Coming from the CN Yang Scholars Programme at NTU, a science and engineering-oriented programme, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in research throughout my first two undergraduate years. I was also considering the possibility of pursuing a PhD after graduation, so I wanted to build a diverse research portfolio. When I found out about the KAIST Summer 2025 research-oriented programme, it felt like the perfect opportunity to gain a fresh and unique experience in a different academic environment. Having previously visited Korea and enjoyed its food, culture, and shopping, I was also excited by the chance to live there independently. With the hostel and programme fees covered, it felt like an ideal all-in-one experience. Additionally, I was keen to explore engineering further – particularly civil, environmental, or geotechnical engineering – as I could see myself possibly venturing into these areas in the future.

The KAIST CAMPUS Asia Summer 2025 Programme was a month-long research experience that allowed both undergraduate and graduate students to work on independent research projects under the guidance of KAIST professors. I joined a fairly new lab under Professor Kil-Wan Ko, where there was one PhD student and a few other undergraduates. Coming from an environmental science background rather than engineering, I initially found myself unfamiliar with many fundamental concepts the lab focused on – such as soil dynamics, structural natural periods, and how buildings respond to seismic motion. I also had no prior experience with centrifuge testing, the core experimental method used in the lab, so instead of participating directly in the experiments, I focused on understanding the theory behind the soil–foundation–structure interaction (SFSI) problem.

This experience turned out to be a valuable bridge between what I had previously learnt about earthquakes and geology in my major, and the world of geotechnical engineering. Through literature review and discussions with Prof Ko, I gained a solid grounding in topics like seismic damping, the natural period of structures, and how different soil stiffness profiles affect building response during earthquakes. I was also able to interact with MATLAB simulations of a 3-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) model, adjusting parameters such as soil shear wave velocity, structure mass, and stiffness to observe how the superstructure rocked, swayed, or displaced under different earthquake conditions. This hands-on approach really helped me develop a more intuitive understanding of how seismic energy transfers through soil to foundations and buildings, and how critical parameters like the structure-to-foundation mass ratio or soil stiffness can influence whether a structure withstands or amplifies seismic impact.

Beyond the technical knowledge, I came to appreciate the scale and complexity of engineering research. Compared to the benchtop experiments I was used to in science labs, geotechnical experiments like centrifuge tests are much larger in scale and demand a different level of instrumentation and

preparation. I also gained insight into the practical challenges engineers face in seismic hazard mitigation – how they evaluate soil behaviour under shaking, quantify structural safety, and use controlled rocking to reduce damage. Overall, this programme helped me better understand the engineering perspective of hazard management and gave me a new appreciation for how multidisciplinary seismic resilience really is.

What I enjoyed most about the programme was the opportunity to connect with brilliant, passionate individuals from across the region. Through many meaningful conversations with my lab mates, I gained a deeper understanding of what it’s like to study at KAIST and live in Korea—something I could never have fully grasped just by reading or visiting as a tourist. I also had the chance to form genuine friendships with the six other students in the CAMPUS Asia Summer 2025 research-oriented programme, who came from China and Japan. As the only Singaporean participant, I initially felt a little nervous about being away from home and not having anyone from the same background to relate to. But those worries quickly faded. We bonded over being confused in Korean classes, to sharing meals and singing together at 노래방.

The warmth and kindness of my lab members made a huge difference in helping me feel welcome. I especially appreciated how they went out of their way to accommodate me by speaking in English, even though I was the only non-Korean speaker present. Their patience and friendliness made my experience incredibly enriching and memorable. I’m genuinely grateful for the open, supportive environment at KAIST, it allowed me to grow not just academically, but also personally. I’ll always treasure the valuable connections and shared experiences that came out of this short but impactful one-month journey.

I think my experience in this programme has reaffirmed my interest in pursuing research in the future. While engineering is certainly not my forte, this experience gave me the chance to explore the technical side of seismic hazard analysis and understand how closely geoscience and geotechnical engineering are intertwined. Concepts such as natural period, rocking, and damping, though unfamiliar to me before, have now become part of my academic vocabulary, and I can see how they connect to the earth science principles I’ve previously studied. I gained new perspective on how seismic waves propagate through different soil profiles, how foundation behaviour can alter a structure’s response, and how these interactions are modeled using dynamic systems and numerical simulations. This exposure will help me approach future geoscience courses and research with a much broader and more interdisciplinary mindset.

Academically, I feel better equipped to contribute to research that sits at the intersection of environmental science and engineering – especially in fields like seismic risk mitigation, urban resilience, or geohazard analysis. The literature I engaged with, combined with the hands-on experience of simulating earthquake response using MATLAB, has improved both my theoretical understanding and practical skills. I now feel more confident navigating scientific literature that includes engineering concepts, and more prepared to work in multidisciplinary teams where communication across domains is key.

On a personal level, the programme also gave me a glimpse into what it’s like to live abroad independently – something I may experience again if I pursue postgraduate studies or work overseas in the future. It was a valuable time for self-reflection and growth, and I deeply appreciate how this

programme allowed me to explore new academic territory, meet kind and driven individuals, and challenge myself both intellectually and personally.