Leo Hong

Dr. Leo Hong earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and both his M.S. and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Kyung Hee University in South Korea. Before joining Loyola Marymount University, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB).
Dr. Hong's research spans a wide range of scientific areas, particularly focusing on the use of computer modeling and simulations (CMS) for chemical and materials process modeling. His work has garnered significant recognition, securing approximately $1.2 million in funding from various sources, including state-level programs (e.g., California State Chancellor's Office), federal agencies (e.g., NSF, USDA), and global industry-academic collaborations (e.g., Samsung and Chevron).
Currently, Dr. Hong is dedicated to transforming STEM education for underrepresented groups, with a particular emphasis on supporting female, Hispanic, and Black students. He integrates CMS techniques into educational practices to enhance learning outcomes. Dr. Hong has extensive experience in conducting workshops and providing hands-on CMS training to diverse audiences, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty during his time as a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Southern California, as well as to undergraduate students as a faculty advisor for the CSUB Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program.