News

KRG News

Eggshell Project to Potentially Mitigate Ice Melting and Reduce Natural Disasters Accepted for Publication 

August 29, 2024

Congratulations to Matthew, a former high school researcher now studying at Cornell Engineering, for having his work on the eggshell project accepted by the Journal of Emerging Investigators. Well done, Matthew! 

Maximo completes summer internship in biopolymer science 

July 19, 2024

Maximo Jimenez, 2024 Summer Highschool KEYS intern, successfully finalized the biopolymer experience under the guidance of Dr. Suyoung Lee. Hope this experience has ignites Maximo's Science and Engineering journey! 


Congratulations to Damask Grinnell!  

May 10, 2024

I am happy to announce that Damask Grinnell, a graduate student of our group, has successfully earned her Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering on May 9, 2024. This is a significant achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her dedication and hard work. 

Additionally, during the MSE commencement night, Damask was honored with the Outstanding TA Award for the second consecutive year. This recognition highlights her exceptional teaching abilities and commitment to supporting our students. 

We are excited to have Damask continue her journey with us as a Ph.D. student. Congratulations, Damask, on these well-deserved accomplishments!

Minkyu           Damask              Suyoung

Thank You to All Participants of SB11 at the 2024 MRS Spring Meeting ! 

April 29, 2024

We are delighted to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the attendees of the SB11 symposium on "Bio-based and Biomimetic Polymers in Soft Robotics" at the 2024 MRS Spring Meeting in Seattle. Your participation and the engaging discussions contributed immensely to the success of our in-person sessions.

As we continue to explore the exciting frontiers of our field, we want to remind everyone that the conversation is not over yet! Please join us for the MRS Online Meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. This virtual session will provide another opportunity to deepen our discussions and share further insights.

We look forward to your continued engagement and to seeing you online on May 8th. Thank you once again for making the in-person symposium a success!

On Behalf of the Symposium Organizers:

Army Research Office Support for SB11 at 2024 MRS Spring Meeting in Seattle! 

April 10, 2024

We are excited to announce that the Army Research Office (ARO) will be supporting Symposium SB11 - Bio-based and Biomimetic Polymers in Soft Robotics at the upcoming 2024 MRS Spring Meeting in Seattle. This symposium will delve into the integration of bio-based and biomimetic polymers into soft robotics, a transformative field poised to significantly enhance our interactions with machines in daily life and specialized environments such as underwater, space operations, and surgical procedures.

I, along with my esteemed co-organizers, extend our deepest gratitude to the ARO for their generous support. This sponsorship not only highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in soft robotics but also enhances the overall impact of our session. We look forward to fostering fruitful discussions and collaborations in Seattle.

Thank you to the Army Research Office for their pivotal support!

Dr. Kim and Dr. Chen (ASU) Lead Biomaterials Tutorial at the Inaugural MateriAlZ Winter School! 

January 25, 2024

We are excited to share the success of the recent UArizona-ASU Joint Winter School, designed for undergraduate students eager to explore the field of materials science and engineering before pursuing graduate studies. This unique program, fully supported for participating students, offered a diverse range of topics covered by esteemed faculty from both the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. Key areas included Biomaterials, Energy Materials, Semiconductors, and Additive Manufacturing.

We were also honored to have program managers from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Army Research Office (ARO) in attendance, providing valuable insights and perspectives.

Missed this year's event? We encourage you to join us next year for this enriching educational experience. It is a fantastic opportunity to delve into the world of materials science and engineering and connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts in the field.

Stay tuned for more information on next year's program!

Ligand-mediated mechanical enhancement of protein complexes and protein-based hydrogels is accepted in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces! 

December 04, 2023

Congratulations team, especially Sam, Marcus, and Brandon! 

Congratulations! A newly minted PhD - Dr. Fathima Doole!

 November 14, 2023

Fathima successfully defended her research, regarding Antimicrobial Peptide-Functionalized Biomaterials. She joins FDA as a postdoctoral scholar. Congratulations, Dr. Doole!   

