The new construction management degree program at Lamar University has attracted an engineer and researcher, Seok Yon Hwang. He joined the faculty in July and brings a wealth of knowledge as a civil engineer. He earned the doctorate degree in civil engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Hwang completed the master’s degree in construction management and bachelor’s degree in architecture at Hanyang University in Seoul.
He has published many papers on various aspects of the construction engineering and management. His research interests include: construction productivity improvement; modeling/simulation of construction process; risk management and decision-making; integration of IT with real-time data analysis; international construction; application of building information model for project management. Hwang spent several years working at Daewoo Engineering and Construction working on a 77-story high rise office building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and a 500-unit apartment complex in Sokcho, Korea.
“Combining knowledge in theory, methods, and applications obtained from various academic and professional experiences, I want to provide students in my class with opportunities to learn and hone knowledge and skills that are essential for them to become successful professionals in the construction industry,” Hwang said.
The Reese Construction Management Program begins its inaugural semester when classes start on August 25. The program will include classroom instruction as well as hands-on projects through community partnerships that will prepare students for managerial careers in the construction industry.
Dr. Steven McCrary serves as director of the new program, made possible through the generosity of Jerry and Sheila Reese.
“The multi-billion dollar industrial expansion in the Golden Triangle will mean great opportunities for students who are prepared and have the right training,” said McCrary. “Dr. Hwang brings a wealth of real-world experience to the program.”
