Konkuk University's (KU) endeavors to protect the natural environment from various sources of pollution are becoming more thorough as it proves its status as a forerunner of environmental management. KU is reaping meaningful research achievements through its launch of a project team for green patrol technology development and designation as a Specialized Interdisciplinary Graduate School for Climate Change by the Korean government. Here are the key Konkuk members who are conducting creative and sophisticated research to protect the environment.
KU Air Pollution Modeling Laboratory (APML)
As weather forecast requires a certain kind of computation, air pollution modeling is a process that calculates the level of air pollution by utilizing a computer. Air pollution is difficult to predict since the pollutant can travel hundreds of kilometers with the wind and disseminate throughout a wide area. The Air Pollution Modeling Laboratory (APML) led by Prof. Young Sunwoo (Dept. of Environmental Engineering, KU College of Engineering) analyzes in detail phenomena such as ozone episodes and fine dust pollution while investigating the source and amount of pollutants, where they travel, and what kind of influence they have on living beings.
APML has conducted 70 research projects in the past 20 years, including basic research and investigation for the Special Act on Seoul Metropolitan Air Quality Improvement and forecast systems for ozone and fine dust. Researchers are, in this respect, assuming the roles of "the guardians of the environment" through their contributions to the political bases of environment-related policies.
KU's Selection as Specialized Interdisciplinary Graduate School for Climate Change
The Dept. of Environmental Engineering (College of Engineering) at KU has been selected as a Specialized Interdisciplinary Graduate School for Climate Change by the Korean Ministry of Environment (MOE) and Korea Environment Corporation (KECO), which aims at cultivating specialized talent for climate change response and expanding the research basis of the corresponding field. Through this appointment, KU is to be funded with 125,000 USD per year for five years, which will be used toward fostering professionals in the area of climate change response, establishing climate change curricula, building a system for academic-industry cooperation, etc. Prof. Sunwoo, the faculty in charge, chose "indirect greenhouse gas (GHG)" as the specific research topic, making a connection between climate change and his field of expertise, air pollution. Konkuk's research on indirect GHG will prepare measures for reducing not only air pollutants but also substances that cause climate change.
Source: KU Newsletter (June 2015 Issue)
Link: http://www.konkuk.ac.kr/Administration/Abroad/newsletter/june2015/research02.jsp
Posted by Eun Jin Cho