Media Center
A multimedia mosaic of moments at GIST
GIST Excellence
[Press Release] GIST Ph.D. couple becomes one through “light”
- 엘리스 리
- REG_DATE : 2015.08.26
- HIT : 883
GIST Ph.D. couple becomes one through “light”
□ Two people met six years ago at GIST, performed research on "light," and eventually married each other. Then on August 25, 2015, this very special couple both received their doctorates during the second commencement ceremony of 2015. The husband is Byung Wook Son (42) from Youngam and the wife is Joo Won Choi (31) from Busan. They worked at the high-speed nonlinear optical lab of the Department of Physics and Photon Science. Dr. Son received his doctorate for his research into ‘all-optical switching and modulation using a multi-photon process’ Dr. Choi received her doctorate for her research into ‘dynamics and nonlinear optical applications of the ferroelectric lithium niobate material.’
□ Their destiny began in 2008 after Byung Wook Son was admitted to GIST. He was the one who initiated his courtship of Joo Won Choi even though he was eleven years older than her. Dr. Choi said, “Even though he was older than his colleagues, he never tried to boss us around. I really liked that he treated us as friends.” She added, “He asked me out after a couple of beers.” Dr. Son said, “At first, I could only understand half of what she was saying because of her Busan dialect, but I liked her easy-going personality. Plus, she likes beer!” The couple got married in February of 2014.
□ They became one through their research despite being from different hometowns with different dialects. Dr. Son said, “I wasn’t so sure about my major, and I lacked confidence. But thanks to my wife, she supported me and gave me advice. So I was able to concentrate on research.” Dr. Choi also said, “In the first year of my Ph.D. studies, I was worried and was thinking about giving up. But thanks to my husband"s experienced advice, I could continue with my studies.”
□ The couple is expected to leave Korea for Singapore on the August 30, 2015, to start a new life. Dr. Choi is going to work as a post-doctorate at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Dr. Son is also planning to work in Singapore.
□ Meanwhile, during the second commencement ceremony of 2015, GIST awarded 47 Ph.D."s, 60 master’s degrees, and 14 bachelor’s degrees. A total of 121 degrees were awarded at Oryong Hall with more than 300 students and families present.