Seunghyun Yoo

PLaCE Student Spotlights

Image of Seunghyun Yoo
Seunghyun Yoo is a student in Artificial Intelligence from Seongnam, South Korea.

About Me

My name is Seunghyun Yoo, and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence with a Minor in Mathematics at Purdue University. Before coming to Purdue, I studied C and Data Structures at the Seoul Broadcasting System Computer Art Academy in South Korea. I have lived and studied in both South Korea and the United States. My interests include artificial intelligence research, particularly in enhancing large language models (LLMs), and applying AI to creative tasks like puzzle generation. I have led various research initiatives, such as my work with Algoverse AI Research and my role as Founder and Research Director at Carter AI Research Lab. My accomplishments include submitting findings to NAACL SRW 2025 and developing innovative automation tools during my internship in winter.

Why did you come to Purdue?

I chose Purdue University for its strong emphasis on cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence research, as well as its reputation for fostering innovation. My classes have included foundational and advanced AI concepts, mathematics, and programming, which align perfectly with my academic and career goals. My experiences, such as leading research teams and participating in AI bootcamps, have deepened my understanding of machine learning frameworks, LLM optimization, and real-world applications of AI. Purdue provides the resources and environment I need to excel in these areas.

Goals and Plans

At Purdue, I aim to delve deeper into AI research, particularly in LLM development, reinforcement learning, and creative AI applications. I plan to submit high-quality research papers to conferences like ACL and NAACL, participate in industry-focused AI projects, and build a robust academic portfolio. After graduating, I aspire to pursue graduate studies who offers great programs and research in NLP. In the long term, I hope to contribute to the development of innovative AI technologies and become a leader in the field of artificial intelligence.

Best memories and favorite spaces at Purdue

One of my most exciting and memorable experiences at Purdue was preparing for and attending a research interview with a professor. I was nervous and put in a lot of effort to prepare, which made my heart race with both excitement and anticipation. It’s a moment I cherish as it marked a significant step in my academic journey. My favorite spaces at Purdue are the “Lawson" (the Computer Science building) and the "DS/AI" building. These spaces are not only closely tied to my major but also provide an excellent environment for studying and collaborating. They are vibrant hubs where I’ve had the opportunity to meet Ph.D. students and mentors, making them special places for learning and networking.

Experience with PLaCE classes or workshops

In my first semester at Purdue, I took SCLA 111 with Professor Haiyan Li. This course significantly improved my English communication skills and gave me the confidence to reach out to other international students and professors without hesitation. The class helped me develop not only my language proficiency but also my ability to engage in meaningful academic and social interactions, which has been invaluable for my growth at Purdue.

Advice to new Purdue students

For new international students, I recommend focusing on improving English communication skills through consistent practice, engaging in group discussions, and seeking feedback from peers and instructors. Participating in workshops, joining study groups, and attending cultural events can also help with cultural adjustment. I wish I had known earlier how valuable it is to build a network of supportive peers and mentors. My advice is to take advantage of Purdue’s resources, such as the Writing Lab, language courses, and research opportunities, and to stay proactive in seeking help and guidance when needed.