Renowned Astrophysicist Professor Seo Eun-Suk of the University of Maryland “Persistent challenges eventually carve the path”

Korea University Hosts the 7th Lecture in the 2025 Leaders Changing the World Series

△ Professor Seo of the University of Maryland delivering her lecture at Korea University

Korea University (President Kim Dong-One) hosted the 7th lecture of the 2025 Leaders Changing the World series on Wednesday, May 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the International Remote Conference Room of the Centennial Memorial Samsung Hall. The featured speaker was Professor Seo Eun-Suk of the University of Maryland.

Professor Seo is a graduate of the Department of Physics at Korea University (incoming class of 1980), where she also earned her master’s degree before obtaining a Ph.D. in physics from Louisiana State University. She is currently a professor of physics at the University of Maryland. A pioneering figure in space exploration, Professor Seo has led NASA’s CREAM and ISS-CREAM projects, measuring cosmic rays in extreme environments such as Antarctica and aboard the International Space Station. She was also the first Korean scientist to receive the U.S. Presidential Award, cementing her status as a trailblazer in astrophysics.

Before the lecture began, President Kim Dong-One welcomed attendees with the following remarks: “Professor Seo is a global astrophysicist and a visionary paving the way for humanity’s future in the space age. I hope today’s talk, filled with stories of bold challenges and fascinating research, inspires new insight and creative growth among our students.”

Professor Seo’s lecture, titled “Challenging Extremes,” highlighted her experiences conducting cutting-edge research in the harshest conditions. She shared stories from the CREAM project in Antarctica and the ISS-CREAM project aboard the International Space Station, emphasizing that “challenges always come with hardship, but it is the refusal to give up that ultimately creates new opportunities.”

△ 7th Lecture in the 2025 Leaders Changing the World Series

She also underscored the importance of perseverance. “Success doesn’t depend on innate talent, but on how much you love what you do and how consistently you pursue it,” she advised. “The key to success lies in doing what you love, sticking with it, and reflecting each day on the questions you asked and the lessons you learned.”

Professor Seo concluded the lecture by sharing insights on leadership drawn from her experience leading international research teams. “A great leader isn’t someone who has all the answers, but someone who asks the right questions so the team can find the answers together,” she said. She emphasized that, especially when working with researchers from diverse national and cultural backgrounds, it is essential to draw out each individual’s initiative and ownership.

The Leaders Changing the World lecture series is a signature initiative commemorating Korea University’s 120th anniversary. The series invites influential figures from various fields to share their stories, offering students inspiration and guidance as they grow into creative leaders. Future lectures will continue to feature prominent voices from the worlds of sports, culture, the arts, and law.