Expert in energy conversion and storage systems to augment Ohio State’s Discovery Themes initiative

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Jung-Hyun Kim
Jung-Hyun Kim, newly appointed assistant professor of mechanical engineering
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has selected Jung-Hyun Kim to join the university as assistant professor of mechanical engineering, where his work will uniquely focus on battery life extension with real world testing and validation. He will also have an appointment in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, as well as being an Associate Fellow of the Center for Automotive Research. Professor Kim is part of a cohort recruited under the university's Discovery Themes initiative.

Ohio State's Discovery Themes is a significant faculty hiring investment in key thematic areas in which the university can build on its culture of academic collaboration to make a global impact. This hire is specifically included in a cohort focused on energy conversion and storage, and related technologies that connect materials science with chemistry and systems. Kim will be a key element in the creation of a new, multidisciplinary energy research hub. The hub is part of a world class network of laboratories and centers supporting energy research including the Center for Automotive Research, Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis and Nanotech West.

Coming from industry Kim has a strong understanding of industry needs and brings with him a wealth of knowledge on this topic. He started as a researcher at General Motors Global Research and Development Center in Warren Michigan in 2011, then was promoted to senior research associate in 2013. There his main role was developing next-generation automotive battery systems through collaboration with world-class scientists in universities, national laboratories and major chemical companies. Previous to that he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2010.

Kim received his doctoral degree (2009) in materials science and engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and received a master’s degree (2004) and bachelor degree (2002) in chemical engineering from Hanyang University in South Korea. His research interests encompass a wide range of energy related topics, including development of ceramic and polymer materials for automotive batteries, fuel cells, and gas permeation membranes.

“Based on my multi-disciplinary academic background in mechanical, chemical and materials engineering, I plan to build strong collaborations with faculty across the campus to actively participate in multidisciplinary research and teaching activities,” says Kim. “I would like to contribute to Center for Automotive Research and other centers by involving future planning and executing strategic initiatives.”

Centered on his diverse career, he aims to build a strong network for collaborative research programs with government and private research and development organizations, which will enable the university to make significant synergy and contributions in the energy storage area for electric vehicles applications.

Kim joined The Ohio State University in August 2016.

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