College of Engineering News • Iowa State University

Welcoming Hanwook Chung, new assistant professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering 

Hanwook Chung Portrait
Hanwook Chung Portrait

Education: PhD, Biological Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2023, MS, Biological Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2020, BS, Biological Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2017 

Research Focus: Improving the indoor production microenvironment for agricultural commodities like livestock and plants, resiliency in indoor production and sustainability.  

Joins Iowa State From: Graduate research assistant position, University of Wisconsin-Madison 

Recognitions and awards: ASABE 2023 Presentation Excellence Award, 2022 ASABE Student Oral/Poster Competition Award 

How do you hope your research discoveries impact the world?  

Agriculture is one of the most significant pillars of our society (and the world!). With many future uncertainties with extreme weather, geopolitics, and economic events, I want my research discoveries to aid farmers, producers, and food production to continuously adapt and advance in this dynamically changing world— thus, impacting the society as a whole.  

More specifically, I look forward to advancing climate-independent indoor food production that is both efficient and economical for society and farmers to pursue and afford. 

What kind of classroom and teaching experience do you look forward to creating at Iowa State? 

Effective learning comes through social interactions with others, regardless of the subject. I look forward to creating a classroom experience for students where they can gain knowledge and be confident to present and share their thoughts and ideas. 

Additionally, one of the biggest perks of university education, outside social learning opportunities, is its accessibility to cutting-edge technologies, tools, and research activities. I am excited to integrate different technologies into classrooms and introduce current ongoing research projects to students. 

Research activity itself is essential. But perhaps guiding and inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists might provide even more significant, intangible impacts on society. 

What drew you to join Iowa State?  

I have always known about the esteemed reputation and impacts that the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) at Iowa State University (ISU) has on research and academia, and they are apparent from my interactions with ISU faculties and students at conferences and academic settings. So, when I heard about the opportunity to be part of, and contribute to, such an excellent department and the University, it was a no-brainer. 

You know, you always feel nervous about relocating to a new location. However, the friendly and approachable people I met and the beautiful campus I saw during my visits assured me that this was the place for me! 

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