Kwang J. Kim

Active Materials and Smart Living Laboratory

Former Students

PhD Graduates (20):

Dr. Nazanin MINAIAN (PhD/2025; Currently with University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
PhD Dissertation: Bio-Inspired Electroactive Polymer (EAP) Sensors for Surface and Canal Flow Sensing in Dynamic Environments

https://minaian.com/

Dr. Blake NACCARATO (PhD/2024: Current with Mission Support and Test Services, LLC, North Las Vegas, NV – Navada National Security Site)
PhD Dissertation: REPRODUCIBLE RESEARCH DATA PIPELINES – CASE STUDY OF BUBBLE COLLAPSE IN SUBCOOLED NUCLEATE POOL BOILING

https://blakenaccarato.com/

Dr. Liya NAPOLLION (PhD 2024; currently with Sargent and Lundy)
PhD Dissertation: INVESTIGATING IONIC POLYMER METAL COMPOSITE CAPACITORS THROUGH FABRICATION, EXPERIMENTATION, AND MODELING

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liya-napollion-146850132

Dr. Alexandrea WASHINGTON (PhD/2022: Current with Mission Support and Test Services, LLC, North Las Vegas, NV – Navada National Security Site)
PhD Dissertation: AN INVESTIGATION OF SOFT ELECTROHYDRAULIC ACTUATORS: THEORY, CHARACTERIZATION, AND CONCEPTUAL APPLICATIONS.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrea-washington-209a75113

Dr. Justin NEUBAUER (PhD/2022: Current with Boeing Co, Md)
PhD Dissertation: MECHANOELECTRICAL BEHAVIOR IN POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) BASED SOFT POLYMER GEL SMART SENSORS FOR SOFT ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justintneubauer

Dr. Zachary FRANK (PhD/2021: Current with Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA)
PhD Dissertation: POLYVINYL CHLORIDE GELS: THEORETICAL MODELING OF THEIR ACTUATION MECHANISM AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THEIR PROPERTIES.

Google Scholar

Dr. Zakai OLSEN (PhD/2021; Currently with Intel Corporation, Hillsboro, Oregon)
PhD Dissertation: A HYPERELASTIC POROUS MEDIA FRAMEWORK FOR IONIC POLYMER-METAL COMPOSITES AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSDUCTION PHENOMENA VIA DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND NONLINEAR REGRESSION

Google Scholar

Dr. Robert Hunt (PhD/2020); Currently With Fresh Consulting At Facebook Media Lab (FML)
PhD Dissertation: Thermo-mechanical Modeling and the Application of Coiled Polymer Actuators (CPA) in Soft Robotics and Biomimetics.
Google Scholar

Dr. Sarah TRABIA (PhD UNLV/2018, currently with Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA)
PhD Dissertation: Comprehensive study of spray-painting and 3d printing fabrication methods for nafion® and nafion® equivalents in ionic polymer-metal composite actuators and sensors.
Google Scholar

Dr. Qi SHEN (PhD UNLV/2017, currently with Amaton in the Bay Area, CA)
PhD Dissertation: Theoretical and experimental investigation on the multiple shape memory ionic polymer-metal composite actuator
Google Scholar

Dr. Tyler STALBAUM (PhD UNLV/2016, currently with Nusano, UT)
PhD Dissertation: Ionic electroactive polymer devices: Physics-Based modeling with experimental investigation and verification
Google Scholar

Dr. Kuok CHENG (PhD UNR/2014, Currents with Seer, Red Wood City, CA)
PhD Dissertation: Parametric studies on dropwise condensation heat transfer

