Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon – Marston Medal

Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon (MS Ceramics Engineering, ‘72; PhD Materials Science and Engineering, ‘77) is an acclaimed engineer, entrepreneur, and leading expert in the ceramics manufacturing industry.

In 1988, Yoon founded Southern California-based IJ (Intelligent Joining) Research, Inc., which grew into a multi-million-dollar enterprise and leading manufacturer and supplier of sapphire-to-metal seals and bonds. These are used in microwave windows, biomedical electrical connectors, optical lenses, as well as components for nuclear facilities, X-ray machines and X-band radars. The company served the medical, aerospace, defense, oil, and telecommunications industries. Yoon successfully exited the company after it was acquired by St. Albans, Vermont-based Superior Technical Ceramics in 2020.

In 2021, Yoon and his wife, Hyohi Sandy Yoon, provided a gift to establish the Dr. Thomas D. McGee and Dr. Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon Department Chair in Materials Science and Engineering at Iowa State University. McGee, professor emeritus, was a presence and staple of the university for more than 70 years and a cherished mentor to many students including Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon.

McGee supervised both of Yoon’s Iowa State degrees. “A mentor like none other,” McGee encouraged Yoon “to take on challenges in life I never thought were possible before walking onto the Iowa State University campus,” Yoon said.

Yoon has continued his research into new cutting-edge ceramic engineering.

In 2023, Yoon was inducted to the Materials Science and Engineering Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievement and contributions to the discipline.

Yoon and his wife have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren. He belongs to the Order of the Knoll W.M. Bearshear Society.