Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, South Korea
👨🎓Profiles
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Junhyun Choi embarked on his scientific journey with a strong foundation in environmental geoscience and engineering. His academic curiosity and innovative mindset were evident early on, as showcased by his award-winning project at the 4th Capstone-Design Fair in December 2010, where he proposed a sustainable solution titled “A driveway of bicycle using mine tailings.” This creative approach to reusing mining waste highlighted his dedication to environmental sustainability and practical engineering solutions.
🧪 Professional Endeavors and Research Focus
Currently affiliated with the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), Dr. Choi has centered his research on colloid transport, nanoparticle retention, and environmental nanotechnology. His work particularly focuses on the interaction of engineered nanoparticles within saturated porous media, contributing significantly to understanding subsurface contaminant transport. His expertise bridges environmental geochemistry and geotechnical engineering, with projects that delve into ionic strength, porosity, and concurrent aggregation effects on colloid behavior in groundwater systems.
🏅 Contributions and Recognitions
Dr. Choi’s research excellence has been consistently recognized throughout his academic career. In April 2011, he received the KoSSGE Excellent Poster Award for his work on “Contribution of porosity and ionic strength to the fate and transport of colloids.” He repeated this distinction in April 2012, presenting another award-winning poster titled “Enhanced retention of zinc oxide nanoparticles via concurrent aggregation.” These achievements reflect his strong capabilities in communicating complex ideas through research dissemination. Moreover, in June 2014, he was selected for the prestigious Global Ph.D. Fellowship Program, funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Ministry of Education, Korea — a competitive recognition of academic promise and potential.
📊 Technical Skills and Instrumentation Expertise
Dr. Choi possesses advanced proficiency in a diverse array of analytical and surface characterization instruments, which are central to his research in colloid and nanoparticle behavior. He is skilled in operating the Particle Size Analyzer (AccuSizer 780) for assessing particle distributions, and the Zeta Potential Analyzer (ELS-Z) for evaluating surface charge and colloidal stability. His expertise extends to measuring surface properties using the Surface Tension Meter (DST-60) and Contact Angle Goniometer (Phoenix 150). For optical characterization, he frequently employs the UV-Vis Spectrophotometer (UV-3300). Additionally, he utilizes the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) for real-time monitoring of mass and viscoelastic changes at surfaces, and conducts precise titrations with the Potentiometric Titrator (905 Titrando). These instruments collectively support his in-depth investigation into surface interactions, colloid retention, and nanomaterial behavior in environmental systems.
📚 Academic Influence and Citation Impact
While specific citation data is not provided here, Dr. Choi’s body of work has contributed to niche but vital areas in environmental science and geochemical engineering. His studies offer actionable insights for developing sustainable waste reuse technologies and enhancing groundwater protection strategies through advanced nanoparticle management. His recognition by both academic societies (KoSSGE) and national funding agencies highlights the broader impact of his findings in Korea’s environmental research community.
👨🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship
Although detailed teaching records are not listed, Dr. Choi’s academic trajectory and fellowship involvement suggest active engagement in mentoring junior researchers and possibly instructing within research groups. His ability to articulate complex transport phenomena and nanoparticle behaviors demonstrates a capacity for effective knowledge transfer, vital for nurturing the next generation of environmental scientists.
🌏 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Choi’s ongoing work at KIGAM is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing environmentally safe nanotechnology applications. His emphasis on colloid retention mechanisms in porous media holds implications not only for contaminant hydrology but also for remediation engineering, waste recycling, and groundwater safety. By continuing to integrate experimental insight with analytical precision, Dr. Choi stands to leave a meaningful legacy in sustainable geoscience and environmental risk mitigation.
📖Notable Publications
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A review of malachite flotation: Advanced reagents and sustainable practice
Journal: Minerals Engineering
Year: 2025
Authors: Choi, J.
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A review of rare earth elements recovery from bastnaesite ore: From beneficiation to metallurgical processing
Journal: Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy
Year: 2025
Authors: Kim, J., Choi, J., Lee, S.
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Effects of alkaline extraction on behavior of rare earth elements in coal ashes
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Year: 2024
Authors: Kim, G.M., Park, S., Choi, J., Park, S., Kim, J.
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Advancements in lithium-ion battery recycling technologies: Exploring module-scale crushing and air separation techniques
Journal: Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing
Year: 2024
Authors: Choi, J., Lee, K., Kim, K., Lee, H.
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Influence of pH and ionic strength on the floc-magnetic separation: Selective flocculation of fine iron ore
Journal: Results in Engineering
Year: 2023
Authors: Choi, J., Kim, S.B.