NSF New Frontiers of Sound (NewFoS) Science and Technology Center

September 07, 2023

NSF announces to create 4 new Science and Technology Centers (UArizona News). We are happy to join as a NewFoS team to investigate experimentally the interactions between acoustic waves (sound) and biological cells. Congratulations, Dr. Deymier!  

Congratulations! A newly minted PhD - Dr. Samuel Kim!

 July 21, 2023

Sam successfully defended his research, regarding Artificially Engineered Protein Polymers for Functional Regenerative Tissue Scaffolds. Congratulations, Dr. Kim!   

Congratulations! 

July 01, 2023

Dr. Kim has been promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure, due to the robust support from former and current members of the Kim Research Group. Congratulations, Dr. Kim! 

Graduation!

May 12, 2023

Cynthia Ge and Nicholas Quatraro graduate with B.S. degree in BME. They will continue their journey as a BME PhD student and law school student at the University of Minnesota and Duke University, respectively!! Congratulations, Cynthia and Nic!  

A newly minted PhD - Dr. Christopher Camp!

May 12, 2023

Chris successfully defended his antimicrobial protein materials research. Congratulations, Dr. Camp!



Damask has been selected for UArizona NASA Space Grant Graduate Fellowship!

April 27, 2023

Damask has been working on the development of bioinspired glycolipid as dust controlling materials. With this fellowship, Damask will expand the scope of her work from the earth to space! Congratulations, Damask!

Damask is selected as Outstanding Graduate TA in MSE department for Spring 2023!

April 27, 2023

Damask has been collaborating with Dr. Kim for MSE223L, Materials Processing Laboratory, for Spring 2023. Her hard effort was recognized by the department and she is selected for the award!  Congratulations, Damask! 

Ben and Jack (MSE senior capstone project) won 3rd place at the 2023 Annual UA/ASU Materials Bowl Competition!

April 26, 2023

The senior capstone project by Ben Pershing and Jack Henteleff with the project of "Water Scarcity Trials on Sustainable, Lightweight, Porous, Food Safe, Water and Nutrient Deliverable Cellulose Sponge" won 3rd place at the 2023 materials design project competition between UArizona and ASU. Congratulations, Ben and Jack! 

IT4IR TRIF 18th Mile funding!

April 20, 2023

Dr. Kim as PI (Co-PI: Dr. Guzman, UA ChemE) will work on the project titled "Molecular and Nanostructural Approaches to Development of Ultrablack Materials", supported by AZ State Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF)!

USDA grant is approved!

April 15, 2023

Dr. Kim as Co-PI (PI: Dr. Hogan, UA EnvSci) will work on the project titled "Green Bioinspired Glycolipids as Multi-Purpose Agrichemicals", supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture/USDA!

Our review paper is published at Giant! 

April 15, 2023

Our manuscript, entitled “Tailoring the Formation and Stability of Self-Assembled Structures from Precisely Engineered Intrinsically Disordered Protein Polymers: A Comprehensive Review”, is published in Giant. Congratulations, Fathima and Chris!! 

Best Poster Award from 2023 MRS Spring goes to Young Hyun!

April 12, 2023

Young Hyun won the prestigious Best Poster Award at 2023 MRS Spring. The poster title is "Bioinspired Stiffness-Controlled Protein Filaments based on Understanding Hydrodynamics and Molecular Self-Assembly of Constitutive Proteins". Congratulations, Young Hyun!  

MRS Spring 2023 at San Francisco, CA!

April 10-14, 2023

Chris, Sam, Young Hyun, Suyoung and Dr. Kim give poster presentations and talk at MRS!

Carlos, Kim Research Group Alumni, is selected for NSF Graduate Research Fellowship!

March 30, 2023

NSF announced that Carlos is selected for GRFP. He is continuing his academic career at Cornell University.  Congratulations, Carlos! 

Our development of antimicrobial biopolymers is recognized

March 01, 2023

Our U.S. patent on antimicrobial biopolymers was honored at the 2nd Annual Patent Medallion Lunchoen.  

Congratulations, Sam and Marcus! 

