Dr Jebum Choi

Dr. Jebum Choi is an Industry Research Fellow at the Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia. He specialises in materials science, coatings, additive manufacturing, and product development. Dr. Choi earned his PhD in engineering, focusing on organic semiconducting materials and their applications in photovoltaics, from the University of South Australia in 2020 and has since been a valuable member of the Materials Engineering group at the Future Industries Institute.

Dr. Choi has led and contributed to numerous collaborative projects with organisations such as Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and various local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). His project includes the development of freeform optical components for low Earth orbit satellites, filters for satellites modules, infrared reflective coatings for industrial applications, and the integration of Industry 4.0 principles in manufacturing.

Since 2020, Dr. Choi has engaged in the freeform mirror project for optional components in satellites through the UniSA LaunchPad and the defence innovation partnership. He is currently involved in a research initiative under the Space-focused Trailblazer Universities program (iLAuNCH Hub), collaborating with partners in additive manufacturing, the automotive sector, and the DST Group.

Dr. Choi has also made significant contributions to other notable projects, such as the fabrication of linear variable band pass filter for low Earth orbit satellites in partnership with CSIRO, the development of anti-reflection and high-reflection coatings for laser applications, and the commercialisation of mirror-like coating prototypes. One of his major achievements is the development of a freeform mirror component for small satellites, which exhibited minimal distortion and opened significant opportunities in space optics. More recently, he has focused on the design and production of linear variable filters, aiming to prioritise domestic production within Australia. In June 2023, the “CyanoSat” payload module, incorporating this system, was successfully launched into low Earth orbit in June 2023. 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy The University of South Australia

• Bachelor of Biotechnology The University of Queensland