  1. K. Cheng, B. Naccarato, K. J. Kim, and A. Kumar, “Theoretical consideration of contact angle hysteresis using surface-energy-minimization methods,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 102, pp. 154-161 (2018).
  2. B. J. Zhang, C. Kuok, K. J. Kim, T. Hwang, and H. Yoon, “Dropwise Steam Condensation on Various Hydrophobic Surfaces: Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and Self-assembled Micro/Nano Silver (SAMS),” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 89, pp. 353-358 (2015).
  3. K. Cheng, S. Kim, S. Lee, and K. J. Kim, “Internal dropwise condensation: Modeling and experimental framework for horizontal tube condensers,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 83, pp. 99-108 (2015).
  4. S. Lee, K. Cheng, V. Palmre, Md. Bhuiya, K. J. Kim, B. J. Zhang, and H. Yoon, “Heat transfer measurement during dropwise condensation using micro/nano-scale porous surface, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 65, pp. 619-626 (2013).

Dr. Md Mainul Hossain BHUIYA (PhD UNLV/2014, Currently with Global Foundary )
PhD Dissertation: Parametric studies on dropwise condensation heat transfer
Google Scholar

  1. Md. Bhuiya, A. Kumar, and K. J. Kim, “Metal hydrides in engineering systems, processes, and devices: A review of non-storage applications,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 40(5), pp. 2231-2247 (2015).
  2. Md. Bhuiya, C. Y. Lee, T. Hwang, S. Munira, R. Hopkins, H. Yoon, S. H. Park, and K. J. Kim, “Experimentally tuned dual stage hydrogen compressor for improved compression ratio,” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 39 (24), 12924-12933 (2014)
  3. S. Lee, K. Cheng, V. Palmre, Md. Bhuiya, K. J. Kim, B. J. Zhang, and H. Yoon, “Heat transfer measurement during dropwise condensation using micro/nano-scale porous surface, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 65, pp. 619-626 (2013).
  4. T. Hwang, H. Y. Kwon, J. S. Oh, J. P. Hong, S. C. Hong, Y. Lee, H. R. Choi, K. J. Kim, Md. Bhuiya, and J. D. Nam, “Transparent actuator made with few layer graphene electrode and dielectric elastomer, for variable focus lens,” Applied Physics Letters 103 (2), 023106 (2013)
  5. S. Lee, K. Cheng, V. Palmre, Md. Bhuiya, K. J. Kim, B. J. Zhang, and H. Yoon, “Heat transfer measurement during dropwise condensation using micro/nano-scale porous surface, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 65, pp. 619-626 (2013).
  6. J. P. Hong, S. W. Yoon, T. Hwang, J. S. Oh, S. C. Hong, Y. Lee, J. D. Nam, Md. Bhuiya, and K. J. Kim, High‐performance heat‐sink composites incorporating micron‐sized inorganic fillers and Sn/In metal particles, Polymer Engineering & Science 52 (11), 2435-2442 (2012).
  7. C. Y. Lee, Md. Bhuiya, and K. J. Kim, “Pool boiling heat transfer with nano-porous surface,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 53 (19), 4274-4279 (2010).

Dr. Viljar PALMRE (PhD UNR/2013, currently with XCath Inc, Houston, TX)
PhD Dissertation: Effects of Electrode Surface Morphology on the Transduction of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites
Google Scholar

