I was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Seoul, South Korea, where I completed my undergraduate studies. My academic interests lie in bridging human and physical geography, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary research.
Currently, I teach geography, physical geography, and regional studies at Shumei University and Waseda University. My teaching philosophy is to share the fascination and intellectual depth of geography, encouraging students to appreciate its value as a lens through which we can better understand our world. I am committed to fostering global-minded individuals who can embrace cultural diversity and contribute meaningfully to international society.
Currently, I teach geography, physical geography, and regional studies at Shumei University and Waseda University. My teaching philosophy is to share the fascination and intellectual depth of geography, encouraging students to appreciate its value as a lens through which we can better understand our world. I am committed to fostering global-minded individuals who can embrace cultural diversity and contribute meaningfully to international society.
My first encounter with Japan was during a winter trip in my freshman year of university. I was deeply captivated by the country’s refined culture, which inspired me to begin studying the Japanese language. In 2002, I came to Japan as a recipient of the Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship and later earned my Ph.D. in Science from the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Tsukuba.
My current research focuses on the intersection of agriculture and water issues, with a particular emphasis on California’s droughts, agriculture, and their correlation with wildfires. Beyond the lens of climate change, I explore the agricultural dimensions of wildfire occurrence, seeking to identify root causes and propose effective strategies for future mitigation.
Through both teaching and research, my goal is to advance knowledge in geography while inspiring students and colleagues to approach global challenges with curiosity, empathy, and scientific rigor.
I am happy to be connected with GGS
I look forward to future cooperation.
