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Dr. Sunjae Kim » People

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Biography

Originally from Korea, Sunjae moved to West Lafayette, IN in 2020 for his doctoral study at Purdue. Following his graduate work, he started as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida in January 2026.

His research focuses on understanding the effects of gravity on multiphase thermal-hydraulic characteristics, with a particular emphasis on cryogenic flow boiling physics. His primary goal is to leverage multiphase fluid-thermal science to innovate in-space thermal management systems. Prior to his doctoral studies, he worked as a Research Engineer at the Agency for Defense Development, a national lab in South Korea, where he focused on developing advanced thermodynamic systems for naval defense applications.

Education

Ph.D., 2025, Purdue University

M.S., 2017, Mechanical Engineering, Korea University

B.S., 2015, Mechanical Engineering, Korea University

Research Interests

Cryogenic Propellant Management (CFM)

Two-phase Thermal Management Systems

Boiling and Condensation

Parabolic Flight Experiments

Ultra-High Power Electronics Cooling

Teaching Interests

Heat Transfer

Thermodynamics

Fluid Mechanics

Two-phase flow and heat transfer

Research Groups

Space Systems

Thermal Transport, Thermodynamics and Power

Energy

Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics