Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute | South Korea
Jaeyoung Kwak is a passionate space physicist and Ph.D. candidate at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), specializing in space weather and radiation environments. With a strong foundation in shipbuilding engineering and a minor in history, he transitioned to the field of space science to pursue his deep interest in the cosmos. Jaeyoung has actively contributed to groundbreaking studies in magnetospheric wave-particle interactions, space radiation, and LEO satellite data analysis. He’s presented his work at prestigious global conferences and holds a notable publication record, combining technical proficiency, teaching experience, and international collaboration.
Profile
Scopus
📘 Early Academic Pursuits
Jaeyoung’s academic journey began at Inha University, where he earned a B.S. in Shipbuilding Engineering, along with a minor in history. His early education focused on applied physics and engineering, equipping him with analytical thinking and structural understanding. His interest in natural sciences evolved into space research, prompting his enrollment in the University of Science and Technology (UST) – KASI School for a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Space Science, laying the groundwork for cutting-edge research.
🛠️ Professional Endeavors
Before delving into academia, Jaeyoung worked as a Basic Design Engineer at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, where he handled primary piping designs for commercial ships. Later, he became a full-time mathematics teacher at Myung Mathematics Academy, teaching students from middle school to high school. Since 2020, he has been working at KASI as a Ph.D. researcher in the Solar and Space Weather group. His diverse career path reflects strong interdisciplinary skills, hands-on engineering experience, and a commitment to education, all of which enrich his scientific perspective and research approach.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Jaeyoung focuses on magnetospheric wave-particle interactions, space radiation analysis, and wave propagation phenomena, using both satellite and ground-based magnetometer data. He has contributed to key studies using the Arase satellite, analyzing EMIC and Pc1 waves, and their impact on Earth’s radiation belts. His research extends to radiation dose modeling for aircrew, validating models like KREAM, CARI-7A, and NAIRAS using real-world flight data. His work strengthens global understanding of space weather hazards, with practical applications in aviation safety, satellite operation, and space mission planning.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Jaeyoung has shared his findings at global conferences like AGU, COSPAR, AOGS, and JpGU, strengthening Korea’s presence in international space science communities. His contributions help improve predictive models for space radiation, influencing both scientific inquiry and real-world safety protocols. Through his publications and international talks, he’s established himself as a young researcher to watch. His cross-disciplinary insights from engineering, teaching, and astrophysics make his approach unique and highly impactful, advancing collaborative research in solar-terrestrial relationships and magnetospheric physics.
📚 Academic Cites
Jaeyoung has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, including in the Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate, and the Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences. His first-author work explores Pc1 pulsation behavior during storm and non-storm conditions, while co-authored studies involve in-situ radiation dosimetry, LEO satellite instrumentation, and Lagrange Point mission planning. His publications are cited by researchers in magnetospheric physics, radiation monitoring, and heliophysics, reflecting a growing academic influence in these interconnected fields. His publication record showcases rigor, collaboration, and technical depth.
🧪 Research Skills
Jaeyoung possesses advanced research skills in data analysis, modeling, and scientific programming, with proficiency in tools like Geant4, IDL, and radiation models such as KREAM and NAIRAS. His work often integrates satellite observations with ground-based measurements, enabling high-accuracy wave propagation tracking and dose validation. He is trained in ionospheric predictions using GNSS and spaceborne sensors, and frequently participates in capacity-building workshops. His technical and analytical capabilities are grounded in real-world datasets, making his research both robust and application-driven, and positioning him as a multi-skilled astrophysicist.
👨🏫 Teaching Experience
Jaeyoung’s experience as a mathematics teacher for middle to high school students highlights his strong communication skills and ability to simplify complex concepts. He also delivered public talks on basic astronomy and space science to students at Gyeonggi Global School, reflecting a passion for outreach and education. His dual role as educator and researcher bridges academic theory and practical understanding, allowing him to mentor and inspire young science enthusiasts. His teaching background enhances his effectiveness in collaborative environments and positions him as a future leader in STEM education.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Jaeyoung has earned significant recognition, including the First Prize at the 2023 UST/KASI Young Researcher Workshop and the 2022 UST Proposal Challenge for his innovative work on KREAM-py development. He also received the Excellent Mentee Award at the 2021 UST Global Mentoring Conference. These awards reflect his dedication, originality, and teamwork in tackling complex space science challenges. His achievements not only highlight his technical expertise but also his ability to lead and inspire in academic and research communities.
🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions
Jaeyoung aims to pioneer research in space weather prediction, radiation hazard mitigation, and magnetospheric dynamics. His interdisciplinary foundation and international collaborations equip him to lead global research initiatives in space science. As a committed educator and innovator, he is likely to influence the next generation of scientists and contribute to future space missions and safety systems. His ongoing efforts to integrate space radiation models with real-time observations will have lasting impacts on both science and public safety, ensuring his legacy as a visionary scientist and mentor.
Publications Top Notes
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📝 Comparison of storm and non-storm periods mid-latitude Pc1 pulsation characteristics – Kwak, J. et al. – Journal of Space Weather and Space Climate (2024)
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📡 Initial Results of Low Earth Orbit Space Radiation Dosimeter on Board the Next Generation Small Satellite-2 – Nam, U., Kwak, J. et al. – Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences (2024)
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🌞 Long-Term Science Goals with In Situ Observations at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point L4 – Lee, D., Kwak, J. et al. – Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences (2024)
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🚀 Opening New Horizons with the L4 Mission: Vision and Plan – Cho, K., Kwak, J. et al. – Journal of the Korean Astronomical Society (2023)
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✈️ Validation of KREAM based on in-situ measurement of aviation radiation in commercial flights – Hwang, J., Kwak, J. et al. – Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences (2020)