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The Role of Genetics in the Academic Success of College Students The relationship between genetics and personal traits such as skin color, height, eye color, and health risks are well understood. However, the relationship between genetics and academic success is less clear. It has been the subject of many new research studies. All research, in general, agrees that many factors, including environmental influences, socioeconomic background, personal motivation, and genetic predispositions, influence academic success. This dichotomy is referred to as "nature" and "nurture". Recent genomic studies have, however, uncovered "genetic nurture" effects, whereby parental genotypes influence offspring outcomes via environmental pathways rather than genetic transmission. A comprehensive study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics reviewed 12 studies comprising 38,654 distinct parent(s)-offspring pairs or trios from 8 cohorts. The study quantified these effects and found that the direct genetic effects on offspring's educational outcomes were twice as high as genetic nurture effects. A range of cognitive and noncognitive traits drives academic achievement. One of the primary ways genetics influences academic success is through cognitive ability. Intelligence, often measured through IQ tests, has been shown to have a strong genetic component. A research paper published in the Jornal Nature in 2018 by Plomin & von Stumm estimates that approximately 50-80% of individual differences in intelligence are hereditary. Twin and adoption studies reinforce this idea, showing that identical twins raised apart often exhibit similar cognitive abilities. In contrast, adopted children resemble their biological parents more than their adoptive ones in terms of intelligence. Beyond general intelligence, polygenic scores—measures of genetic influence based on multiple genetic variants—have shown that genetics also affect specific cognitive functions crucial to academic success, such as memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills. According to a 2018 research paper by Lee et al., students with higher polygenic scores tend to perform better in school. While genetics provides a strong foundation for academic abilities, these abilities can only be realized under conducive environmental factors. A 2019 study by the University of York found that socioeconomic status (SES) is more beneficial than genes for academic success. In this study, 47% of children with high polygenic scores but a poorer background made it to university, compared with 62% of children with a low score but more affluent parents. Children with high polygenic scores for education who were also from wealthy and well-educated family backgrounds had the most significant advantage, with 77% going to university. Several studies on the impact of low SES-related factors such as stress, poor nutrition, and difficult early childhood experiences indicate that they can alter gene expression and affect cognitive development and learning ability. For instance, prolonged stress can negatively impact brain function, reducing working memory and attention and hindering academic performance despite a student's genetic predisposition for intelligence. These genetic research discoveries also raise serious ethical consideration regarding how this information should be used. While genetic insights can help identify students who may need additional educational support, there is a risk of misuse, such as genetic determinism—the belief that genetics alone determine success—or discrimination based on genetic predispositions. Additionally, concerns about privacy and consent must be addressed when using genetic data in educational settings. Other concerns include the fact that almost all related studies have been conducted on populations from the US and Europe. Global studies, including broader populations in Asia and Africa, are lacking. In summary, environmental factors and children's inherited DNA differences are potent predictors of educational achievement. Acknowledging this complexity enables educators, policymakers, and students to take a well-rounded approach that fosters individual growth while promoting equal access to educational opportunities. Click here to read the article.
SUNY Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Taejon Christian International School (TCIS) on March 10th, 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by Arthur H. Lee, President of SUNY Korea, and Michael Moimoi, Head of TCIS. This Memorandum of Understanding outlines key areas of collaboration between TCIS and SUNY Korea. The two institutions have agreed to collaborate on initiatives such as the designation of a "partner school," joint educational programs, and the hosting of student-oriented events. In particular, Taejeon Foreign Language High School holds special significance as the first institution to be designated as a "partner school" by SUNY Korea. Students from TCIS will receive various forms of support, including preferential consideration in the admissions process, while both institutions will officially promote each other. President Arthur Lee stated, “Our university has strengths in the STEAM field, making our collaboration with TICS meaningful.” He added, “We will do our best to educate students who receive an excellent education from TICS so that when they enroll at our university, they can grow into talents who will make an impact not only in Korea but also on the global stage.” Michael Moimoi added, “I am pleased that I had the opportunity to visit SUNY Korea and learn about the university that our future students will attend. It is deeply moving to establish an agreement with a university and share our core value of ‘Learn, Love, Lead.’ We look forward to seeing our students strive and grow at SUNY Korea through the integration of our school’s STEAM based education.”
