We would like to introduce you to an inspiring individual, Yun-Hang Cho, in our latest volunteer spotlight. Yun specializes in intellectual property strategies for advanced technologies across the space, robotics, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Read about Yun’s journey where his fascination with engineering was sparked by the captivating world of science and mathematics.
From Museums to Megafortresses
Despite his parents not being engineers, Yun found his passion through the efforts of volunteers who introduced him to STEM subjects. His fondest memory was at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, where an IET Local Network would run an annual event discussing the history of aircraft. From that moment on, Yun had found his people. Stories of radar guidance systems in WW2 bombers were music to his ears, while realistic sci-fi books by Dale Brown about modifying B-52 Stratofortresses into B-52 Megafortresses continued to fuel his interest in aerospace. Yun was very lucky that his sixth form school at the time allowed him to undertake an extended project qualification (EPQ) even though he was studying five A-level subjects. Naturally, he worked on spacecraft propulsion systems, reading his first AIAA book in one of his dad's old meeting rooms at the local university, which gave him a sense of excitement.
Voyage with the IET and Beyond
As Yun joined university and was given the opportunity to volunteer, it felt appropriate to give something back to the community that nurtured him. This started with the Engineering Development Trust, going back to school to talk about the Year In Industry programme, and then onto STEMNET as a STEM ambassador, helping out at events in South Yorkshire such as the Get Up to Speed annual event.
It wasn't until around 2016 that Yun fully immersed himself in the IET. Winning the local heat of the Present Around The World competition, he enthused the audience about his balloon-lifted, robotically stabilized solar telescope project with ESA. Yun was delighted to join the local network, and when he moved to Singapore later for his PhD, he brought his space work to inspire school children there.
Igniting Curiosity with the Cosmic Seeds of Life
At the time, Yun had just finished the Caltech Space Challenge, working with NASA JPL to come up with a mission feasibility study to explore a moon of Saturn called Enceladus. This moon had huge volcanoes shooting shards of ice into deep space, making sample collection easier than on Mars since all you had to do was fly into the plume. Explaining to the children what the sensors were really looking for was challenging. Yun used the popular Avengers Infinity War to explain that the infinity stones were like the seeds of life. In our universe, the seeds of life are Oxygen, Carbon, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen. If we discover any place with these elements and a bit of heat, the chances of finding life are quite good. Seeing the children's faces light up was one of Yun's best volunteering memories.
From Quiet Student to Global Advocate
Volunteering has profoundly shaped Yun's social skills and perspective on engineering. It transformed him from a quiet student to someone who uses his voice and skills to help others. Through volunteering, Yun met fellow IET committee members on the Satellite TN, who helped make his dreams come true. Organizing a talk on Manufacturing on the Moon in 100 years' time for World Space Week last October was a testament to the global reach and impact of the Satellite Technical Network.
Empowering Tomorrow's Engineers
Yun’s advice to aspiring engineers is to ask questions and listen to the answers. Life can be challenging but remember that you can control your actions. If the only thing you can control in your life is your ten fingers, remember you can always move your fingers. Focus on small, manageable goals, even if it's just one finger at a time. Your reports and assignments will eventually be completed. Stay motivated and keep moving forward.
Thank you, Yun, for sharing your knowledge and passion through your volunteering with the Satellite Technical Network.
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