Harvard University, Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (Environmental Chemistry), Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA

Doctoral research: Microscopic mechanisms of dissolution and precipitation of manganese minerals. Advisor: Scot T. Martin.

2005

Harvard University, S.M. in Engineering Sciences (Environmental Chemistry), Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA

Doctoral research: Microscopic mechanisms of dissolution and precipitation of manganese minerals. Advisor: Scot T. Martin.

2003

Ewha Womans University, M.S. in Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Seoul, South Korea

Dissertation title: Study on cadmium adsorption behavior on manganese nodules and leached residues.
Advisor: Dong-Su Kim.

1999

Ewha Womans University, B.S. in Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Seoul, South Korea

Senior Thesis title: Retrospect on the Bioremediation for Petroleum-Contaminated Soil and Groundwater
Advisor: Dong-Su Kim.

1997

Washington University in St. Louis,

Professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, St. Louis, MO (2017-Present, early promotion)

Herold D. Jolley Professorship (2014-2017)

Associate Professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, St. Louis, MO (2013-2017, early promotion)

Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, St. Louis, MO (2008-2013)

• Member of the Environmental Studies Program at WUStL

• Member of the Institute Of Materials Science & Engineering at WUStL

• Investigation of the environmental impacts of human activities through improved understanding of the fate and transport of contaminants (heavy metals and organic contaminants), and the biogeological cycling in complex environments

• A comprehensive analysis of the energy-related subsurface engineering operation, including geologic CO₂ sequestration, underground hydrogen storage, conventional and unconventional oil and gas recovery, hydrothermal energy, and nuclear waste disposal

• Investigation of photothermal and photochemical processes for water purification

• Investigation of physico-chemical reaction mechanisms during aquifer storage, treatment, and recovery using water reuse to secure underground sources for drinking water (USDWs)

• Investigation of the water-mineral interfacial reactions at nanoscale

• Development of new treatment techniques and catalysts for purifying drinking water and remediating contaminated water and soil, benefiting water reuse, managed aquifer recharge, and reverse osmosis processes

• Investigation of biomineralization and bio-inspired chemistry for novel materials development

2008-Present

University of California at Berkeley / Lawrenece Berkeley National Laboratory, Postoctoral Research Fellow , Molecular Geochemistry and Nanogeoscience, Berkeley, CA USA

• Investigation on molecular issues related to environmental chemical kinetics, especially as related to geochemical cycling of elements and the fate and the transport of contaminants.

• Development of new experimental techniques in environmental kinetics.

• Investigation on the nucleation and growth of nanoparticles.

• Collaboration with CEKA(Center of Environmental Kinetic Analysis: Environmental Molecular Science Institute Project) at Penn state University

2005-2007

Harvard University, Graduate Research Fellow , Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA

• Investigation on dissolution and precipitation of minerals in aquatic environment.

• Development of chemical tools for building mineral structures at the nanoscale.

2000-2005

Ministry of Environment, Officer , Department of Environment-International Affairs, Seoul, South Korea

• Making a bulletin (English), “Green Korea 2000.”

2000

Ewha Womans University, Graduate Research Fellow, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Seoul, South Korea

• Development of treatment methods for fluorine containing and high turbidity wastewater, sponsored by LG Metal, Inc. and Korean Research Foundation.

• Chemical analysis of wastewaters, sponsored by Motorola, Inc.

• Development of new adsorbent materials for heavy metal ions using natural manganese nodules.

1997-1999