  1. T. Hwang, V. Palmre, J. Nam, D.-C. Lee, and K. J. Kim, “A New Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite Based on Nafion/poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) Blends,” Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 24, 105011 (2015).
  2. Q. Shen, V. Palmre, T. Stalbaum, and K. J. Kim, “A Comprehensive Physics-based Model Encompassing Variable Surface Resistance and Underlying Physics of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators,” Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 118, 124904 (2015).
  3. T. Stalbaum, D. Pugal, S.E. Nelson, V. Palmre, K. J. Kim, “Physics-based modeling of mechano-electric transduction of tube-shaped ionic polymer-metal composite,” Journal of Applied Physics 117 (11), 114903 (2015).
  4. S. Ruiz, B. Mead, V. Palmre, K. J. Kim, and W. Yim, “A cylindrical ionic polymer-metal composite-based robotic catheter platform: modeling, design and control,” Smart Materials and Structures 24 (1), 015007 (2015).
  5. A. Punning, K. J. Kim, V. Palmre, et al., “Ionic electroactive polymer artificial muscles in space applications,” Scientific Reports, 4, 6913 (2014).
  6. V. Palmre, D. Pugal, K. J. Kim, K. K. Leang, K. Asaka, and A. Aabloo, “Nanothorn electrodes for ionic polymer-metal composite artificial muscles,” Scientific Reports, 4, 6176 (2014).
  7. J. Hubbard, M. Fleming, V. Palmre, D. Pugal, K. J. Kim, and K. K. Leang, “Monolithic IPMC Fins for Propulsion and Maneuvering in Bio-Inspired Underwater Robotics,” IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, 39(3), pp. 540-551 (2014).
  8. J. Park, V. Palmre, T. Hwang, K. J. Kim, W. Yim, and C. Bae, “Electromechanical Performance and Other Characteristics of IPMCs Fabricated with Various Commercially Available ion exchange membranes,” Smart Materials and Structures, 23(7), 074001 (2014).
  9. V. Palmre, S. J. Kim, D. Pugal, and K. J. Kim, “Improving Electromechanical Output of IPMC by High Surface Area Pd-Pt Electrodes and Tailored Ionomer Membrane Thickness,” International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials, 5(2), pp. 99-113 (2014).
  10. V. Palmre, M. Fleming, D. Pugal, S.J. Kim, K. J. Kim, and K. K. Leang, ”An IPMC-Enabled Bio-Inspired Bending/Twisting Fin for Underwater Applications, Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 22, 014003 (2013).
  11. Sangsoo Lee, Kuok Cheng, Viljar Palmre, MD M. H. Bhuiya, K. J. Kim, B. J. Zhang, and H. Yoon, Heat Trasfer Measurement during Dropwise Condensation using Micro/Nano-Scale Porous Surface, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 65, pp. 619-626 (2013).
  12. D. Kim, K. J. Kim, J. D. Nam, and V. Palmre, “Electro-chemical Operation of Ionic Polymer–Metal Composites, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Vol. 155(1), pp. 106-113 (2011).

Dr. Bong Jun Zhang (PhD/2012, currently with NBD Nanotechnologies/Henkel, Boston)
PhD Dissertation: Nucleate Pool Boiling of Surface-Modified Nano-Porous Alumina
Google Scholar

