Kennesaw State University faculty members Youngguk Seo and Jayhyun Kwon have been recognized as Fellows of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This honor is given to only about 3% of ASCE members, highlighting significant achievements and leadership in civil engineering.
Both professors are part of the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Kennesaw State. Seo holds a professorship in civil engineering, while Kwon serves as an associate professor.
“Drs. Seo and Kwon are outstanding examples of how impactful research can transform the future of infrastructure and sustainability,” said SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman. “Their innovative work not only elevates Kennesaw State’s reputation on a global scale but also inspires our students and faculty to pursue research that makes a real-world difference.”
Seo, originally from South Korea, did not initially plan for a career in civil engineering but was encouraged by his parents to enter the field. He spent almost twenty years as a public researcher with the South Korean government before working for two years with the U.S. government in Virginia. His expertise includes transportation systems, infrastructure policy, and renewable energy applications. During this time, he discovered his interest in teaching through part-time lecturing roles.
“I enjoy interacting with students, especially graduate students working on projects and theses,” Seo said. “Those conversations lead to deeper learning for both the students and me. They help us explore different aspects of civil engineering and grow as professionals.”
Seo’s research centers on integrating traditional civil engineering practices with sustainability initiatives. One project focuses on using geothermal energy beneath road surfaces to improve transportation safety by melting snow and ice during winter months.
“The goal is to use renewable energy to create safer driving conditions,” he said. “We’re also exploring how this energy could be fed into power grids, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable energy infrastructure.”
His work supports broader efforts within civil engineering toward environmental responsibility by finding practical solutions for daily challenges.
Kwon has contributed nearly 25 years to geotechnical and transportation engineering fields.
“It’s a privilege to be recognized alongside so many respected peers,” Kwon said. “This honor reaffirms my dedication to research that not only strengthens our infrastructure but also prepares the next generation of engineers to think creatively and responsibly about the world they’re helping to build.”
Kwon’s studies address both foundational research questions and industry needs by focusing on sustainable, resilient, cost-effective infrastructure systems such as pavement performance, railroad track design, and recycled materials usage. His projects include evaluating quarry byproducts for roadway improvement and developing new frameworks for performance-based design.
He has provided technical reviews for organizations like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding pavement modeling standards.
Kwon is also known for mentoring students through hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with fieldwork applications.
