From Semiconductors to Digital Healthcare: Professor Kim Dae Hwan's SiLK Lab in the Department of Electronic Engineering

 

Laboratory Overview and Main Research Areas
Professor Kim Dae Hwan operates the SiLK Lab, leading extensive research spanning next-generation semiconductor core technologies, intelligent semiconductor applications, and the commercialisation of digital healthcare.
The laboratory focuses on three primary areas:
• Next-generation device and structure research: Oxide semiconductors, two-dimensional material-based devices, 3D C-FET transistor structures, and DTCO (Design-Technology Co-Optimisation) methodology development
• Intelligent semiconductor applications: Semiconductors for AI computation, next-generation memory (DRAM·NAND), memristor and crossbar array-based analogue computation device research
• Digital healthcare commercialisation: Development of Sleep-Tech and biosensor-based healthcare solutions utilising semiconductor sensors and circuit technology
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Major Research Projects and Application Cases
The SiLK Lab focuses on solving problems demanded by industry and society, producing research outcomes with real-world applicability.
• AI semiconductors: Developing technologies that incorporate the energy efficiency and cognitive capabilities of the human brain into semiconductor design, thereby increasing computational speed while reducing power consumption
• Healthcare sensors: Developing sensors capable of measuring melatonin hormone rhythms without blood sampling, for application in Sleep-Tech and personalised health management
• Industry-academia collaboratorive analysis methodologies: Presenting analytical tools that predict power consumption, speed, and integration density in collaboration with semiconductor and display companies, expanding research into immediately deployable solutions for industrial settings
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Research Mindset and Advice to Students
Professor Kim emphasises the “Trinity Principle” in the research process: true understanding is achieved only when a concept can be explained verbally, quantified mathematically, and visualized graphically.
He also stresses the importance of not forgetting one's research motivation, systematically defining problems, and solving them. He conveys the following message to students:
• Electrical engineering is a discipline that seeks technologies that benefit humanity.
• Researchers must grow with strong collaboration and communication skills, as well as practical sensibility.
• Above all, never lose your passion and enthusiasm for research.
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Strengths of the Department of Electrical Engineering at Kookmin University
The Department of Electronic Engineering at Kookmin University is a large, comprehensive department where diverse specialisations coexist, offering students broad choices and opportunities for academic expansion.
• Diverse research fields: Students can systematically study various areas of electronic engineering, such as circuits, semiconductors, and control, while experiencing the interconnectedness of disciplines.
• Practical education: An educational environment is provided that goes beyond theory, fostering problem-solving skills connected to real industry.
• Broad career opportunities: Graduates are well prepared for diverse career paths, including corporate employment, entrepreneurship, research institutes, and graduate studies.
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SiLK Lab Homepage https://silk.kookmin.ac.kr/
Kookmin University Department of Electronic Engineering Homepage https://ee.kookmin.ac.kr/