Dr. Sunjae Kim
Assistant Professor
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