KIAT-STARS Semiconductor Summer Program in Purdue University hosted by CORIA
On July 28, 2025, representative students from 26 specialized semiconductor universities in Korea, designated by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), participated in Purdue University’s Semiconductor Summer Program. Along with KIAT officials (Jisun Lee, Taehyun Kim, Jimin Hwang, and Hyunwoo Noh), 26 students joined Purdue’s STARS Program, where they studied SystemVerilog theory and carried out hands-on projects. The two-week, ten-day program provided an intensive curriculum in semiconductor technologies.
The program was facilitated by Prof. Martin Byung-Guk Jun, Director of Purdue’s international cooperation center CORIA (GITCC-CORIA), and Dr. Hyunmin Park, who supported overall program coordination and organized social activities (Day 1 and Day 6) as well as a campus tour (Day 2). Purdue faculty also contributed: Prof. Younghyun Kim, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Day 3), and Prof. Byunghoo Jung, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (Day 9), delivered seminars on semiconductor-related topics.
On Day 4, CORIA invited Dr. Woong-Sun Lee, CEO of SK hynix West Lafayette LLC, to give a seminar and engage with students over a networking meal. CORIA further arranged technical tours of Purdue’s BIRCK Nanotechnology Center, BIDC, and FLEX Lab to broaden students’ perspectives. On Day 6, CORIA hosted a panel discussion featuring leading Korean researchers at Purdue, including Prof. Sunghwan Lee, Prof. Kyubyung Kang, Prof. Woongkul Lee, Prof. Garam Kim, and researcher Changheon Han. These mentors, who had pursued research careers in the United States, shared valuable experiences and insights with students on academic and career pathways.
The program offered participants meaningful exposure to Purdue University’s unique teaching culture and learning environment, while also deepening their understanding of semiconductor core technologies and foundational skills. Prof. Jun personally engaged with each student, discussing their academic concerns and offering perspectives on the future of semiconductor research. He emphasized, “For the advancement of semiconductor technology between Korea and the U.S., it is essential not only to share knowledge and expertise, but also to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Our goal is to strengthen connections not only for students but also between academia and industry.”
Following the completion of the KIAT-STARS Program, student feedback surveys indicated exceptionally high levels of satisfaction across all areas.
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