From Semiconductors to Digital Healthcare: Professor Kim Dae Hwan's SiLK Laboratory in the Department of Electronic Engineering

Laboratory Introduction and Key Research Areas
Professor Kim Dae Hwan operates the SiLK Laboratory, leading extensive research spanning next-generation semiconductor core technologies, intelligent semiconductor applications, and the commercialisation of digital healthcare.
The laboratory focuses on three primary areas:
• Next-generation device and structure research: Oxide semiconductors, two-dimensional material-based devices, 3D C-FET transistor structures, and DTCO (Design-Technology Co-Optimisation) methodology development
• Intelligent semiconductor applications: Semiconductors for AI computation, next-generation memory (DRAM·NAND), memristor and crossbar array-based analogue computation device research
• Digital Healthcare Commercialisation: Development of Sleep-Tech and biosensor-based healthcare solutions utilising semiconductor sensors and circuit technology
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Key Research Projects and Application Cases
The SiLK Laboratory focuses on solving problems demanded by industry and society, producing research outcomes with real-world applicability.
• AI Semiconductors: Developing technologies that incorporate the energy efficiency and cognitive capabilities of the human brain into semiconductor design, thereby increasing computational speed while reducing power consumption
• Healthcare Sensors: Developing sensors capable of measuring melatonin hormone rhythms without blood sampling, for application in Sleep-Tech and personalised health management
• Industry-Academia Collaboration-Based Analytical Methodology: Presenting analytical tools that predict power consumption, speed, and integration density in collaboration with semiconductor and display companies, expanding research into immediately deployable solutions for industrial settings
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The Attitude a Researcher Must Possess and Advice for Students
Professor Kim Dae Hwan emphasises the “Trinity Principle” in the research process.
His philosophy is that something is only properly understood when it can be explained verbally, quantified with equations, and visualised with diagrams.
He also stresses the importance of not forgetting one's research motivation, systematically defining problems, and solving them. He conveys the following message to students:
• Electrical engineering is a discipline that contemplates technology for the benefit of humanity.
• You must grow into researchers equipped with collaboration and communication skills, as well as a practical sense.
• Above all, maintaining ‘ardent passion’ is paramount.
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Strengths of Kookmin University's Department of Electrical Engineering
The Department of Electronic Engineering at Kookmin University is a large department where diverse specialisations coexist, offering students broad choices and opportunities for academic expansion.
• Diverse research fields: Students can systematically study various areas of electronic engineering, such as circuits, semiconductors, and control, while experiencing the interconnectedness of disciplines.
• Practical education: An educational environment is provided that goes beyond theory, fostering problem-solving skills connected to real industry.
• Broad career opportunities: It provides a foundation leading to diverse career paths after graduation, including employment in companies, entrepreneurship, research institute positions, and postgraduate studies.
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SiLK Laboratory Homepage https://silk.kookmin.ac.kr/
Kookmin University Department of Electronic Engineering Homepage https://ee.kookmin.ac.kr/