  1. C. Y. Lee, B. J. Zhang, K. J. Kim, “Influence of heated surfaces and fluids on pool boiling heat transfer,” Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, Vol. 59, pp. 15-23 (2014: doi:10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2014.07.012)
  2. B. J. Zhang, T. Hwang, J.-D. Nam, J. Suhr, and K. J. Kim, “Noncovalently assembled nanotubular porous layers for failure delay of heating surface,” Scientific Reports, Vol. 4: 6817 (2014; DOI: 10.1038/srep06817)
  3. B. J. Zhang, K. J. Kim, and D. Y. Lee, “Nanosphere-Decorated Tunable Anatase Titania Conic Self-Assemblies,” Journal of Nanoparticle Research, Vol. 15(9), pp. 1-11 (2013).
  4. Sangsoo Lee, Kuok Cheng, Viljar Palmre, MD M. H. Bhuiya, K. J. Kim, B. J. Zhang, and H. Yoon, Heat Transfer Measurement during Dropwise Condensation using Micro/Nano-Scale Porous Surface, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 65, 619-626 (2013).
  5. B. J. Zhang, J. Park, and K. J. Kim, “Augmented Boiling Heat Transfer on the Wetting-modified Three Dimensionally-interconnected Alumina Nano Porous Surfaces in Aqueous Polymeric Surfactants,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 63, pp. 224-232 (2013).
  6. S. Lee, H. K. Yoon, K. J. Kim, S. Kim, M. Kennedy, and B. J. Zhang,  “A Dropwise Condensation Model Using a Nano-scale, Pin Structured Surface,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 60, pp. 664-671 (2013).
  7. B. J. Zhang and K. J. Kim, “The Anodic-biased Titania Nanotube Growth in the Low Dielectric Viscous Media,” International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials, Vol. 4(1), pages 47-54 (2013).
  8. B. J. Zhang, K. J. Kim, and H. Yoon, “Enhanced Heat Transfer Performance of Alumina Sponge-like Nano-Porous Structures through Surface Wettability Control in Nucleate Pool Boiling,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 55(25–26), pp. 7487–7498 (2012).
  9. B. J. Zhang and K. J. Kim, “Effect of Liquid Uptake on Critical Heat Flux Utilizing a Three dimensional, Interconnected Alumina Nano Porous Surfaces,” Applied Physics Letters (APL), Vol. 101, 054104 (2012).
  10. B. J. Zhang, J. Park, K. J. Kim, H. Yoon, “Biologically Inspired Tunable Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Surfaces: A Copper Oxide Self-Assembly Multitier Approach,” Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, Vol. 7(3):036011 (2012).
  11. C. Lee, B. J. Zhang, J. Park, and K. J. Kim, “Water Droplet Evaporation on Cu-Based Hydrophobic Surfaces with Nano- and Micro Structures,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 55, pp. 2151-2159 (2012).
  12. C. Y. Lee, B. J. Zhang, and K. J. Kim “Morphological Change of Plain and Nano-Porous Surfaces during Boiling and its Effect on Nucleate Pool Boiling Heat Transfer,” Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, Vol. 40, pp. 150–158 (2012).

Dr. David PUGAL (PhD/2012, currently with Tesla Motors)
PhD Dissertation: Physics Based Model of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Electromechanical and Mechanoelectrical Transduction
2nd PhD Dissertation (Institute of Physics from Tartu University of Estonia, Feb 2014: Co-supervised with Prof. Alvo Aabloo): hp-FEM model of IPMC deformation
Google Scholar

  1. J. Hubbard, M. Fleming, V. Palmre, D. Pugal, K. J. Kim, and K. K. Leang, “Monolithic IPMC Fins for Propulsion and Maneuvering in Bio-Inspired Underwater Robotics,” IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering (in print; 2014).
  2. D. Pugal, P. Solin, K. J. Kim, A. Aabloo, “hp-FEM Electromechanical Transduction Model of Ionic Polymer–Metal Composites,“ Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Vol. 260, pp. 135-148 (2014).
  3. D. Pugal, P. Solin, A. Aabloo, and K. J. Kim, “IPMC Mechanoelectrical Transduction: its Scalability and Optimization,” Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 22(12), 125029 (2013).
  4. S. J. Kim, D. Pugal, J. Wong, K. J. Kim, and W. Yim, “A Bio-inspired Multi Degree of Freedom Actuator Based on a Novel Cylindrical Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Material,” Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Vol. 62(1), 53-60 (2014).
  5. C. Jo, D. Pugal, I.-K. Oh, and K. J. Kim, and K. Asaka,“Recent Advances in Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite Actuators and their Modeling and Applications,“ Progress in Polymer Science (PPS), Vol. 38(7), pp. 1037–1066 (2013).
  6. V. Palmre, M. Fleming, D. Pugal, S.J. Kim, K. J. Kim, and K. K. Leang,” An IPMC-Enabled Bio-Inspired Bending/Twisting Fin for Underwater Applications, Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 22, 014003 (2013).
  7. S.-I. Son, D. Pugal, T. Hwang, H. R. Choi, J. C. Koo, Y. Lee, K. J. Kim, and J. D. Nam, “An Electro-Mechanically Driven Variable Focus Lens based on Transparent Dielectric Elastomer Suitable,” Applied Optics, Vol. 51(15), pp. 2987-2996 (2012).
  8. D. Pugal, P. Solin, K. J. Kim, and A. Aabloo, “Modeling Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites with Space-Time Adaptive Multimesh hp-FEM,” Communications in Computational Physics, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 249-270 (2012).
  9. D. Pugal, K. J. Kim, and Alvo Aabloo, “An Explicit Physics-based Model of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators,” Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 110, pp. 084904 (2011).
  10. K. J. Kim, D. Pugal, and K. K. Leang, “A Twistable Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Artificial Muscle for Marine Applications,” the Marine Technology Society (MTS) Journal, Vol. 45, No. 4, pp. 83-98 (2011).
  11. I.-S. Park, S.-M. Kim, D. Pugal, L. Huang, S.-W. Tam-Chang, and K. J. Kim, “Visualization of the Cation Migration in Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite under an Electric Field,” Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 96, 043301 (2010).
  12. D. Pugal, K. Jung, A. Aabloo, and K. J. Kim, “IPMC Mechanoelectrical Transduction Review and Perspectives,” Polymer International, Vol. 59, pp. 279-289 (2010).
  13. D. Pugal, K. J. Kim, A. Punning, H. Kasemägi, M. Kruusmaa, and A. Aabloo, “A Self-Oscillating Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Bending Actuator,” Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 103, 084908 (2008).
  14. D. Kim, K. J. Kim, Y. Tak, D. Pugal and I.-S. Park, “A Self-Oscillating Electroactive Polymer,” Applied Physics Letter, Vol. 90, pp. 184104(1-3) (2007).

