Yechan Seo

I aspire to become a surgeon who expands the boundaries of medicine through biomedical engineering, with a focus on advancing medical robotics and neural interface technologies, ultimately driving growth in the medical device industry and contributing to academic advancements in the field.

See my work

Education

  • Seoul National University College of Medicine
    March 2021 - February 2028 (Expected Graduation)
    Major: Medicine
    • Premedicine Program: March 2021 - February 2023 (Completed)
    • Medicine Program: February 2023 - February 2028 (Expected Graduation)

  • Gyeonggi Science High School for the Gifted
    Graduated: February 2021
    Major: Physics and Mathematics (Valedictorian)

  • Gap Year for AI, BCI, Robotics, and XR Research (2024)
    Conducting interdisciplinary research on AI, BCI, robotics, and XR at the Department of Transdisciplinary Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital.
    Advisor: Prof. Hyoun-Joong Kong
    Research Lab: https://snuh.medisc.org/

News

Research

  • (1) AI Research
    • Co-First Author: Machine learning-based models for optimizing outpatient follow-up schedules after cervical spinal laminoplasty surgery
      Published in BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making (2024)
      https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-024-02693-y
      Research Summary: Developed and validated a machine learning-based framework to optimize clinical follow-up schedules for patients undergoing cervical laminoplasty. Leveraged time-series patient data, including the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores from multiple postoperative timepoints, to predict 2-year outcomes using various machine learning algorithms. Achieved the highest predictive performance (AUC 0.90 ± 0.13) with an LSTM-based model.
  • (2) AI + BCI Research
    • First Author: Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Signals as Biomarkers for the Quantitative Assessment of Nausea: A Pilot Study
      Presented at the Spring Academic Conference of The Korean Society of Medical Informatics (KOSMI) (2024)
      Research Summary: Conducted a pilot study exploring the use of functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) signals as biomarkers for objectively quantifying nausea, a primary symptom of cybersickness. Achieved a significant predictive accuracy with an R² value of 0.9045.
    • First Author: Development of an EEG-Based Real-Time Attention State Classification Machine Learning Model: Enhancing Achievement in Medical VR Training
      Presented at the Korean Society of Computer Information (KSCI) Spring Academic Conference (2024)
      Award: Best Paper Award
      Research Summary: Developed a real-time EEG-based attention state classification model integrated into a VR training program for preoperative education, achieving a high performance (AUROC = 0.9336).
  • (3) BCI
    • First Author: Generating a Realistic Rolling Illusion in Immersive Virtual Reality Environment Using Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation
      Presented at the Fall Academic Conference of The Korean Society of Medical Informatics (KOSMI) (2024)
      Research Summary: Investigated the efficacy of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) applied to the vestibular nerve for inducing a rolling illusion in a VR environment, enhancing the sense of presence.
  • (4) Robotics Research Expertise
    • Currently developing a medical robot leveraging BCI-XR interaction frameworks in the Department of Transdisciplinary Medicine at Seoul National University.
  • (5) Neuroadaptive Mixed Reality & BCI Robotics
    • Developing OpenGalea, an open-source neuroadaptive mixed reality system integrating BCI and XR using OpenBCI and Meta Quest 3.
    • Designed a brainwave-driven interaction system enabling real-time mental state classification (e.g., Attention vs. Relaxation) and co-located collaborative MR experiences.
    • Implemented a custom machine learning model for real-time EEG-based attention state classification, facilitating seamless BCI-controlled interactions.
    • Developed a multiplayer MR experience where users synchronize their brainwave states to control virtual environments.
    • Engineered an affordable EEG-integrated headset by modifying the OpenBCI Ultracortex IV, reducing costs by over 15x compared to commercial solutions.
    • Awarded "Best MR Lifestyle App for Meta Quest - Honorable Mention (Top 3)" at MIT Reality Hack 2025.
    • GitHub Repository | Devpost | Demo Video

Professional Experience

  • Seoul National University Hospital, Medical Spatial Computing (MEDISC) Labs
    Researcher (December 2021 - Present)
    • Medical AI: Developing medical AI solutions for specific tasks (ANI) and foundational models for broader applications in the medical domain (AGI).
    • Medical Robotics: Conducting research on medical robotics development and optimizing human-robot interaction (HRI) in the medical domain using BCI and XR technologies.
    • BCI Research: Investigating neural mechanisms through encoding (actuation) and decoding (biological signal interpretation) for practical applications.
      • MEDISC Researchers Directory
  • AIRS Medical
    AI Research Scientist (January 2022 - December 2022)

    Conducted research on AI-driven solutions for accelerating MRI acquisition processes.
    AIRS Medical is a startup specializing in AI for MRI acceleration technologies, securing Series B funding in July 2022 and Series C funding in July 2024.

