Western Gulf Coast Regional Conference (WGCRC) 2025

The 2025 KSEA Western Gulf Coast Regional Conference (WGCRC) was successfully held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Baylor College of Medicine. This year’s conference offered a vibrant platform for Korean American scientists, engineers, and students across the Texas region to gather, exchange cutting-edge research ideas, and strengthen professional networks. More than 100 participants registered for the event, reflecting the growing interest and engagement within the community. From the moment attendees entered the venue, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and intellectual energy, underscoring the thriving scientific landscape in the Western Gulf Coast region.

The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Jung Hwan Kim (UTHealth Houston), President of KSEA-ST. Dr. Kim and Conference Chair Dr. Crystal Shin (Baylor College of Medicine) expressed sincere appreciation for the attendees’ participation and emphasized the importance of sustaining active scientific engagement and collaboration within the Korean American community. His remarks set a positive and forward-looking tone for the day’s events, highlighting KSEA-ST’s commitment to supporting both emerging and established researchers.

Following the opening address, Vice Consul General Intaek Choi, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Houston delivered congratulatory remarks. In his speech, he acknowledged the growing impact of Korean scientists and engineers in the United States and introduced an upcoming bio forum designed to foster deeper collaboration between the Texas Medical Center and Korean biomedical institutions. This announcement was met with enthusiasm, signaling new opportunities for international academic and industry partnerships.

The scientific program began with the keynote lecture by Dr. Donghoon Yoon (Associate Professor at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Full member of Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute). Dr. Yoon delivered an insightful presentation titled “Can Dietary Calcium Consumption Prevent or Delay Myeloma Onset?” He presented his ongoing investigation of the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma (MM), a B cell cancer characterized by proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, presence of monoclonal serum immunoglobulin, and osteolytic lesions. He presented that MM causes severe lytic bone lesions by enhancing osteoclast activity/suppressing osteoblast activity and the factors of bone metabolism that may influence MM growth. The keynote session drew significant engagement, with numerous attendees expressing appreciation for the clarity and depth of Dr. Yoon’s presentation. 

The conference featured an exciting poster session showcasing the work of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Presenters engaged in active scientific dialogue with faculty and fellow scientists, receiving thoughtful questions and constructive feedback. Many discussions extended well beyond the scheduled session time, demonstrating the high level of interest and collaborative spirit among participants.

Following the poster session, the panel “Career in Academia and Beyond,” moderated by Dr. Hyuntaek Oh (Baylor College of Medicine), featured insights from four early-stage faculty members: Dr. Junseok Park (Baylor College of Medicine), Dr. Hojong Yoon (MD Anderson), Dr. Dah-eun Chung (Baylor College of Medicine), and Dr. Daeun Shin (University of Houston). The speakers were early-stage faculty and discussed what makes a faculty applicant’s CV and online presence stand out, effective strategies for identifying and targeting faculty job postings, and when candidates should begin preparing key materials such as CVs, research statements, and teaching philosophies. They shared tips on crafting a strong job talk and explained how it differs from a dissertation defense or conference presentation. The panel also compared virtual and onsite interview experiences, offering preparation strategies for each format, and emphasized evaluating departmental culture and overall fit when considering offers. Additional topics included negotiating job packages respectfully, lessons learned from their own job searches, approaches to writing the first grant proposal, building meaningful collaborations, and developing effective mentorship practices while balancing career advancement. 

The invited faculty lecture session brought together leading experts from multiple institutions to share advanced research across diverse scientific fields. These sessions broadened the scientific scope of the conference and provided attendees with valuable exposure to multidisciplinary research advancements.

The conference concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding poster presentations. Winners received certificates and prizes in acknowledgment of their contributions and excellence in scientific communication. A raffle event further contributed to the warm and engaging atmosphere, encouraging participation and community building. To close the official program, Dr. Junghwan Kim (UTHealth) delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the speakers, organizers, and attendees while emphasizing KSEA-ST’s continued commitment to supporting scientific exchange and community development. 

Following the formal sessions, attendees gathered for a happy hour at Kirby Ice House. This informal gathering provided an excellent opportunity for participants to continue their discussions in a relaxed setting, build new connections, and strengthen existing professional relationships. Conversations during this time ranged from collaborative research ideas to career advice, reflecting the conference’s broader impact beyond its scientific agenda.

Overall, the 2025 WGCRC served as an invaluable forum for promoting collaboration, exchanging innovative ideas, and fostering personal and professional growth within the Korean American scientific community. The success of this year’s conference underscores the importance of regional scientific networks, and KSEA-ST remains dedicated to supporting the advancement of Korean and Korean American scientists and engineers through continued programs, events, and collaborative initiatives.

2025 WGCRC Program Committee:

Crystal Shin (Baylor College of Medicine)

Euijin Yang (Sam Houston State University)

Eunhee Kim (UTHealth Houston)

Suin Yi (Texas A&M University)

Hyuntaek Oh (Baylor College of Medicine/Menninger)

Kyuin Lee (University of Houston)

Jooyeon Hwang (UTHealth Houston)

JungHwan Kim (UTHealth Houston)

KSEA-ST Staff:

Jihye Choi, Hyeseung Lee, Dasom Kim, Heeseon Kim, Sunu Kim, YeJin Kim