The Board

Matthew Lee is a junior at Daegu International School and student ambassador to Pioneer Academics with a dedicated interest in systems and synthetic biology. He is a devoted student-researcher with three-year research experience. His investigations are published in the Pre-Collegiate Global Health Review (PGHR) and the Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) and received awards from 5+ international science fairs. Furthermore, he continues his three-year journey with the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition as Team Korea_HS’s student leader (2021) and advisor (2022~2023). Beyond STEM academia, Matthew demonstrates proactive advocation of science education and communication -- through co-founding of Korea International Synthetic Biology Cooperative (KISBC) and the Journal of Emerging Scientists (JES). He, however, also emphasizes an active discourse in humanities -- notably history and writing composition. As a Director of Community Engagement at JES, Matthew aspires to constitute a new ground for pre-collegiate scholastic interactions.

Chaehyun Lee is a junior at Branksome Hall Asia. She is a secretary and a managing editor of JES. She has a deep interest in biology and chemistry, showing her interest in valuable competitions and projects. She participated in 2022 iGEM (Korea_HS) as a collaboration team leader and was awarded a silver medal, best inclusivity award, and an iGEMer’s prize. She took responsibility in contributing to a research paper in Cambridge (CCISTC), and was awarded an excellence award in Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 programme. Chaehyun hopes to further help create research journals for students so that they can widen their perspectives in the field of STEM.

Aiden, a junior at Daegu International School, made his mark as the co-founder of Finute, a financial literacy game startup, and the sole founder of Ohdiga, a service for sharing travel spots. His entrepreneurial journey began at the age of sixteen, driven by a strong passion for business, leading to the creation of a successful startup and recognition for his achievements. He not only claimed victory in multiple business competitions but also founded InnovateU, a pitching competition for bringing his innovative business concepts to life. Through JES, he's on a mission to express his keen interest in business and entrepreneurship by exploring potential ideas with strong business potential.

Hajin Ruy is a junior at Korea International School Jeju and is a co-founder in community-based volunteering club, Global Aid. She is interested in biology and chemistry, and thus has participated in several national science competitions. She has received a silver medal in KIYO (Korea International Youth Olympiad) and a gold medal in KSEF(Korea Science & Engineering Fair). She is also interested in how science and technology can be utilized to resolve societal problems; she is an active MUN participant who chaired 7+ committee and has experience serving as the SG. Hajin hopes that JES can be a new platform for students worldwide to pursue their scientific passion.

Andrea Kim is a junior at Dulwich College Seoul and a student researcher who strives to develop pioneering solutions to biological issues. Andrea began her journey as a researcher during her freshman year of high school when she lead the Human Practices Team of Team Korea_HS in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) 2021 and was awarded the Silver medal, iGEMer’s Prize, and Best Inclusivity Award. Immersed in biological research for three years, Andrea has publications in the International Young Researchers’ Conference (IYRC) from Columbia University and the Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI), both of which have been awarded 3+ international accolades. By co-founding and leading youth science organisations like BioChem Society (school), Science CREST Club (school), and the Journal of Emerging Scientists (JES), Andrea seeks to provide research opportunities to all young scientists. This advocacy is further amplified through her near decade-long involvement in debating and public speaking. As the Team Captain of South Korea’s national speech and debate team, Andrea has received numerous national and international recognition — notably, she was named the world’s Top 14 individual public speaker at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC) 2022. As the Executive director of JES, Andrea is eager to support high school students in all of their scientific endeavours. -

Chaeun Son is one of the attending secretary and managing editor of JES. She currently attends Daegu International School as a junior. She is responsible for ensuring that department heads and officers fulfill their tasks. Through JES, she aims to show her interest in science and aspires to see students from all around the world develop their passion toward science.