Shiwoo Lees footprints

Personal Statement

● Introduction and Motivation

Hello! My name is Shiwoo Lee. I got a master's and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Inha University in South Korea.

When I matriculated into Gachon University in 2014, my major was landscape architecture. This field reflects yin and yang harmony into spaces to create greenery. However, I was more fascinated by mechanical engineering, a field that involves understanding the physical principles of how things work and utilizing these principles in designing objects.

As a result, I changed my major in 2015. Moreover, in 2017, I transferred to Inha University with the same major, to get diverse opportunities and invaluable experience.

In 2020, during my undergraduate research, the Inha Group for Problem Solving (I-GPS) project, and my internship at Korea Air, I naturally focused on composite materials such as ceramic matrix composites, polymer matrix composites, and natural fibers.

In February 2024, I submitted the paper on enhancing mechanical properties of C/SiC using cellulose nanofibers to the journal 'Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials.' The paper is under review.

Recently, I have joined the guided munitions development team at Hyundai Rotem.

● My Experience of Master's Courses

In my master's courses, I conducted research on fiber-reinforced plastic materials in collaboration with institutions such as the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), KOLON DACC COMPOSITE, DOOSAN ENERBILITY, and the RWTH Aachen Institute of Textile Technology (ITA).

The project with KRRI provided me with a significant opportunity to grasp the fabrication process and mechanical behavior of Glass/Phenolic composites. I conducted characterizations of tensile, compressive, and flexural properties of the composite based on ASTM testing standards.

With KIER and KOLON DACC COMPOSITE, we conducted a study to enhance the mechanical properties of SiC/SiC and C/C-SiC composites processed using the liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) method. As a result, we successfully increased the properties of these materials. Throughout this period, I acquired a strong foundational knowledge of SiC-based ceramic matrix composites.

Collaborating with DOOSAN ENERBILITY allowed me to put my problem-solving skills to the test with unfamiliar technologies. During that time, my responsibilities included re-modeling the compressor blade, generating engineering drawings of composite plies that constitute the blade structure, and analyzing the composite blade using ABAQUS. Particularly, we encountered challenges in creating these drawings due to the use of CATIA Composite Design, and there were no clear instructions on creating these plies with this CATIA module. However, after pushing myself to the limits, I succeeded in forming ply geometries through the intersection and projection techniques. Consequently, we managed to fabricate the composite blade for the compressor within a limited timeframe.

My research experience at ITA proved to be a valuable opportunity for my growth as a researcher. I took the initiative in solving issues related to research budgets, meeting schedules, and machinery. This experience allowed me to enhance my skills in contract writing and conducting meetings with companies. Fueled by a genuine passion for the art of three-dimensional weaving, I dedicated long hours to refining my abilities in setting up looms and producing intricate carbon textile preforms. Consequently, I acquired the know-how to create these preforms using a low-budget weaving loom.

● My Research Interests

My research interests are as below.

① Ceramic matrix composites

② 3D-woven textile composites

③ Cellulose nanofiber-based polymer composites & fiber-reinforced plastics

④ Composites for stealth and EMI shielding application

The demand for composite materials is growing. Specifically, composites with high thermal resistance, damage tolerance, and functionalities for stealth and EMI shielding applications are getting attention.

For this reason, given the opportunity, I aspire to engage in research aimed at enhancing the mechanical properties of composite materials and fabricating multifunctional composites with a range of nano additives such as CNTs, graphene, and nanocellulose.

Moreover, I am actively pursuing multidisciplinary research. This kind of approach is crucial for understanding the factors contributing to the improved properties of composites with various nano additives.

● My Future Goals, and My Values on Multidisciplinary Studies

To be a subject matter expert (SME) in an industrial or an academic field, connecting the dots is what we should achive during our lives.

I studied landscape architecture and mechanical engineering. At the same time, I had a strong eagerness to be a fashion designer when I was in high school.

Some time has passed, these diverse backgrounds and strong eagerness have introduced cellulose nanofiber from woods and 3D-woven carbon textile into my research, resulting in a unique research experience.

For this reason, I expect that various courses and experience that I will take in graduate school in the future will make me a singular individual in my field.

For now, I want to be an SME in the aerospace industry. However, this aspiration is not limited to the aerospace field. It also includes materials science, chemical engineering, and medical engineering.