KAIST Professor Myung Jaeuk Named "40 Under 40 Next-Generation Environmental Engineering Leader"

KAIST announced on December 12 that Professor Myung Jaeuk from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has been selected for the "40 Under 40 Recognition Program" organized by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES).

AAEES is the world’s most prestigious professional organization leading the global environmental engineering field through the operation of the Professional Environmental Engineer (PEE) certification system, policy advisory services, and international academic exchanges. The "40 Under 40 Recognition Program" annually identifies and honors next-generation environmental engineering researchers under the age of 40 who demonstrate innovative research achievements, social contributions, and educational leadership.

Professor Myung is the first Korean to be selected since the program’s inception and is recognized for significantly elevating the international status of environmental engineering and sustainability research in Korea. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in April next year in Washington, D.C.

Previously, Professor Myung attracted attention from both academia and industry by developing technology that converts greenhouse gases such as methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) into biodegradable plastics. He has presented a new industrial paradigm by integrating environmental microbiology and materials science to transform greenhouse gases into high-value-added bio-based materials.

In particular, his research achievements are regarded as a world-class sustainable technology alternative capable of simultaneously overcoming the challenges of plastic downcycling and the economic limitations of greenhouse gas utilization technologies.

Professor Myung stated, "I was able to receive the '40 Under 40 Recognition Program' award thanks to the collaborative research culture at KAIST and the students who have researched and taken on challenges with me," adding, "I will continue to strive to contribute to a brighter future for humanity and the planet through sustainable resource circulation technologies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.