KAIST | South Korea
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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hyoungsoo Kim began his academic journey with a deep-rooted passion for fluid mechanics and engineering. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kumoh National Institute of Technology, South Korea, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2006. His undergraduate research focused on numerical analysis of microflows in microchannels. Continuing his academic excellence, he pursued a Master’s degree at KAIST, where he worked on controlling electroosmotic flow in microchannels using thermal fields. His doctoral studies at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands further honed his expertise, culminating in a thesis titled Moving Liquid Droplets with Inertia: Experiment, Simulation, and Theory, under the guidance of Professor Jerry Westerweel.
🎨 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Kim's professional journey reflects an unwavering commitment to experimental fluid mechanics and interdisciplinary research. His early postdoctoral experience at Seoul National University and Princeton University, where he worked with Professor Ho-Young Kim and Professor Howard A. Stone, respectively, laid the foundation for his groundbreaking research. He served as an Associate Research Scholar at Princeton before joining KAIST as an Assistant Professor in 2017. In 2021, he was promoted to Associate Professor at KAIST’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Kim has also contributed as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and as an Editorial Advisory Board Member for Experiments in Fluids since 2019.
👩🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Kim's research revolves around experimental fluid mechanics, focusing on physicochemical hydrodynamics, thin film and interfacial flows, colloids and interfaces, and micro- and bio-fluidics. His work spans multiple scales, from nanoscale to macroscale, with applications in environmental pollution, COVID-19-related respiratory diseases, and material transport in multiscale channels. Leveraging advanced optical measurement techniques, he explores interfacial instabilities, droplet dynamics, viscoelastic fluid behavior, and evaporation processes. His research has resulted in significant theoretical models and scaling analyses that contribute to the understanding of multiphase flows and soft matter hydrodynamics.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Kim's exceptional contributions to fluid mechanics and engineering have been widely recognized. He has secured over $5.5 million USD in research grants since joining KAIST and has published 49 high-impact journal papers, including articles in Nature Physics, Nature Communications, ACS Nano, Advanced Science, and Physical Review Letters. His research has received 2,241 citations, with an H-index of 23 and an FWCI of 1.69 in Mechanical Engineering. Some of his studies have been highlighted in Physics, Nature Physics, The New York Times, and Chosun Ilbo. His patent portfolio includes numerous domestic and international patents related to medical devices, negative pressure systems, and quantum dot patterning technologies.
🌐 Impact and Influence
Dr. Kim’s research has far-reaching implications across multiple disciplines. His work on interfacial instability and solutal-Marangoni flows has advanced the understanding of complex fluid behaviors. His patented technologies, including cyclone negative pressure masks and modular negative pressure facilities, have been pivotal in enhancing personal protective equipment and medical chamber designs. Moreover, his studies on liquid metal and metamaterials have influenced the development of stretchable electronics and anti-icing coatings. His collaborations with industrial partners such as Shinsung E&G and Woojung Bio have facilitated technology transfer, further extending the impact of his research into real-world applications.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
As a leading figure in experimental fluid mechanics, Dr. Kim continues to push the boundaries of interfacial hydrodynamics and multiphase flows. His work is expected to drive innovations in biomedical engineering, environmental sustainability, and advanced materials. His commitment to mentoring young researchers and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations ensures that his legacy will endure through the next generation of scientists and engineers. With ongoing research projects in nanofluidics, soft matter physics, and energy-efficient transport systems, Dr. Kim remains at the forefront of pioneering fluid mechanics research, shaping the future of the field.
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