While still an undergraduate, a student from the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) has contributed to internationally recognized research, demonstrating the opportunities available to students early in their academic journey.
Claire Cheyeon Park, an undergraduate student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Utah Asia Campus, is a co-author of a research article published in the Journal of the Optical Society of America B (JOSA B). The paper was selected as an Editor’s Pick, a distinction awarded to research articles recognized for their scientific quality and impact within the field.
Significance of the Editor’s Pick Selection
Editor’s Picks are chosen by the journal’s editorial board to highlight articles that demonstrate strong scientific rigor, originality, and relevance.
Selection as an Editor’s Pick indicates that the research stands out among peer-reviewed publications for its academic merit and potential influence.
The recognition of a paper co-authored by an undergraduate student reflects the supportive research environment and academic opportunities available at the University of Utah Asia Campus.
About the Research
The paper, titled “Visible-transparent THz-active metamaterials based on rare-earth scandate bulk crystals,” focuses on developing new materials that can interact with terahertz (THz) waves while remaining transparent to visible light.
Such materials have potential applications in future optical, imaging, and sensing technologies.
🔗 Read the article:
https://opg.optica.org/JOSAB/abstract.cfm?uri=JOSAB-43-2-336
The study was recognized for its technical depth and its contribution to advancing next-generation optical materials research.
Undergraduate Research Experience through the BS/MS Program
In addition to her undergraduate studies, Park is participating in the BS/MS program, an integrated bachelor’s and master’s track that allows students to engage in graduate-level coursework and research while completing their undergraduate degree.
Through this program, she gained early exposure to advanced research, culminating in her contribution as a co-author on an international peer-reviewed journal article.
Research Conducted at the U.S. Home Campus
As a University of Utah Asia Campus student, Park completed part of her undergraduate studies at the University of Utah’s Salt Lake City campus through the 4+1 program, which allow students to study across both campuses.
During this time, she conducted research under the supervision of Professor Berardi Sensale Rodriguez of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The published article represents the outcome of this collaborative research conducted during her studies at the U.S. home campus, and she continues to build on this work through follow-up research.
Industry-Supported Research
This research was conducted with sponsorship from Micron Technology, supporting collaborative research efforts in advanced optical and terahertz materials.
The research team gratefully acknowledges Micron’s support, which contributed to the successful completion of this work.
Continuing Research and Future Plans
Park is currently pursuing further research and plans to present her work at the IRMMW-THz 2026 Conference, scheduled to take place October 11–16, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Her academic journey illustrates how students at the University of Utah Asia Campus can engage in meaningful research early in their studies and continue to grow within a global research environment.
The University of Utah Asia Campus remains committed to providing students with opportunities to participate in impactful research and to connect with the global academic community from the undergraduate level onward.