Jung Ki Hong of Daegu City, South Korea, a doctoral student in wood science and forest products, has been chosen as one of nine Virginia Tech Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science Doctoral Scholars, representing five colleges and nine departments. The institute’s Doctoral Scholars Program, which honors exceptional doctoral applicants through the awarding of full financial support, is a cooperative effort supported and coordinated primarily by the institute, with significant contributions from participating departments, colleges, and the Virginia Tech Graduate School.

Hong moved to the united States in 2006 and received his master’s at Virginia Tech in 2010. under the advisement of Associate Professor Maren Roman, he researches the use of cellulose nanocrystals in bone scaffolds. These bone scaffolds support and stimulate the growth of new bone tissue and eliminate the need for surgery to remove the metal scaffolds that are typically used once the bone has grown back.

Upon hearing of his selection as a doctoral scholar, Jung Ki said, “I was really surprised, but I really appreciate it. It’s a good opportunity to start a new project and gives me great motivation.”

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