Workshop and Field Trip at University of New South Wales (UNSW)
In November 2025, the Coastal and Ocean Engineering Laboratory (COEL) of Hanyang University ERICA, together with the Geosystem Research Team, conducted an academic visit to the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, as part of an international knowledge-exchange program with the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
This visit comprised an academic workshop, campus and laboratory tour, and coastal field trip. This visitation aimed to strengthen collaboration and sharing recent advances and knowledge in coastal and ocean engineering research. The program was hosted and led by Associate Professor Mitchell Harley (UNSW), a leading expert in coastal processes and shoreline dynamics.
Academic Workshop and Research Presentations
Prof. Shin introduced the Coastal and Ocean Engineering Laboratory (COEL) of Hanyang University ERICA through his presentation. He discussed the laboratory's ongoing projects focused on coastal engineering. COEL's recent studies include nature-based solutions for coastal protection, addressing coastal erosion, flooding, and hazards.
Following this, COEL Post-doctoral Researcher Dr. Hai Van Dang presented about his research titled “Experimental and Numerical Study of Wave Attenuation in an Idealized Mangrove Forest”. His presentation showcased recent findings on the effectiveness of mangrove vegetation in reducing wave energy, integrating laboratory experiments with numerical modeling techniques.
Additionally, COEL graduate student Sangyeop Lee presented his ongoing research project, sharing insights into his study objectives, methodology, and preliminary results, and engaging in academic discussion with UNSW faculty and researchers.
Campus, Laboratory Tour, and Mangrove Field Visit
After the workshop, Associate Professor Mitchell Harley guided the participants through the UNSW campus and laboratory facilities, providing an overview of UNSW’s coastal research infrastructure and experimental capabilities.
The visit concluded with a field trip to a mangrove study site, where participants observed coastal and estuarine environments firsthand. The field visit facilitated discussions on mangrove dynamics, coastal resilience, and real-world applications of nature-based coastal protection strategies, complementing the academic sessions. This visit marked an important step in strengthening international collaboration between Hanyang University ERICA and UNSW. Through academic exchange, joint discussions, and field observations, the program opened opportunities for future collaborative research in coastal engineering.