SPORTS & ART

Turning environmental concern into collective action and global perspective.

My leadership began with a simple question: how can concern for the environment become action that others can join? From leading sustainability initiatives at school to engaging with diplomats and exploring public policy, I have learned that meaningful change requires not only ideas, but also communication, collaboration, and the willingness to act.

Leadership Highlights

President, No Plastic Club
Reduced Single-Use Plastic Use by 50%
Raised $1,000+ for Sustainability Initiatives
Engaged with 4 Foreign Embassies in Korea
Participated in International Diplomatic Forums
John Locke Global Essay Prize — Public Policy Shortlisted

NO PLASTIC CLUB

President, No Plastic Club

Turning concern about plastic waste into collective action.

As President of the No Plastic Club, I worked with students both inside and outside my school to turn environmental awareness into measurable action. Rather than simply asking people to “use less plastic,” our team organized campaigns, created educational content, and encouraged students to reconsider everyday habits surrounding single-use plastics.

My Role

President · Campaign Planning · Team Coordination · Environmental Advocacy

Impact

Led 10 sustainability campaigns
Coordinated 10 school and 20 external participants
Raised $1,000+
Helped reduce single-use plastic consumption by 50%
Led school-wide sustainability education and outreach

What I Learned

Leadership became less about telling people what to do and more about making change easy enough for others to join.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT & DIPLOMACY

Learning how global challenges are understood across borders.

Through visits and forums involving foreign embassies in Korea, I explored how countries approach sustainability, culture, education, and international cooperation from different perspectives. These experiences pushed me to see environmental challenges not only as scientific problems, but also as questions shaped by policy, culture, and international collaboration.

Slovenia
Sustainability & Biodiversity

At the Embassy of Slovenia, I learned how biodiversity, beekeeping traditions, and environmental stewardship are connected to national culture and sustainability. The visit broadened my view of environmental issues from scientific questions to challenges shaped by culture and policy.

Exploring how Slovenia connects biodiversity conservation with sustainable development.

Connecting with the Slovenian Embassy through cultural and environmental exchange.

Discussing how environmental responsibility can extend beyond science into policy and international cooperation.

Lithuania
Culture, Identity & International Cooperation

At the Embassy of Lithuania, I learned how a nation’s history and cultural identity shape its relationships with other countries. The discussion helped me see global cooperation not simply as diplomacy between governments, but as an exchange of perspectives shaped by different histories and experiences.

Connecting with representatives of the Lithuanian Embassy through cultural and diplomatic exchange.

Sharing perspectives and learning how Lithuania’s history and international relationships shape its global outlook.

Czech Republic
Sustainability, Industry & Environmental Policy

At the Embassy of the Czech Republic, I explored how environmental priorities intersect with industry, policy, and international cooperation. Our discussion helped me understand that sustainable solutions depend not only on scientific innovation, but also on how governments and societies choose to implement them.

Visiting the Embassy of the Czech Republic and learning about the country’s approach to international cooperation.

Discussing Czech perspectives on environmental priorities, policy, and international cooperation with an embassy representative.

Ecuador
Biodiversity, Conservation & Environmental Stewardship

At the Embassy of Ecuador, I learned how the country protects its extraordinary biodiversity, particularly in the Galápagos Islands. The discussion showed me how conservation requires more than scientific understanding—it also depends on public policy, responsible tourism, and a society’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage.

Learning how Ecuador balances conservation, tourism, and the protection of biodiversity, including the Galápagos Islands.

Diplomatic Forum

Synthetic biology for real-world challenges

As part of an international iGEM team, I contributed to research communication, sustainability framing, and the project’s connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. I also represented the team as an SDG Leader during the 2025 Grand Jamboree in Paris.

Role

SDG Leader
Research communication
Team presentation and project outreach

Outcome

iGEM 2025 Gold Medal
International presentation in Paris

Representing the iGEM team at the 2025 Grand Jamboree in Paris.

SDG Leader profile published under my English name, Jayden Kang.

It strengthened my interest in combining biology and environmental engineering.

WICO 2026— Gold Award

Shape-Reconfigurable Sustainable Temperature Sensor Based on Beeswax–Activated Carbon Composite

Developed and presented a sustainable temperature-sensing concept using beeswax and activated carbon composite materials. The project explored how material properties could support flexible and environmentally conscious sensor design.

Presenting the sensor project to visitors and judges at WICO 2026.