Hongik University
In August 2026 I spent four weeks in Prof. Eunsoo Choi's structural engineering lab at Hongik University in Seoul, one of the leading groups internationally in its niche: shape memory alloy fibers embedded in cementitious composites.
The idea in plain terms: shape memory alloy is "memory metal." Bend it and heat it, and it pulls itself back straight. The lab threads SMA fibers through concrete so that after an earthquake, the fibers buried inside clamp cracks closed. The applications are earthquake-resistant structures and self-healing concrete.
I ran daily experiments with the graduate students, including mechanical testing of SMA wires and fibers, and built computer simulations analyzing my own test data. I arrived as the least experienced member of the group, and the graduate students trained me on the delicate work of handling fine SMA wire. By the end of the internship I was running experiments alongside them, with results feeding the lab's ongoing research.
- Ran daily experiments alongside graduate students in one of the leading labs in its niche worldwide
- Built computer simulations analyzing test data from experiments I participated in
- Went from newcomer to running experiments alongside the lab's graduate students within four weeks
- Trained by the lab's graduate students on the delicate handling of fine SMA wire
Learning the Science
Shape memory alloy is "memory metal": bend it, heat it, and it pulls itself back straight. The lab threads SMA fibers through concrete so that, buried inside, they clamp cracks closed after an earthquake.
Hands-On Training
Started as the least experienced member of the lab; the graduate students trained me on the delicate technique of handling fine SMA wire.
Daily Experiments
Joined the graduate students' daily group experiments, including mechanical testing of SMA wires and fibers, with results feeding the lab's ongoing research.
Simulation & Analysis
Built computer simulations to analyze my own test data, and by the end of the internship was running experiments alongside the graduate students.