| January 30, 2006 Vol. 77, no. 3S
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BioE assistant professor Seung-Wuk Lee received his B.S. in chemistry
and his M.S. in polymer chemistry from Korea University in
1995 and 1997, respectively. In 2003, he received his Ph.D.
in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of Texas
at Austin. His research focuses on developing novel functional
materials using biological basic building blocks (DNA and peptides)
to address challenging problems in nanoscience and tissue engineering
with a focus on self-assembly of functional nanoscale structures
and materials.
(Peg Skorpinski photo)
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Professor Minute with BioE assistant professor Seung-Wuk Lee
What first inspired
you to go into engineering?
I am fascinated by material designs and finally chose biomaterials
engineering to solve the most challenging problems through inspiration
from biology.
To date, what has been
the most memorable moment in your career?
When I did my master’s degree, I synthesized novel light-emitting
polymers and devices. It was really challenging and took more than
one and a half years. One night, I made the first prototype device
out of this polymer. I turned on the power and gradually increased
the voltage. When I saw light coming
from my device, I was so surprised, I shouted, “Light!” My
friends working in other labs misunderstood it as “Fire!” Everybody
escaped from the building except for me. It was the most memorable
moment in my career and I graduated safely six months later.
If you had a few extra hours, what would you do?
I would read a book to my kids and play with them.
What should engineering
students do at Berkeley before they graduate?
Master at least one foreign language. It will open your eyes to new
worlds, cultures, and ways of thinking.
What are you currently reading?
I am re-reading Double Helix, the autobiography of James Watson.
It’s
very interesting to learn about his passion and inspiration through
one of the most remarkable scientific discoveries in the twentieth
century.
What is one thing you would like to learn how to do?
Learn how to pilot a balloon and travel the world in it.
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