Two doctoral graduates from Inha University’s Dynamic System & Vibration Lab (DSVL) have been selected as senior researchers at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) for 2026, the university announced.
Baek Jeong-ju, who completed her doctorate in August 2025, and Seo Dong-woo, who will graduate in February 2026, were chosen for the prestigious positions at the Korean space agency. Their research focused on navigation, guidance, and control technologies for next-generation space and aviation missions, as well as convex-based optimal control techniques. This expertise is increasingly vital as the space industry sees rapid innovation and growing demand for advanced control systems.
Baek Jeong-ju’s doctoral thesis was titled “Mission Design of Black-Coated Solar Sails: From Earth Orbit Raising to Long-Term Mars Operation.” Seo Dong-woo’s research centered on “A Control Technique Study of Ground and Aerial Mobility Systems Based on Lyapunov Stability.”
Seo Dong-woo was also awarded the President’s Award at Inha University’s February 2026 graduation ceremony, recognizing his exceptional research achievements, including the publication of over ten papers in SCI-level international academic journals.
The DSVL, led by Professor Kang Jae-young of Inha University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been conducting research on mobility systems based on dynamics since 2018. The lab’s research scope has expanded to include the design and operational control technologies for ground vehicles, aerial UAVs, and space exploration vehicles. The lab is also actively involved in the design and control algorithm development for uniquely conceived mobility solutions, including a variable-length soft picking robot arm integrating vision control. According to reports, the lab continues to expand its research areas.
Professor Kang Jae-young’s research lab blends mechanical engineering with dynamics, vibration, control, artificial intelligence, and composite material technologies to study future smart mobility and space structures.
