Meet Dr. Seongmin Park

I am a cognitive neuroscientist interested in studying how we learn and make decisions on a daily basis. My journey began with a PhD from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), followed by postdoctoral research at the French National Scientific Research Center (CNRS) in Lyon with Dr. Jean-Claude Dreher and at UC Davis in California with Dr. Erie Boorman. Before joining Virginia Tech, I had the pleasure of leading the Representation, Learning, and Decision Making team at CNRS, where I explored how our brains learn and organize mental representations of the world's hidden structures based on our experiences.
I am endlessly curious about how we devise solutions to entirely new problems we haven’t even imagined before. It seems as though our brains possess an incredible ability to connect the dots in ways that are both creative and efficient. To understand this better, my approach blends computational models with brain imaging techniques, allowing me to delve into the intricate mechanisms of the human mind.

I am absolutely thrilled to join Virginia Tech's Psychology Department as an assistant professor in Cognitive Neuroscience & Biopsychology. Several compelling factors drew me to VT, starting with the department’s shared vision and emphasis on computational cognitive neuroscience. I am eager to contribute to this dynamic field. I believe that Virginia Tech is perfectly positioned to make significant advancements, thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative culture, and exceptional students.
Additionally, having several friends who trained at Virginia Tech, I’ve heard firsthand about the innovative approach to science, creative thinking, and expertise in computational methods, which greatly influenced my decision to join VT.
The burgeoning interdisciplinary research in decision science in the VT is exciting to me as well. I look forward to exploring how insights from decision neuroscience can inform real-world decision making processes and influence policy development.
Beyond the academic and professional allure, the vibrant campus life and beautiful natural surroundings at Virginia Tech make it clear that this is a place where I can thrive both professionally and personally.

I am passionate about studying how the brain learns from past experiences to make better decisions in the future. This enthusiasm stems from a deep-seated curiosity about the brain’s remarkable ability to abstract complex experiences into conceptual knowledge and generalize them to new situations from limited data.
Understanding how the brain builds and utilizes these representations not only satisfies my intellectual interests but also holds practical significance in addressing inflexible decision making in individuals with mental health challenges and advancing artificial intelligence to learn across different tasks.
Currently, I am exploring the idea that our brains use the same systems for planning spatial navigation and solving complex, abstract tasks, such as identifying the best collaborator within a social network. This concept allows me to push the boundaries of current knowledge on human intelligence.
Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of my research - combining neuroscience, computational modeling, and machine learning - enables me to leverage diverse methodologies and collaborate with experts across various fields, making each discovery both challenging and rewarding.

Studying human learning and decision making is essential because it lies at the core of understanding how we acquire knowledge, adapt to new situations, and navigate the complexities of everyday life. By unraveling the cognitive processes involved in learning and decision making, we can develop adaptive learning systems, enhance decision making in healthcare and finance, and create artificial intelligence that emulates human reasoning. This comprehensive approach not only advances scientific knowledge but also fosters a more informed and resilient society.
Conversely, poor decision making can have significant personal and societal consequences. For example, addictive behaviors resulting from impaired decision making can lead to severe health issues and financial instability. On a larger scale, widespread poor decisions can undermine public trust, increase societal costs, and reduce overall economic productivity. In the context of environmental challenges, ineffective decision making by individuals and policymakers can result in inadequate responses to climate change, causing long-term ecological and economic damage. Additionally, biases and judgment errors can contribute to systemic issues such as discrimination and inequality, further reducing social unity.
Therefore, studying the cognitive processes of decision making and learning is crucial for improving individual well-being and fostering a healthier, more equitable society.

I love those "aha" moments when a complicated idea suddenly makes sense or when I discover a new way to connect different concepts. I also enjoy chatting with fellow scientists and students. These conversations not only help me understand things better but also inspire me to ask even deeper questions. So feel free to ask me anything—I’m always up for a good discussion!

Be kind to yourself and others.

During my time as a graduate student, I was driven by fundamental questions about the nature of value: Where does value come from? Why is one thing more valuable than another? And why do these valuations sometimes differ among people? This curiosity led me to study how abstract art gains value when viewers understand its meaning and the artist’s background story during my PhD. I was particularly interested in this because the aesthetic value of abstract paintings often isn't tied to their practical use, making it a unique area to explore how value is assigned based on perception and understanding. Although I am still seeking answers to how we make decisions, uncovering these answers allows me to continually refine my inquiries and contribute deeper insights each time.

I enjoy getting lost in new towns, cities, and museums, allowing my thoughts to flow freely as I explore different environments. I like drawing and painting, possibly because I am a "visual thinker," which means I naturally process information and solve problems through images and spatial understanding. I also love reading novels, especially short stories, which offer me diverse narratives and perspectives in a concise and impactful format. Every year, I have a tradition of selecting the movies I missed and watching them in a marathon.

I would choose to travel through time. I'm fascinated by the idea that space and time are intertwined and inseparable, making time travel a unique way to experience different eras firsthand. I would love to visit moments when I can be with the people I love, preferably in beautiful weather.

I have a rather amusing relationship with time. I often lose track of what day or even year it is. It feels as though time isn't encoded linearly in my brain. For example, if I say, "Let's talk tomorrow" on Friday, it doesn't mean I want to schedule a meeting for Saturday. it simply means I haven't realized that today is already Friday. While these little time mix-ups might confuse others, they definitely add some unexpected fun and laughter to my everyday life.