RIT professor forges connections as president of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association

Professor Tae (Tom) Oh sees international cooperation as a key to addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century—especially in artificial intelligence (AI). Since being named the 53rd president of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) in 2023, he is helping to foster that collaborative environment.

Oh, a professor in RIT’s School of Information, leads the nonprofit professional organization with more than 7,000 registered members. The KSEA aims to promote science and technology, foster global collaboration, and help Korean-American scientists and engineers develop their full career potential.

Oh was born in Korea and moved to the United States when he was 11 years old. Overcoming culture and language challenges, he describes himself as a member of the 1.5 generation—immigrants who entered a new country before becoming adults. As an undergraduate student studying electrical engineering at Texas Tech University, he joined the KSEA.

“I have gained many mentors through KSEA, which played a pivotal role in guiding me toward earning my Ph.D. and becoming a professor,” said Oh. “I ran for president to give back to this incredible organization that has given me so much.”

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Supplied photo

Oh, right, was interviewed by a reporter at the Korean Broadcasting System's KBS World Radio.

As KSEA president, Oh has met with Korean diplomats, top officials, and presidents of top universities from Korea and science and technology research institutes and agencies. He said that Korea is looking for high impact collaborators and KSEA can foster that channel between Korea and the U.S., working with organizations including the National Science Foundation, the National Research Foundation of Korea, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Korea’s Research Institutes.

“Korea and the U.S. have a strong partnership, and collaboration between the two fosters innovation and growth,” said Oh. “Embracing global connections allows us to stay competitive and benefit from diverse perspectives.”

KSEA also runs an annual conference that brings together a diverse array of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs from both Korea and the U.S. The U.S.-Korea Conference 2024 showcased groundbreaking research, fostered international collaborations, and highlighted the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future.

“In light of the dynamic changes brought by AI, it is imperative for scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to converge, exchange knowledge, and prepare for the future,” said Oh.

KSEA has 70 local chapters, 16 technical groups, and 35 affiliated professional societies across the U.S. The organization hosts research collaboration workshops, regional conferences, career development activities, sponsors scholarships for high school students, and runs a national math and science contest for high school students. Oh noted that KSEA members now come from all different generations—1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations. He also remarked that member’s cultural relationships with Korea differ—especially with the more recent international spread of Korean culture and companies.

At RIT, Oh is an adviser for RIT’s Korean International Student Association and the Korean Student Association at RIT. Oh worked for several telecommunications and defense companies for 18 years before joining RIT. His research focuses on vehicular/drone area networks, Internet of Things, security, and human computer interaction.