On March 16, Korea University Sejong Campus announced that its Eco-Up Convergence University Project Group held an in-person seminar at Science and Technology Building 1, inviting David LaFrance, CEO of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), to share insights on future trends in the water industry.

This event was conducted in connection with the course ‘Environmental Ecology and Impact Assessment,’ with approximately 40 enrolled students in attendance. Under the theme ‘You can plan water’s future: Talented individuals shaping the future water industry,’ CEO David LaFrance introduced global trends and future visions in the water environment industry, while also presenting key competencies and career pathways students should prepare for.

In particular, the seminar featured participation from ‘AEEC (Active Environmental Engineer Club),’ an academic student club composed of Environmental Systems Engineering majors, who presented their activities. During the discussion session that followed, students engaged in direct Q&A with an international expert in the water industry, enhancing their problem-solving, communication, and global networking capabilities.

After the seminar, a campus tour was conducted, where the invited expert and student representatives visited major facilities at Korea University Sejong Campus, including shared undergraduate laboratories, the SEMO Class in the Future Building, the Nongshim Hall, and the Academic Information Center.

A representative from the Sejong Eco-Up Convergence University Project Group stated, “Direct communication with a world-class expert provided an important opportunity for students to grow into ‘Green Technology Innovators’ who will lead the smart environmental industry. We will continue to expand international cooperation in the water environment sector and further strengthen the foundation for global education programs.”