Hi, I'm Seokhyeon Byun

I'm currently an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech, majoring in Aerospace Engineering, with a constant drive to learn and grow.

My vision extends beyond a single field; I aspire to combine the potential of different academic disciplines to create innovative technologies that protect people and pave the way toward a better future for humanity.

Technical Skills

Journey

Aug 2024 - Present

3DPAC Design and Analysis Subteam

Design Team Experience

Applying computational methods to aerospace design: Conducting aerodynamic analysis using XFLR5 for 3D-printed aircraft optimization, focusing on performance parameters and structural efficiency. Implementing systematic approaches to airfoil design and analysis.

June 2024 - Present

SuperDARN Research Intern

Space@VT

Real-Time Data Visualization: Currently developing advanced visualization tools using Python, Flask, and Linux to improve real-time accessibility of SuperDARN radar data. These web-based tools enable researchers to monitor and interpret high-frequency radar data efficiently, enhancing responsiveness to space weather events and supporting decision-making in critical applications. Solar Flare Analysis: Conducting comprehensive analysis of solar flare patterns (C, M, X classes) in correlation with sunspot numbers and solar rotation cycles. Utilizing JSOC data to investigate patterns affecting short wave fadeout and HF communication disturbances. Using Python and pyDARN to analyze these space weather phenomena and their impacts on communication systems.

June 2024 - Aug 2024

STEM Formula Search Engine

Independent Project - Gemini API Competition

Developed an innovative tool using Google Gemini API that streamlines technical documentation by generating LaTeX code for complex mathematical formulas through natural language queries, significantly accelerating the report writing process for STEM fields.

Fall 2023

Return to Virginia Tech

Academic Resumption

Returned to the United States to continue aerospace engineering studies at Virginia Tech. Bringing back valuable experiences from military service and self-study period, particularly focused on integrating software development skills with aerospace applications.

2020 - 2023

Gap Years

Technical Development & Military Service

A period of significant technical growth: Software Development Focus (2023): • Built personal projects integrating AI and aerospace concepts • Demonstrated rapid adaptation to new technologies and frameworks • Built AI-integrated aerospace website • Developed English essay evaluator using OpenAI API • Created YouTube video transcriber and translator Military Service (Feb 2021 - Aug 2022): • Served as Blackhawk Helicopter Crew Chief in Army Aviation Operations Command • Directed maintenance operations on turboshaft engines and APUs • Achieved 15% increase in operational reliability and 20% reduction in unscheduled repairs • Developed AI-based object detection project using YOLO and OpenCV for military surveillance systems (Two-Star Major General Award) Self-Directed Learning (2020 - 2021): • Focused on Python programming and computational methods • Explored web development fundamentals (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) • Built aerospace community project with Django

Apr 2019 - July 2020

Design & Research Experience

Virginia Tech

Two formative projects in aerospace engineering: inspireFly Design Team (Apr 2019 - July 2020): Member of the payload subteam, collaborating on 1U CubeSat payload structures. Focused on optimizing mass and structural resilience while integrating critical components (OBC, display, camera). This hands-on experience enhanced my understanding of space system integration. NAVAIR Airworthiness Research (Aug 2019 - Dec 2019): Conducted research on the Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, identifying operational risks and proposing updates to safety protocols for aging aerospace technology. Check my reflection post on this research project to see how my understanding of airworthiness has evolved.

2017 - 2020

Journey to the United States

Study Abroad & VTCC Leadership

A foundational period of growth and adaptation: Academic Journey: Embarked on Aerospace Engineering studies at Virginia Tech as an international student, successfully navigating the transition to the American engineering education system while maintaining consistent academic performance. Leadership Development (2017-2020): Member of Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets' Citizen Leader Track, progressing to Squad Leader role. Led diverse team of 10 cadets, fostering teamwork through daily training activities and mentorship. Demonstrated strong time management by coordinating squad training schedules, maintaining unit standards, and balancing rigorous engineering coursework with leadership responsibilities. Recognition: Received the Emerging Leader Scholarship for three consecutive years (2017-2020), recognizing dedication to both academic progress and leadership development. This achievement reflects commitment to personal growth in both technical and leadership areas.