South KoreanEngineerScientistProfessor

Kil-Choo Moon

Moon Kil-Choo is a South Korean environmental engineer and scientist, known for leading institutions like IUAPPA and his work in air pollution and particle technology.

1. Overview

Moon Kil-Choo (문길주Mun Gil-juKorean, born 1951) is a prominent South Korean environmental engineer and scientist. He has held significant leadership positions in major scientific and academic institutions, including serving as the President of the International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA). His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing environmental science and technology, particularly in the fields of particle technology and air pollution. Moon has contributed extensively through his research, academic leadership, and participation in various professional organizations, earning him notable accolades such as the Ungbi Medal and membership in the National Academy of Engineering of Korea.

Moon Kil-Choo during his tenure as President of UST
Moon Kil-Choo during his tenure as President of UST

2. Early Life and Education

Moon Kil-Choo's early life led him to pursue a comprehensive academic journey that established his expertise in engineering and environmental science, culminating in advanced studies focused on particle technology and air pollution.

2.1. Education

Moon Kil-Choo began his higher education in Canada, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ottawa in 1978. He then continued his studies in the United States at the University of Minnesota. There, he completed his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1980. He further specialized in the field, obtaining his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1984. His doctoral research specifically focused on particle technology within the Air Pollution Group, laying the foundation for his future contributions to environmental engineering.

3. Career and Major Activities

Moon Kil-Choo's career is marked by his extensive involvement in both research and academic leadership, contributing significantly to the development of environmental science and technology in South Korea and internationally.

3.1. Roles in Research Institutions

Moon Kil-Choo has held several pivotal executive and research positions within key scientific institutions in South Korea. He served as the Director for National Science and Engineering Programs at the National Research Foundation of Korea. Prior to this, he held significant roles at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), where he was Vice President from 2006 to 2009. His earlier contributions at KIST include serving as Director of the Global Environmental Research Center from 1997 to 2001, and as Director of the Environment Research Center from 1992 to 1997. Beyond these roles, he also served as the President of KIST. Following his tenure at KIST, he became the President of the Korea University of Science and Technology (UST). Furthermore, Moon Kil-Choo has been a Distinguished Professor at Korea University.

3.2. Leadership in Academic and Professional Organizations

Beyond his institutional roles, Moon Kil-Choo has been a prominent leader in various academic and professional organizations worldwide. He has served as the Executive President of the International Union of Air Pollution Prevention and Environmental Protection Associations (IUAPPA) since 2010, having previously been the Executive Vice President from 2004 to 2010. Domestically, he held the position of President of the Korea Society for Atmospheric Environment (KOSAE) from 2008 to 2009. He was also the Chairman of the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) Korean Section from 1997 to 2008. Additionally, he served as the President of the Korean Association for Aerosol and Particle Research (KAPAR) from 1996 to 1997. His professional memberships include the Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR).

3.3. Selected Publications

Moon Kil-Choo's academic contributions are reflected in his notable publications, which have addressed critical issues in environmental science, particularly concerning atmospheric pollutants. His doctoral thesis, titled Charging Mechanism of Submicron Diesel Particles, was published by the University of Minnesota in 1984 and spans 484 pages, detailing fundamental aspects of fine particle behavior. He also co-authored the significant paper "Fine particle measurements at two background sites in Korea between 1996 and 1997," published in Atmospheric Environment, Volume 35, Issue 4, in 2001, on pages 635-643. This work provided crucial data and analysis on fine particle concentrations, contributing to a better understanding of air quality in the region.

4. Awards and Honors

Moon Kil-Choo has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his significant academic achievements and professional contributions to environmental engineering and science. He is a distinguished member of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea (NAEK). In 2006, he was awarded the Ungbi Medal under the Order of Science and Technology Merit, a high honor in South Korea for scientific and technological contributions. The Korea Society for Atmospheric Environment (KOSAE) presented him with a Scientific Award in 2004. Internationally, he received a Certification of Honor from the IUAPPA in England in 2001. Earlier in his career, in 1994, he was recognized with a Ministry Citation from the Ministry of Environment.