Professor Jongseong Brad Choi of the Mechanical Engineering Department at SUNY Korea has been selected for the “Outstanding Young Researcher Program” under the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Basic Research Support Initiative for 2025. This year's selection was highly competitive, with the number of awarded projects reduced by half compared to the previous year. With this selection, SUNY Korea has secured a total of 1.25 billion KRW in funding over five years. This is one of the largest awards ever granted under this initiative and reinforces the university’s growing research impact. The research project, themed "Human Machine Interaction," is titled “True Twin: Development of AI-Based Hyper-Realistic Digital Twin Core Technology for Multi-Party Distributed Collaboration and Predictive Maintenance in Mixed Reality.” It focuses on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and visual technologies to develop a real-time remote collaboration system. This research aims to overcome the limitations of physical distance by enabling real-time multi-party collaboration in virtual spaces. By leveraging hyper-realistic visual information, it allows engineers to work together as if they were in the same location without having to visit the site in person. This innovation is expected to establish a new paradigm for remote communication and could become a standard for telecommunication in the future, particularly as remote work becomes more widespread. Furthermore, in the context of a shrinking population and a growing shortage of engineering professionals, this technology is expected to play a key role in supporting the remote operation of global manufacturing industries, such as managing overseas factory facilities. Professor Choi expressed his passion, stating, “At a time when the field of engineering is undergoing rapid transformation with the advent of AI, I am delighted to contribute to expanding academic horizons by incorporating research on visual intelligence.” He added, “This research grant is not just a personal achievement but an opportunity to showcase SUNY Korea’s strong global network and accessibility to cutting-edge technology, while also reinforcing the university’s high research standards among domestic institutions.” Furthermore, he emphasized his commitment to fostering an inclusive research environment, saying, “I want to help undergraduate students become more familiar with AI and other emerging technologies by encouraging them to collaborate with graduate students in meaningful research projects.” Currently, Professor Choi leads the MEIC (Mechanical Systems with Intelligence and Computer Vision) Lab, which focuses on Engineering-Soft-Power as its key research theme. His lab specializes in visual intelligence systems, vision-based control, digital twins, and human-machine interaction. The lab consists of 12 researchers, including four Ph.D. students, four master’s students, and three undergraduate students, all of whom have contributed to innovative research achievements and received numerous awards. The selection of this Outstanding Young Researcher Project is a significant milestone demonstrating SUNY Korea’s research competitiveness and potential for continued growth. It also marks a meaningful achievement to Professor Choi’s dedicated efforts and the university’s ongoing industry-academia collaboration efforts. SUNY Korea reiterated its commitment to further advancing as a global research hub through innovative and practical research initiatives. MEIC Lab Website: https://www.meic-lab.com/
As Miss Universe Korea 2024, Ariel Han’s journey started at SUNY Korea FIT, where she studied Fashion Business Management before heading to New York to continue her education. Her time at FIT gave her a deep dive into the fashion industry—starting behind the scenes and now owning the spotlight on the runway. Can you introduce yourself? Hi. I am Ariel Han, Miss Universe Korea 2024. I pursued an AAS degree in Fashion Business Management at SUNY Korea FIT in Spring 2023, and I am continuing my studies in New York to further develop my expertise in the global fashion industry. Fashion has always been my passion, and I aim to create a lasting impact by merging sustainability, cultural appreciation, and business innovation. Why did you choose to study at SUNY Korea FIT? I chose SUNY Korea FIT because it provided the perfect bridge between my Korean heritage and my dream of studying in New York, the global hub of fashion. SUNY Korea FIT offered a unique opportunity to gain a world-class education while staying connected to Korea's rapidly evolving fashion industry. The program also emphasized sustainability and business management, aligning perfectly with my long-term goal of becoming an ESG-focused fashion brand CEO. Describe your experience at SUNY Korea FIT. What is your most memorable experience at SUNY Korea? My experience at SUNY Korea FIT was truly transformative. It was not just about academics, but also about hands-on industry experience that shaped my perspective on fashion. Now, as Miss Universe Korea, I’ve had the opportunity to walk in many fashion shows and participate in global runway events. Every time I step onto the stage, I’m reminded of my days at FIT, working backstage as a helper during fashion shows. Those moments—preparing garments, assisting models, and witnessing the behind-the-scenes chaos—taught me the importance of teamwork, precision, and the effort it takes to bring a show to life. Looking back, those experiences were invaluable in shaping my understanding of the industry from both perspectives: behind the scenes and now, in the spotlight. What motivated you to participate in the Miss Universe competition? I have always believed that fashion and social impact go hand in hand, and Miss Universe provides a global platform to amplify my message. Competing in Miss Universe was not just about beauty or performance—it was an opportunity to empower women, promote sustainability, and represent Korea on a global stage. The Miss Universe competition is a global event where representatives from different countries showcase not only their beauty but also their intelligence, confidence, and advocacy work. Contestants participate in interviews, runway walks, national costume presentations, and social impact initiatives. Through this journey, I wanted to showcase the strength of Korean women, share our rich history, and inspire the next generation to embrace their authenticity. How has winning Miss Universe Korea influenced your personal and professional goals? Winning Miss Universe Korea has been a defining moment in my journey. It reinforced my belief that beauty and leadership are not mutually exclusive. They can coexist to create real change. This experience has given me a stronger voice to advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry, women’s empowerment, and cultural appreciation. It has also expanded my network, connecting me with leaders, designers, and changemakers in the global fashion industry, which will be invaluable as I work toward launching my own ESG-conscious fashion brand in the future. What is your next goal in life? My next goal is to continue my studies and career in New York this fall, where I can further develop my expertise in fashion sustainability and business leadership. I plan to gain real-world experience in the fashion industry, collaborating with brands that align with my vision for environmental and social responsibility. Beyond that, I am working on initiatives that promote Korean culture on the global stage—whether through fashion, storytelling, or advocacy. Eventually, I want to build my own brand that prioritizes ESG principles while celebrating cultural heritage. What advice would you offer to students pursuing their academic and professional goals? The most powerful thing you can do is stay true to yourself. Your unique experiences, background, and passions will set you apart. Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Whether it's studying abroad, or taking on leadership roles, each experience shapes you. The world is constantly evolving, especially in fields like fashion and business. Keep learning, stay open to new ideas, and be willing to innovate for a better future. Whether through fashion, activism, or leadership, your voice matters. Find a cause you’re passionate about and make an impact in your own way.
Stony Brook University has announced the appointment of its seventh president, Dr. Andrea Goldsmith. Currently serving as the Dean of Engineering and Applied Science and the Arthur LeGrand Doty Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton University, Dr. Goldsmith’s appointment was officially confirmed by The State University of New York (SUNY) on February 19, 2025 and her role will be effective from August 1, 2025. “We look forward to working with her to propel our university to the next level,” said President Arthur H. Lee in his congratulatory speech during the Spring 2025 Convocation held on February 20, 2025. As an extended campus of Stony Brook University, SUNY Korea warmly welcomes Dr. Andrea Goldsmith and looks forward to her leadership in this new role. Learn More
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