & Activism
From competition to contribution.
Connecting athletics with leadership, community engagement, and environmental responsibility.
II.
KIS Varsity SoccerSoccer has been a constant throughout my four years of high school. As a varsity starter and winger, I learned to contribute through consistency, teamwork, and responsibility on the field. In 2025, our team finished 1st in the KAIAC National League season.
Charity Sports Exchange (CHASE) Through the K League Greenlight Campaign, I experienced how soccer can become a platform for environmental action beyond the game itself. I participated in plogging, reducing single-use plastics, and stadium clean-ups while engaging fans and students in hands-on sustainability efforts.
K League Greenlight Campaign for Life SharingI organized CHASE to turn sports into a way of giving back. Bringing together 30+ students from 12 schools, we host charity soccer and basketball matches where every goal contributes to a chosen cause. Across eight events, we have raised more than $3,300 for environmental and sports-related initiatives.
Extracurricular
Spread:Green began with a simple idea: making environmental action part of everyday life. As president, I have led plogging and clean-up initiatives across schools, parks, streets, and commercial areas, removing cigarette butts, plastics, disposable cups, and other waste from shared spaces.
Through these activities, I became particularly aware of cigarette butt pollution and how easily it enters drainage systems, contaminating soil and waterways. Since 2023, we have organized 20 clean-up events across Seoul’s Gangnam district and raised over $4,200 through three donation drives to support environmental causes.
Spread:Green
President
2023.05 ~ Present
As a member of the KIS Eco Club, I worked to make sustainability more visible and practical within our school community. One of our key initiatives was transitioning sports teams from single-use plastic bottles to reusable water bottles, helping reduce everyday plastic waste.
We also distributed plants throughout campus to create greener shared spaces and encourage greater environmental awareness among students.
KIS Eco Club
Club Member
2023.08 ~ Present
Playing clarinet in the KIS School Band has been a continuous part of my high school experience. I progressed from Concert Band as a freshman to Wind Ensemble, while challenging myself through competitive, audition-based honor ensembles.
I was selected for both the NHF and AMIS Honor Bands, earning 2nd Chair at NHF and 5th Chair at AMIS. These experiences pushed me to grow not only as an individual musician, but also as part of an ensemble where listening, precision, and collaboration matter just as much as individual performance.
KIS School Band
Clarinet
2023.08 ~ Present