Dr. Rashi TIWARI (PhD/2009, currently with Dow Chemical, Houston, TX)
PhD Dissertation: Modeling and Characterization of the Mechanoelectric Response of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) Energy Harvesters
Google Scholar

  1. R. Tiwari and K. J. Kim, “Mechanoelectric Transduction in Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite,“ Applied Physics Letters (APL), Vol. 102, 123903 (2013).
  2. R. Tiwari and K. J. Kim, “IPMC as Mechano-Electric Energy Harvester:  Tailored Properties,” Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 22, 015017 (2013).
  3. R. Tiwari, “Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite Mechanoelectric Transduction: Effect of Impedance,” International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials, Vol. 3(4), pp. 275-295 (2012).
  4. S. M. Kim, R. Tiwari, and K. J. Kim, “A Novel Ionic Polymer Metal ZnO Composite (IPMCZC),” Sensors, Vol. 11, No. 5, pp. 4674-4687 (2011).
  5. R. Tiwari and K. J. Kim, “Effect of Metal Diffusion on Mechanoelectric Property of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite,” Applied Physics Letters Vol. 97, 244104 (2010).
  6. R. Tiwari and K. J. Kim, “Disc-Shaped IPMCs for Use in Mechano-electrical Applications,” Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 19, 065016 (2010).
  7. I. S. Park, R. Tiwari, and K. J. Kim, Sprayed Sensor Using IPMC Paint, Advances in Science and Technology, Vol. 61, pp. 59-64 (2009).
  8. R. Tiwari, K. J. Kim, and S. Kim, “Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite as Smart Velocity Sensors and Energy Harvesters,” Smart Structures & Systems, Vol. 4, No. 5, pp. 549-563 (2008).

Dr. Doyeon KIM (PhD/2006, currently with Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA)
PhD Dissertation: Electrochemically Controllable Biomimetic Actuator

