As a new mechanical engineering assistant professor in Loyola Marymount University’s Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering, one of Sunwook “Leo” Hong’s goals is to provide students with “tangible experiences in computational modeling, virtual reality, and augmented reality to motivate them to learn cutting-edge skills and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.”
Hong leverages his research skills to provide hands-on learning experiences to students. His current research interests are in computational design and discovery of novel engineering materials; and enhancing education within the STEM fields by using computer simulations and VR/AR technologies. Whether designing novel materials for aircraft, vehicles or a new technological device, engineers employ materials science, paired with other disciplines, to fabricate materials they know will function well for their invention’s purpose. Understanding how those materials stand up to physical forces is a key part of the process.
Hong’s research is based on a reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulation of chemical/physical processes of complex nanostructured systems (structures with dimensions of only a few nanometers). A RMD simulation is a method of studying the behavior of materials by tracking the atomistic interactions in a system. The simulations are used to solve chemical problems, such as understanding reaction rates and kinetics, and the reaction pathways of physical/chemical/biological systems.
His recent collaborative investigations include the development of mechanically strengthened glass-ceramic materials for aircraft windshield/window applications; computational design of high-performance liquid fuels for the hypersonic scramjet aircraft for improved regenerative cooling and combustion performance; and computational synthesis of surface coated aluminum nanoparticles to improve the combustion performance.
Hong is also dedicated to transforming STEM education. He is particularly passionate about supporting underrepresented groups. He integrates computer simulations and VR/AR techniques into educational practices to enhance learning outcomes, aligning with LMU’s mission to foster a diverse and supportive academic community.
“I’m interested in developing programs that support the advancement of undergraduate students’ fundamental understanding of chemical reactions and its application in solving advanced scientific problems using training in computational modeling and simulation skills paired with guided inquiry-based learning,” said Hong.
His research has received funding from federal agencies, as well as global industry-academic collaborations with large corporations. For instance, he was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation for the development of his Simulation-Based Pedagogical Approach in Chemistry Education (SPACE) program intended to help build the capacity of Hispanic-serving institutions to enrich the quality of undergraduate STEM education through interdisciplinary collaborative research efforts. The United States Department of Agriculture awarded Hong a grant for his collaborative work to provide STEM education tools to help underserved students in other science disciplines learn chemistry. Students could then apply that knowledge to solve contextualized problems in the food and agricultural sciences area and gain insight into the chemical processes that occur across the agriculture-food-nutrition continuum.
Hong was previously an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at California State University, Bakersfield. He also served as a postdoctoral research associate working with graduate students in the University of California’s Department of Chemical Engineering. Hong earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Penn State University, and both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kyung Hee University in South Korea.