February 09, 2023

Sam and Marcus received awards from the 2023 Annual BME Research Expo.  

Congratulations, Matthew! 

January 10, 2023

Society for Science announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. High School intern, Matthew Kim, is selected as the scholar!  

Congratulations Team, especially David and Sam! 

Welcome! 

August 08, 2022

Mr. Younghyun Noh joins the group as a visiting PhD student. Younghyun is from the Protein Design lab, led by Prof. Yong Ho Kim. 

Welcome! 

August 15, 2022

Damask Grinnell joins the Kim Research group as a master student. 

Welcome! 

August 08, 2022

Dr. Suyoung Lee joins the Kim Research Group! 

NIEHS SBIR grant is approved!

May 24, 2022

NIEHS approved the SBIR grant, regarding "Bioinspired Green Glycolipids as Fugitive Dust Mitigation Agents" under the program of NIEHS Superfund Hazardous Substances_Basic Research and Education. This project will be led by GlycoSurf (PI:Dr. Chett Boxley) and co-led by UA team (Dr. Maier's group and Dr. Kim's group).  

Welcome!

May 23, 2022

Brandon (UArizona, rising Junior) and Olivia (UMichigan) join the lab over the summer for summer research! 

NSF CAREER Award!

April 22, 2022

The Arizona Republic newspaper

April 13, 2022

KOLD13 News

March 01, 2022

Check out the news at the College of Engineering 

December 02, 2021

We are extremely grateful to be funded by an NSF CAREER award, thanks to everyone’s hard work! Through this project, we will build the foundation of a new science for biomimetic microparticles in drug delivery systems.

The collaborative work with Dr. Pamberton's group is accepted!

April 13, 2022

Congratulations, team!

Samuel Kim received GPSC travel grant!

March 03, 2022

Congratulations, Sam! 

Congratulations, Taehee, Chris, and Bumjoon!

BIO5 Rapid Grant is approved!

January 14, 2022

UA’s Research, Innovation & Impact and BIO5 announce that the collaborative work between Dr. Kim's group and Dr. Van Dyke's group will be supported. We will work on the project, entitled “Understanding Cell Adhesion Behavior on Coatings of Self-Assembled Keratin Nanostructures to Prevent Epidermal Downgrowth in Skin-Implant Interface.” 

Seed funding for dust mitigating materials development!

January 11, 2022

The seed grant, entitled "Bioinspired Green Glycolipids as Fugitive Mining Dust Mitigation Agents", has been approved by Mineral Resources Research and Innovation Initiatives. Dr. Kim's group will collaborate with Dr. Maier's group and GlycoSurf Inc. to develop new dust mitigation agents through this project. 

IT4IR TRIF 18th Mile funding!

December 08, 2021

Dr. Kim as Co-PI (PI: Lianyang Zhang) will work on the project of "An Integrated Closed Loop Paradigm for Design and Development of High-Performance Hybrid Biopolymer-Geopolymer Cementitious Materials"!

Kim Research Group will start a biomimetic ultrablack materials project!

September 27, 2021 

Dr. Kim as Co-PI will work on the project of "A Molecular and Nanostructural Approach to Development of Ultrablack Coatings and Materials." sponsored by U.S. Federal Government.  

Kim Research Group receives TRIF funding for dust control project!

July 13, 2021 

Kim research group receives funding for the project entitled "Development of Eco-Friendly Dust-Controlling Materials for Mining Industry". 

A newly minted PhD - Dr. Taehee Lee

June 08, 2021

Taehee successfully defended his dust controlling materials research. Congratulations!    

Welcome! 

May 17, 2021

Josh (UArizona, MS student), Cynthia (UArizona, rising Junior), Nicholas (UArizona, rising Junior) and Ameya (ASU, rising Sophomore) join the lab over the summer to learn protein-based functional materials! 

A newly minted PhD - Dr. David Knoff! 

May 12, 2021

David successfully ended the journey in the Kim research group as the first PhD student. Now, Dr. Knoff is moving to Boston for his next journey. Congratulations and Bon Voyage!   