  1. D. Kim, K. J. Kim, J.-D. Nam, and V. Palmre, “Electro-chemical Operation of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites, Sensors and Actuators: B, Vol. 155, pp. 106-113 (2011)
  2. I-S. Park, K. M. Jung, D. Kim, S.-M. Kim, and K. J. Kim, “Physical Principles of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites as Electroactive Actuators and Sensors,” the MRS Bulletin, Vol. 33, pp. 190-195 (March 2008).
  3. D. Kim and K. J. Kim, “A Theoretical and Experiment Study for Self-oscillatory Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators,” Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 16, pp. 1789-1795 (2007).
  4. D. Kim, K. J. Kim, Y. Tak, D. Pugal and I.-S. Park, “A Self-Oscillating Electroactive Polymer,” Applied Physics Letter, Vol. 90, pp. 184104(1-3) (2007).
  5. D. Kim and K. J. Kim, “Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators Exhibiting Self-Oscillation,” Sensors and Actuators A, Vol. 137, pp. 129-133 (2007).
  6. D. Dogruer, J. Lee, W. Yim, K. J. Kim, and D. Kim, “Fluid Interaction of Segmented Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites under Water,”Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 16, pp. S220-S226 (2007).
  7. K. J. Kim, W. Yim, J. W. Paquette, and D. Kim, “Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites for Underwater Operation,” Journal of Intelligent Materials Systems and Structures (JIMSS), Vol. 18, pp. 123-131 (2007).
  8. K. Choe, K. J. Kim, D. Kim, C. Manford, S. Heo, and M. Shahinpoor, “Performance Characterization of Electro-Chemically Driven Polyacrylonitrile Fiber Bundle Actuator,” Journal of Intelligent Materials Systems and Structures (JIMSS), Vol. 17, pp. 563-576 (2006).
  9. D. Kim and K. J. Kim, “Experimental Investigation on Electrochemical Properties of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite,” Journal of Intelligent Materials Systems and Structures (JIMSS), Vol. 17, pp. 449-454 (2006).
  10. J. W. Paquette, K. J. Kim, D. Kim, and W. Yim, “The Behavior of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites in a Multi-Layer Configuration, “Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 14, 881-888 (2005).
  11. J. W. Paquette, K. J. Kim, and D. Kim, “Low Temperature Characteristics of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuators,” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, Vol. 118, pp. 135-143 (2005).

Dr. Srinivas VEMURI (PhD/2005, currently city of Dallas, TX)
PhD Dissertation: An Experimental and Theoretical Studies on Non-Filmwise Condensation Techniques for Enhancing Heat Transfer in the Process of Steam Condensation

  1. S. Vemuri, K. J. Kim, and Y. T. Kang, “A Study on Effective use of Heat Transfer Additives in the Process of Steam Condensation,” International Journal of Refrigeration, Vol. 29, pp. 724-734 (2006).
  2. S. Vemuri and K. J. Kim, “A Theoretical Approach to Dropwise Condensation Using Self-Assembled Monolayers,” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 49(3-4), pp. 649-657 (2006).
  3. S. Vemuri, K. J. Kim, B. D. Wood, S. Govindaraju, and T. W. Bell, “Long Term Testing for Dropwise Condensation Using Self-Assembled Monolayer Coatings of n-Octadecyl Mercaptan,” Applied Thermal Engineering, Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 421-429 (2006).
  4. S. Vemuri, K. J. Kim, A. Razani, T. W. Bell, B. Wood, “Cost Effective Techniques for Enhancing Heat Transfer Rate in Steam Condensation,” AIAA-Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 101-105 (2005).
  5. S. Vemuri and K. J. Kim, “Pool Boiling of Saturated FC-72 on Nano-Porous Surface,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 32, pp. 27-31 (2005).

MS Graduates (23):

Zakai OLSEN (MS UNLV/2018, currently with Intel, OR)
MS Thesis: The design, modeling, and optimization of a biomimetic soft robot for fluid pumping and thrust generation using electroactive polymer actuators

Kevin YIM (MS UNLV/2018, currently with Raytheon, Tucson, AZ as Mechanical Engineer)
MS Thesis: The effect of titanium dioxide on nucleate pool boiling using an aluminum substrate

Blake Naccarato (MS/2017): Currently with UNLV as PhD student
MS Theis: Visualization of dropwise condensation on plate and Tube geomatry.

