Alumni

Seunghon Ham

Career Path: Professor, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in Gachon University
Location: Incheon, South Korea

After graduating with First Class Honours in BSc Manufacturing System and Design Engineering from Northumbria University, I decided to challenge myself in a new field. I pursued further studies at the Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at Seoul National University, specialising in Industrial and Environmental Health.

During my studies, I focused on identifying, assessing, and managing hazardous factors in industrial settings, including chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. Through this academic foundation, I built my career path in occupational and environmental health, dedicated to improving workplace environments and promoting worker well-being.

What are you doing now?

Currently, I serve as a Professor at the College of Medicine, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and the Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, both at Gachon University in the Republic of Korea. I also work as the CEO of OEH & Partners Inc.

Based on the knowledge and experience I gained throughout my academic journey, I teach medical students and graduate students in public health, helping them to understand and manage health risks in various environments.

In addition to my academic work, I actively participate in media appearances to raise public awareness about hazardous factors not only in occupational settings but also in everyday life.

Looking ahead, I hope to deliver more public lectures and continue contributing to health promotion and disease prevention. By combining the knowledge, experiences, and spirit of challenge that I developed at Northumbria University, I aim to play a positive role in making the world a healthier and safer place.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I chose to study at Northumbria University because it is widely recognised as one of the leading modern universities in the United Kingdom. Northumbria’s strong reputation for academic excellence and innovation made it an ideal place for me to challenge myself and grow both personally and professionally.

During my time there, I experienced a dynamic and supportive learning environment where professors not only provided expert knowledge but also encouraged students to pursue bold ideas and take on new challenges. The faculty members were approachable, highly dedicated, and always willing to offer guidance, which gave me the confidence to push beyond my limits and develop a spirit of resilience and ambition.

Northumbria’s emphasis on practical learning and global perspectives also played a crucial role in preparing me for future opportunities. The encouragement I received from my professors and the culture of innovation at the university helped shape my attitude towards lifelong learning and continuous personal development. Choosing Northumbria University was one of the most important and rewarding decisions I have made in my academic journey.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria University was a truly enriching experience. The professors were outstanding, providing not only high-quality education but also close, personalised support to help each student grow. The curriculum was well-structured, offering a broad and diverse range of lectures that allowed me to build a solid and wide-reaching foundation of knowledge.

One of the highlights was participating in a team project called Capstone Design, where we worked collaboratively to solve real-world problems by applying what we had learned. This experience greatly improved my teamwork, problem-solving, and practical application skills.

Additionally, Northumbria offered opportunities for international exchange and collaboration with overseas universities, giving me valuable global exposure and broadening my perspective. Altogether, the combination of excellent teaching, a diverse learning environment, hands-on team projects, and international experiences made my time at Northumbria both memorable and transformative.

How connected was your course with industry?

The course at Northumbria University was highly connected with industry, offering many opportunities for hands-on experience through real-world projects. I had the chance to work directly with CNC machines, experiment with 3D printing technologies, and develop and operate programs through coding.

One of the most memorable experiences was building a robot from start to finish as part of a team project. In my case, I created a Sky Scraper Facade Cleaning Robot, which was even showcased at an exhibition. This project required a deep understanding of both hardware and software, demonstrating how comprehensive and practical Northumbria's curriculum was.

Furthermore, I had the opportunity to study artificial intelligence (AI) as early as 2005, which has continued to benefit me in my career to this day. These experiences clearly reflect how well Northumbria prepared students with the skills and knowledge demanded by the industry.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Studying at Northumbria University helped me build a strong foundation for my career by teaching me not just technical knowledge but also how to organise and develop my own thinking. After each course, I would take time to review what I had learned, create detailed notes for each subject, and add my own reflections and ideas. Through this process, I developed a system of Personal Knowledge Management, which continues to support my professional growth today.

Moreover, Northumbria University instilled in me a strong belief in the value of interdisciplinary thinking. Thanks to this mindset, I was able to shift my academic focus from engineering to public health, and now work within the field of medicine. The encouragement to embrace new challenges and continuous learning has become a powerful driving force, enabling me to adapt to the rapidly changing world and pursue opportunities across different fields.

Which skills/ knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most throughout your career?

Throughout my career, the skills and values that I use most are collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking, dedication, perseverance, and building trust.

While technical knowledge continues to evolve over time, what truly made a lasting impact during my studies at Northumbria University was learning the importance of values that do not change. I am especially grateful for how the university emphasised these enduring principles, which have become the foundation for how I work, lead, and continue growing professionally.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

What I enjoyed most about my time at Northumbria University was learning from truly inspiring professors. Their passion for teaching, depth of knowledge, and genuine care for students created an environment where I felt constantly motivated to learn and grow.

Classes were not just about textbooks or exams — they were about real conversations, practical thinking, and being challenged in meaningful ways. The professors encouraged open dialogue and made each student feel seen and supported. Looking back, those moments of learning and exchange were the most rewarding part of my university experience.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Get involved — with your professors, your classmates, and the wider university community. These people may become lifelong companions in your journey. Even after graduation, I still meet with my professors whenever I visit the UK, and each time, they offer new insights that help me grow further, both personally and professionally.

Never hesitate to ask questions. There’s no such thing as a foolish question — every inquiry is an opportunity to learn. I truly believe that we grow through the process of asking, reflecting, and discovering together. At Northumbria, that spirit of curiosity and connection will guide you far beyond the classroom.

How would you describe your time at Northumbria in three words?

Foundation. Anchor. Highlight.

My time at Northumbria was the foundation of my professional journey, the anchor that kept me grounded in my values, and the highlight of my early academic life.