Norfolk State University recently entered a partnership with a South Korean university and its medical school that will allow the institutions to conduct joint research efforts in deep space science, engineering, technology and innovation.
On May 27, 2019, NSU Interim President Dr. Melvin T. Stith signed a general agreement of partnership and collaboration with Inha University, a higher education institution based in Incheon, South Korea. The 22,000-student institution is a leader in the country in space science, engineering, technology and medicine.
Stith signed agreements in two separate ceremonies with Inha University President Dr. Myeong Woo Cho and Inha Medical School President Dr. Young Mo Kim. In addition to the research collaboration, the institutions plan to establish exchanges of faculty and students, according to details from the agreement.
Under the partnership, the two universities will share a vision and path forward for deep space human exploration and will explore joint research efforts in areas including smart optics and advanced manufacturing technologies utilizing the university’s nano/microfabrication cleanroom facility.
The agreement was spearheaded by Dr. George Miller, dean of the School of Graduate Studies, and Norfolk State Professors Dr. Kyo Song and Dr. Hargsoon Yoon. The faculty members were a part of a university contingent that traveled to the country for the formal signing. The idea of the 10-year agreement is to strengthen academic communication and to promote knowledge between the two institutions.
The NSU School of Graduate Studies faculty have worked for several years to cultivate a relationship with the university and to develop a partnership. Representatives from Inha University first visited Norfolk in 2016.
“This is good for Norfolk State because it will allow us to continue our work in deep space research with international partners,” Miller said. “This will also allow our students and faculty to gain exposure for their contributions on a global scale.”