Inaugural Meeting Organizing Committee: Drs. Mira Han, Mingon, Kang, Junyong Kang (UNLV), Drs. Jeongwon Park, Yeongkwon Son (DRI), Hokwon Cho (UNLV, Chair)

Nevada is home to a rapidly growing Korean-American community and an expanding innovation ecosystem. With major research universities such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), Desert Research Institute (DRI), and Nevada State University (NSU), along with community colleges and research institutions across NSHE, the state offers a strong foundation for scientific collaboration and talent development.

The KSEA Nevada Chapter will serve as a regional hub for networking, mentoring, interdisciplinary research collaboration, and professional development, connecting scholars, students, and industry professionals throughout Nevada and the broader KSEA community.

The inaugural meeting of the Nevada Chapter of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA-NV) began with opening remarks by Professor Hokwon Cho, Chair of the Inaugural Committee. Professor Cho warmly welcomed participants and expressed his appreciation to the founding members and attendees who helped make the establishment of the Nevada Chapter possible.

In his remarks, Professor Cho reflected on the growth of the Korean academic community in Nevada. When he first joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 1999, there were only about ten Korean faculty members and researchers on campus. Over the past two decades, however, the number of Korean scholars in Nevada has increased significantly, with more than fifty faculty members and researchers now active across institutions, particularly at UNLV and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). This remarkable growth created the momentum and the need for a formal organization to connect Korean-American scientists and engineers in the region.

Professor Cho emphasized that the establishment of the KSEA-NV Chapter marks an important milestone in building a strong, sustainable scientific network in Nevada. He highlighted the importance of creating a structured platform where researchers and scholars from diverse fields can exchange ideas, share research opportunities, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. He also stressed that the chapter's success will depend on the active participation and cooperation of its members.

Following the opening remarks, the inaugural committee introduced the Nevada Chapter's vision and mission. The chapter aims to build a vibrant scientific and professional network that connects researchers, faculty members, students, and professionals across Las Vegas, Reno, and the surrounding areas. Through this network, the chapter seeks to promote academic collaboration, strengthen professional relationships, and support the advancement of Korean-American scientists and engineers.

The committee also presented the chapter’s 2026 business plan and long-term development strategy for 2027–2028. The proposed plans focus on expanding membership, strengthening collaboration among universities and research institutions, and establishing programs that support students and early-career researchers. Key initiatives include organizing academic seminars and networking events, developing mentorship opportunities, and creating platforms for information sharing and collaboration.

Through these efforts, the Nevada Chapter of KSEA aims to serve as an important hub for scientific exchange, professional development, and community engagement, while contributing to KSEA's broader mission of supporting Korean-American scientists and engineers.

The inaugural meeting featured congratulatory messages from distinguished KSEA leaders who shared insights on the organization’s mission and encouraged the development of the Nevada Chapter.

Guest speakers included:

• Dr. Ohbong Kwon (CUNY City Tech)

• Dr. Deok-Ho Kim (Johns Hopkins University)

• Dr. Clara Kim (Boehringer Ingelheim, KSEA Young Generation Director)

The speakers highlighted KSEA’s global role in advancing science and engineering, supporting next-generation leaders, and promoting collaboration between academia and industry. They also expressed strong support for the Nevada Chapter’s future contributions to the national KSEA network.