Ilwoo Seok

Dr. Ilwoo Seok is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Arkansas State University (A-State), holding professional engineering credentials in Arkansas. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. from UCLA and M.S./B.S. degrees from Hanyang University, Korea. He has six years of industry experience with Hyundai Motors, Bosch, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics prior to academia.

• Research Focus: Advanced manufacturing, micro/nanotechnology for multifunctional materials, and mathematical modeling of multi-physics phenomena, with applications in energy, bio-mimicry, and optical devices.
• Leadership: Leads the microfabrication laboratory at A-State and serves as PI on projects funded by NSF, Arkansas Biosciences Institute, and others.
• Teaching: Teaches a broad range of courses from introductory to graduate levels, including Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials, and MEMS. Advises senior design projects on topics like autonomous systems and industrial automation.
• Affiliations: American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME), Korea-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA), and IEEE.

His research bridges theoretical and applied engineering, emphasizing sustainable materials, nanotechnology, and energy systems. Recent work includes electrocatalyst development, graphene-based hydrogels, and high-performance supercapacitors. His teaching innovations include new courses in micro/nanomanufacturing and engineering optimization.