Shelby NELSON (MS/2015): Currently with GearWorks
MS Theis: Feasibility study of custom manufacturing methods of Ionic polymer-metal composite sensors

Jiyeon PARK (MS/2012)
MS Thesis: IPMC with various ion exchange membranes and their potential/possible applications

Kuok CHENG (MS/2012)
MS Thesis: Investigation of Hydrophobic Coatings in Air Cooled Condensers for Heat Transfer Applications

Rajeev GUNDA (MS/2010)

Youngsoo JUNG (MS/2010)
MS Thesis: Ti02-doped Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Actuator

Ryan HOPKINS (MS/2009, currently VP Scientific Research and Engineering, H2 Technologies Group LLC, Reno, NV)
MS Thesis: The Investigation of Ca0.6Mm0.4Ni5 for use in a High Pressure Metal Hydride Hydrogen Compressor & Dual Stage Metal Hydride Hydrogen Compression System Using LaNi5, and Ca0.6Mm0.4Ni5 Utilizing Geothermal Energy

MD BHUIYA (MS/2008)
MS Thesis: A Feasibility study: Nano Tailored Surfaces for Enhanced Heat Transfer

Alex VANDERHOFF (MS/2008)
MS Thesis: Metal Hydride Fluidic Artificial Muscle Actuation System

Curtis ROBBINS (MS/2008)
Dr. Alan Gertler of DRI was the main academic advisor and Dr. Kim was the co-advisor.

Kurn MA (MS/2007; last known employer: CHC Consulting, LLC, Santa Ana, CA)
MS Thesis: Non-thesis option

Michael LEE (MS/2007; last known employer OSIsoft, San Leandro, CA)
MS Thesis: Finite Time Analysis of Hydrogen Compression Using Metal Hydride and The Experimental Investigation of Porous Metal Hydride Compacts

David PERRON (MS/2007; last known employer: CH2M Hill, Reno, NV)
MS Thesis: Non-thesis option

Deniz DOGRUER (or EVERENSEL) (MS/2006; on parental leave)
MS Thesis: The Development of a Hydrodynamic Model for the Segmented Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) for Underwater Applications and The Potential Use of IPMCs for Energy Harvesting

Arun PUDDIPEDDI (MS/2006; last known employer: Chromalloy, Carson City, NV)
MS Thesis: Non-thesis option

Chris MANFORD (MS/2005; last known employer: Kiewit, CA)
MS Thesis: Non-thesis option

Ravi SAMATHAM (MS/2004; went to Oregon Institute of Health and Science, OR pursuing PhD in Biomedical Eng.)
MS Thesis: Sub-micron Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Fibers as Linear Actuators

Kiyoung CHOE (MS/2004; currently with Knorr-Bremse, Seoul, S. Korea)
MS Thesis: PolyAcryloNitrile as an Actuator Material: Properties, Characterizations and Applications

Jason PAQUETTE (MS/2003; last known employer Northrop Grumman, VA)
MS Thesis: Inic Polymer-Metal Composites: Fabrication, Modeling and Experimentation

A. Morten LEFSAKER (BS/MS, 2002): with Prof. A. Razani at the University of New Mexico and Prof. Otto K. Sonju, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology
BS/MS Thesis: Second Law Analysis of Combined Power Cycles and Advanced Falling Film Heat Exchangers

Aaron STONE (MS/2002, Last known employer: Naval Shipyard, Seattle, WA): with Prof. A. Razani at the University of New Mexico
MS Thesis: Enhancement of Steam Condensation Heat Transfer Using Additives

Kim’s Group Photos

Fall 2022
fall 2022
Summer 2020
Summer 2020 (in pandemic)		 Summer 2019
Summer 2019
Fall 2015
Fall 2015 at UNLV with other visitors		 Fall 2014
Fall 2014 at UNLV
Fall 2013
Fall 2013 at UNLV		 Fall 2010
Fall 2010 at UNR
Fall 2012
Summer 2012 at UNR		 Fall 2009
Fall 2009 at UNR