  • Laplacian
    Founder and Representative (2024 - Present)

    A research group dedicated to developing control systems for medical robotics leveraging XR and BCI technologies.
    Selected for the Seoul National University Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation support program, receiving funding and mentorship.

  • Curriculum Path Model (CPM)
    Completed a specialized curriculum within the Premedicine program at Seoul National University College of Medicine.
    • Linear Algebra 1, 2
    • Introduction to Analysis
    • Concepts and Practices of Computers
    • Statistics for Life Sciences
    • Mathematical Foundations of Deep Neural Networks
    • Introduction to Data Science
    • Venture Startup and Web Programming 2
    • Electricity and Magnetism
    • Quantum Physics 1, 2

Awards and Honors

  • Seoul National University College of Medicine Future Talent Award (Kwon Jun-Soo Clinical Medicine Student Research Award) (2024)
  • Student Research Award, Seoul National University College of Medicine Premedicine Program (2022)
  • Honorable Mention, International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IMMC) 2019
    Represented South Korea as a national team member.
  • Best Paper Award, Korean Society of Computer Information (2024)
  • Best MR Lifestyle App for Meta Quest - Honorable Mention (Top 3), MIT Reality Hack (2025)
  • Priority Selection, Korean Physics Olympiad Winter School (2019, 2020)
  • 2nd Place, Seoul National University Hospital LLM Hackathon (2024)
  • 4th Place, Bundang Seoul National University Hospital Datathon (2023)

Technical Skills

  • Programming: Python, C, MATLAB
  • Machine Learning Frameworks: PyTorch, TensorFlow
  • AI and LLM Applications: LangChain, Hugging Face Transformers
  • Biosignal Analysis: fNIRS, EEG, EMG (preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification)
  • Data Analysis: Pandas, NumPy, SciPy
  • Robotics: Isaac Sim, Reinforcement Learning, ROS, Control Algorithms
  • Real-Time Systems: Pylsl (real-time bio-signal communication and ML inferencing systems)

Leadership Experience

  • MD Winners 18th President, Seoul National University College of Medicine
    18th President: 2024.01.~2024.12., 17th Vice President: 2023.01.~2023.12.
    MD Winners, founded in 2007, is the first medical economics and business society in South Korea, affiliated with Seoul National University College of Medicine. The society aims to foster future medical entrepreneurs, policymakers, and healthcare managers under the vision of "Growing the Pie" to drive growth in Korea's healthcare industry. MD Winners consists of 116 members, including an 8-member executive team, dedicated to nurturing excellence in medicine and beyond. Key Events Organized by MD Winners:
    • Healthcare Management Symposium (HMS): An annual conference showcasing team project results and featuring expert speakers from the healthcare industry, finance, and academia. Successfully hosted the 2024 HMS, a medical startup-focused event, attracting 150 medical students nationwide.
    • Winners Talk Seminar Series: Biweekly seminars fostering practical discussions with professionals from various fields to sustain interest in healthcare entrepreneurship.
    • Hackathons: Regularly held hackathons during semester breaks, focusing on ideating and developing MVPs for practical healthcare solutions. In 2024, organized two AI/XR hackathons in collaboration with the Department of Transdisciplinary Medicine at Seoul National University.
    • Team Projects: Year-long team-based research and development projects aimed at creating impactful outputs in the medical industry.
      • For more details, visit the official MD Winners website.

  • Medical Frontiers Cooperation (MFC) 57th President (United Medical Volunteer Group)
    A joint medical volunteer group comprising Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, and Ewha Womans University College of Medicine.
    The group organizes medical volunteer activities such as seasonal clinics in rural areas and weekend clinics in urban regions to support underserved communities.
    • Conducted seasonal medical volunteer activities in Gyechon-ri, Pyeongchang, Korea
    • Hosted weekend clinics in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea

  • GIV (Global Inter-culturing and Volunteering) 37th President
    2022 Fall Semester (Executive Team: 2021 Fall Semester - 2022 Fall Semester)
    • Led a volunteer delegation to Taipei Korean School in Taiwan (2023.02.05 - 2023.02.15)
    • Organized educational volunteering trips to Yongdae Elementary School in Inje, Korea:
      • 1st Trip: 2022.07.31 - 2022.08.06
      • 2nd Trip: 2024.08.04 - 2024.08.10

  • IT Director, Seoul National University College of Medicine Student Council
    March 2022 - February 2023, December 2023 - Present
    • Managed the student council's web server and drive system
    • Oversaw IT infrastructure

  • FOS (Fist of SNU)
    Captain of Seoul National University Boxing Club (2022)

Languages

  • Korean (Native)
  • English (Professional Proficiency)

Images

Archiving the Moments of My Life

Contact Me