Junhwa Hong

Junhwa is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Computational and Data Science at George Mason University Korea. With a growing interest in the intersection of data science and urban environments, he is particularly passionate about how data-driven approaches can be used to address real-world challenges in city planning, accessibility, and sustainability. Junhwa’s early exposure to urban planning began through his father, a professor of Architectural, Civil, and Environmental Engineering at Korea University. From a young age, he joined conferences, site visits, and project meetings, gaining firsthand insight into how thoughtful design and infrastructure decisions shape urban life. These formative experiences sparked his curiosity about how cities function and inspired him to contribute to projects that promote more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable urban spaces. Though still early in his academic journey, Junhwa has demonstrated strong potential and dedication to research. Through his coursework—including CDS 101, 102, and 205—he has built foundational skills in programming, data visualization, and statistical analysis using tools like R Studio and simulation-based methods. He also showcased his growing expertise during the IGC Research Showcase, where he engaged in the full research process, from question formulation to data interpretation. As a participant in The Green Thread Project, Junhwa is eager to further develop his technical skills while contributing meaningfully to applied urban research. His curiosity, academic performance, and passion for socially relevant research make him a valuable member of the team.