On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 KSEA West Gulf Coast Regional Conference. As we gather for this annual event, we reflect on our mission to promote the application of science and technology for the betterment of society, to foster meaningful collaborations, and to support the full career potential of Korean-American scientists and engineers. 

This year’s conference provides a unique opportunity to bring together faculty, researchers, engineers, and students from diverse disciplines to share discoveries, exchange fresh perspectives, and build lasting professional connections. 

Our program features a rich lineup of keynote talks, invited presentations, poster sessions, and a career development workshop. We particularly celebrate the contributions of emerging investigators, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career professionals, whose creativity and passion continue to drive innovation forward. 

We hope this conference serves as a platform to inspire new collaborations, spark bold ideas, and strengthen the bonds of our scientific community. I encourage you to make the most of today’s program: engage actively in sessions, strike up conversations, explore cross-disciplinary synergies, and connect with peers and mentors alike. 

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, our volunteers, and everyone who made this event possible. 

Welcome, and thank you for being part of the 2025 WGCRC! 

Warm regards, 

Crystal Shin, Ph.D.
2025 KSEA West Gulf Coast Regional Conference Chair
KSEA – South Texas Chapter