Kim Group will start a biomimetic materials project!

April 28, 2021

Dr. Kim as Co-PI (PI: Dr. Mark Van Dyke)will work on the project of "A Biomimetic Coating to Enhance Cell Adhesion at the Skin-Implant Interface of Percutaneous Osseo-integrated Prosthetic (POP) Devices" sponsored by CDMRP. 



Jocelyn is on air!


April 27, 2021

Jocelyn will continue her academic career in the NIH-Oxford PhD program from Fall 2021. Congratulations, Jocelyn! 

Anthony won at the 18th Annual UA/ASU Materials Bowl competition!

April 26, 2021

The senior capstone project by Anthony with the project of Cellulose-based Cyrogels for Microgravity Plant Growth was selected as the overall winner in the annual materials design project competition between UA and ASU. Congratulations, Anthony! Also, congratulations to Sam and Zhu for successfully leading and guiding the project. 

Jocelyn has been selected for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship!

March 25, 2021

NSF announced that Jocelyn has been selected for GRFP. She will continue her academic career in the NIH-Oxford PhD program from Fall 2021. Congratulations, Jocelyn! 

Our project has been selected for the TLA Asset Development Award!

March 17, 2021

Tech Launch Arizona will support David's work to develop protein-based regenerative tissue scaffolds. Great job, David!  

Fathima has been selected for the 2021 Galileo Circle Scholar by the College of Science!

March 12, 2021

Congratulations, Fathima! 

Fathima won the Student Research Achievement Award at the 65th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society!

February 24, 2021

Congratulations, Fathima! 

Our project has been selected for the Faculty Seed Grant from UArizona Research Innovation & Impact!

November 17, 2020

Our group and Dr. Wertheimer's group will continue to investigate design parameters to improve antimicrobial peptide activity on protein-based biomaterials.  

David's work, reducing defects in protein-based hydrogel, is published in ACS Macromolecules!

May 09, 2020

Congratulations, David! 

Jocelyne Rivera (undergraduate researcher) has been selected as the 2020-2021 S. Jack McDuff scholar!

April 14, 2020

Congratulations Jocelyne! 

Chris' work, controlling mechanical properties of photo-crosslinked hydrogels, is published in Frontiers in Chemistry!

March 13, 2020

Congratulations, Chris!

Our photo-crosslinkable protein hydrogels will assist to improve crop habitats for the international space station

February 20, 2020

NASA announces that our hydrogel will be involved in the project (PI: Dr. Kacira) for better crop habitats for the international space station. 

David Knoff is recognized as the Kunkel Scholar by the ARCS® Foundation, Phoenix Chapter

February 19, 2020

David's research developing red blood cell-mimetic hydrogels for targeted cardiovascular drug delivery was recognized for the second year by the ARCS® Foundation, Phoenix Chapter. Congratulations, David! 

David Knoff won 1st place at the 8th annual BME Student Research Expo Graduate Poster Competition!

February 19, 2020

David's poster was entitled "Red Blood Cell-Inspired Biopolymer Design for Functional Cardiovascular Biomaterials." Congratulations, David! 

Fathima received the GPSC Travel Award! 

December 03, 2019

Congratulations, Fathima! 

Taehee's work, applying liquid polymers to control dust, is published in RSC Advances! 

December 03, 2019

Congratulations, Taehee!

Samuel Kim joined Kim Research Group

November 01, 2019

Welcome, Sam!

Our technology is getting attention!

June 13, 2019

The developed polymer blend for dust suppression is highlighted on the U of A website, Arizona Daily Star, KGUN 9 and local news. 

David Knoff won first place at the 7th annual BME Student Research Expo!

February 20, 2019

David won first place in his poster presentation. Congratulations David! 

Kareen Fajardo received McNair Fellowship!

December 12, 2018

Kareen received the McNair Fellowship for her work on RBC-mimetic polypeptides. 

Fathima Doole received a travel Award to Attend the 2019 Biophysical Society Annual Meeting!

