Kim wins young investigator grant for research

5/4/2015 Julia Cation

Seok Kim, an assistant professor in MechSE, was selected as one of only two recipients in the country of the Young Investigator Grant, given by the

Written by Julia Cation

Seok Kim, an assistant professor in MechSE, was selected as one of only two recipients in the country of the Young Investigator Grant, given by the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA)
 
The award recognizes those who have demonstrated outstanding early career development in the areas of science and technology. Kim, one of 38 applicants, received the award for his proposal entitled, “A Biomimetic Dry Adhesive Surface Using Shape Memory Polymer.”
 
Kim's research interests focus on two diverse yet interrelated fields—bio-inspired engineering and micro/nano-scale engineering. He is interested in the fundamental understanding and exploitation of materials, mechanisms, and organizing principles observed in nature. 
 
“I have been investigating smart materials such as a shape memory polymer to enable more efficient transfer printing processes for 3D heterogeneous microassembly. The grant from this award will enable me to extend my shape memory polymer-based research into biomimetic dry adhesives, and gives me more confidence in the potential of my research plan,” he said.
 
KSEA is a non-profit professional organization that fosters international cooperation between the U.S. and Korea and aims to help scientists and engineers develop their careers. Kim will formally receive his award and a certificate at a ceremony in Atlanta in late July. MechSE assistant professor SungWoo Nam won this award in 2014.
 

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This story was published May 4, 2015.