Lee Jae-woo

Professor Lee Jae-woo is a full Professor in the Department of Astronomy and Space Science at Sejong University, where he has served since 2003, advancing from Assistant Professor (2003-2006) to Associate Professor (2007-2012) and full Professor since 2013. His research centers on the formation and evolution of galaxies through detailed analysis of stellar populations in globular clusters using advanced optical and photometric techniques.

His primary research focuses on multiple stellar populations in globular clusters, employing innovative photometric systems like Ca-CN-CH-NH to investigate chemical abundances, kinematics, and evolutionary pathways. Key areas include helium enhancement, metallicity variations, and dynamical properties in clusters such as 47 Tucanae, M22, and M92, with increasing utilization of JWST data for high-precision observations. His work bridges observational astronomy with theoretical models of galaxy formation.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) reveals consistent focus on multi-population systems in globular clusters, with methodological evolution from ground-based photometry to space-based JWST observations. Dominant themes include population-specific chemical tagging, dynamical modeling of energy equipartition, and environmental effects on cluster evolution, significantly advancing galactic archaeology.

His scientific excellence is recognized through prestigious awards:

• 2005 Group Achievement Award (NASA)
• 2006 16th Science and Technology Excellence Paper Award (Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies)
• 2007 Top 50 Research Projects (National Research Foundation)
• 2010 Outstanding Paper Researcher Award (Sejong University)
• 2010 Ocean Science Award (Sejong University)
• 2010 National R&D Excellence Top 100 Achievements
• 2011 Scientist of the Month Award (Ministry of Education)
• 2013 Research Excellence Professor (Sejong University)

Professor Lee actively supervises Master's and Doctoral students at Sejong University, guiding research in spectral synthesis modeling, photometric analysis of globular clusters, and cosmic distance measurement using RR Lyrae variables. His Stellar Species Research Lab conducts both observational campaigns and theoretical modeling, with recent projects focusing on JWST data analysis and innovative photometric system development.

He leads the Stellar Species Research Lab, which operates Monday/Wednesday/Friday 2:00-5:00 PM, conducting observational studies on galactic formation through stellar photometry. Current projects include spectral synthesis for multi-population clusters, RR Lyrae variable analysis, and development of statistical models for population characterization, utilizing facilities like BOAO/KASINICS and JWST.