Youngkun Chung obtained his B.S. in Spatial Environment System Engineering from the Handong Global University, South Korea Magna cum laude as the second-highest graduate in the School of Engineering. Youngkun Chung received his M.S. and Ph.D. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea. During his Ph.D., he received the Best Ph.D. Dissertation Prize in the Department and was a Korea NRF Graduate Research Fellow.

At Rice University, Youngkun Chung is working with Professor Michael Wong in the department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and in the Testbed team of US NSF-funded NEWT Center. His research focuses on developing photocatalysts and integrating them into catalytic-ceramic membranes as the hybrid system of green and sustainable chemistry innovations. Application of these technologies includes the degradation of hazardous pollutants (PFAS, plasticizers, PPCP) and the maximization of resource efficiency. He has in depth knowledge and skills including preparation of nanomaterials and inorganic membranes, analysis of micropollutants by LC/MS, and the holistic design/operation of water treatment modules for the laboratory- and pilot-scale applications.

Aside from science and engineering, Youngkun Chung enjoys playing sports such as soccer, baseball, running, and swimming.