December 12, 2018

Dr. Kim as PI (Co-PI: Dr. Guzman, UA ChemE) will work on the project titled "Molecular and Nanostructural Approaches to Development of Ultrablack Materials", supported by AZ State Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF)!

Drs. Wertheimer and Kim received 2018 UA Accelerate for Success Grants!

June 08, 2018

Drs. Wertheimer and Kim have been awarded for UA RDI Accelerate for Success Grants for 2018-2019. This will support their project, entitled "Novel Antimicrobial Matrix Development and Validation". Congratulations! 

Dr. Kim received a teaching award

May 11, 2018

Dr. Kim has been given an award for excellence at the student interface - "Most Supportive Junior Faculty - Biomedical Engineering" by College of Engineering Dean Dr. Goldberg at the BME undergraduate graduation ceremony. Congratulations, Dr. Kim! 

David Knoff won 2nd Place at the 6th Annual BME Student Research Expo 2018!

February 2018

David Knoff won 2nd place for his poster presentation titled "Customizable Protein Biomaterials with Tunable Mechanical Properties for Long-Term In Vivo Applications." Congratulations, David! 

Welcome Haley!

October 2017

Haley Szczublewski, 1st year BME MS student, joined the group. 

Dr. Kim has started his independent career at the University of Arizona

August 15, 2016

Dr. Kim as PI (Co-PI: Dr. Guzman, UA ChemE) will work on the project titled "Molecular and Nanostructural Approaches to Development of Ultrablack Materials", supported by AZ State Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF)!

Dr. Kim Receives Tech Launch Arizona Grant!

September 01, 2017

Dr. Kim and Dr. Kim (Department of Mining & Geological Engineering) have been awarded the TLA Asset Development grant for the project, entitled "Mine Tailings Dust Control System Using Biocompatible Polymer" 

Welcome Taehee Lee!

August 21, 2017

Taehee Lee, 1st year MSE PhD student, joined the group.   

David Knoff received Biomedical Engineering Graduate Scholarship!

May 16, 2017

David Knoff has been awarded the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Scholarship, a competitive scholarship given by donors to support University of Arizona College of Engineering students. Congratulations, David!  

David Knoff received NIH Cardiovascular Training Grant!

May 15, 2017

David Knoff has been awarded the NIH T32 Cardiovascular Training Grant, a competitive grant given to support University of Arizona BME students in research related to cardiovascular health and engineering. Congratulations, David! 

Dr. Kim received a teaching award

May 12, 2017

Dr. Kim has been given an award for excellence at the student interface - "Most Supportive Junior Faculty - Biomedical Engineering" by College of Engineering Dean Dr. Goldberg at the BME undergraduate graduation ceremony. Congratulations, Dr. Kim! 

Paper Published

April 10, 2017

Dr. Kim's previous work on the development of biotoxin scavenger system is published. 

Vy received the Maximizing Access to Research Careers Fellowship!

 March 15, 2017

Vy Nguyen has received the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Fellowship, a highly competitive NIH training grant that facilitates research training as well as scientific writing and presentation skills. Vy will continue her undergraduate research in the Kim research group. Congratulations, Vy!   

Welcome David Knoff and Chris Camp!

January 01, 2017

David and Chris, 1st year BME PhD students, joined the group. 

Paper Published

November 23, 2016

Polymer network and gel review paper, entitled "Classical Challenges in the Physical Chemistry of Polymer Networks and the Design of New Materials", from Dr. Kim's former group at MIT is published in Accounts in Chemical Research. 

Seminars in Korea 

November 07-18, 2016

Dr. Kim visited Korea for seminars at Pohang University of Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea Institute of Science and Technology and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. Thanks again for seminar invitations and all the arrangements! 

Kim Research Group and website are up and running

November 02, 2016

Welcome to our new website!  We welcome motivated undergraduate, graduate and visiting students in Materials Science and Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemistry to join us!  

Dr. Kim has started his independent career at the University of Arizona

August 15, 2016

Dr. Kim joined Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering at U of A.  He will teach Biological and Synthetic Materials course (MSE/BME 461/561) together with Prof. Uhlmann in this Fall.