Kwang Ho Kim joins UBC Forestry as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Wood Science. His research focuses on developing sustainable biomass conversion engineering, aiming to advance technological solutions that maximize the transformation of carbon in biomass into valuable products.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
My name is Kwang Ho Kim, and I recently joined the Department of Wood Science as an Assistant Professor. Before this, I served as a Principal Researcher at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology for 6.5 years. From 2018 to 2021, I was at UBC, collaborating on research projects.
I earned my PhD in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from Iowa State University and completed 2.5 years of postdoctoral training at the Joint BioEnergy Institute. My career journey has been extensive and fulfilling, ultimately leading me back to UBC.
What drew you to your work?
What drew me to my work is a combination of passion, dedication, and a curiosity-driven mindset. My passion for developing sustainable technologies and their potential to address pressing environmental issues has always been a great motivation in my career. This passion drives my dedication to research and development in the field of biomass conversion engineering. I am committed to advancing solutions that can make a real difference in our communities, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Moreover, my work is deeply curiosity-driven. I am constantly inspired by the desire to explore new ideas, push boundaries, and uncover innovative approaches to complex problems. This constant curiosity keeps me engaged and excited about what future holds in my field.
What do you hope to achieve through your work at UBC?
At UBC, I aim to advance scientific knowledge and develop cutting-edge technologies in biomass conversion to produce fuels, chemicals, and materials that can replace petroleum-derived products.
In addition, I am dedicated to fostering the next generation of scientists and researchers in the field of bioeconomy. I find immense fulfillment in witnessing the success of my mentees, whether they transition to industry or pursue graduate studies. As a mentor, I am committed to guiding and motivating students in their pursuit of successful careers.
What attracted you to UBC and UBC Forestry?
When I was at UBC from 2018 to 2021 as a KIST researcher and an Adjunct Professor in the Wood Science department, I was impressed by the passion of the people at UBC. Their dedication to addressing the climate challenges was remarkable. Furthermore, the collaborative environment, where faculty members, staff, and students worked together as a team to achieve their goals, was incredibly inspiring.
I am very excited to join UBC Forestry and the UBC community. I believe that this is the best place where I can develop sustainable technologies, contribute to our communities and beyond, working with the smartest and most passionate people in the world.
What are you most looking forward to in the Faculty of Forestry?
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
I like this quote because it emphasizes the importance of collaboration. To overcome the various technical and technoeconomic challenges that have hindered the development of sustainable bioeconomy, we really need multidisciplinary approaches. The Faculty of Forestry has a diverse range of research backgrounds, and I look forward to working with colleagues from different departments to achieve our shared goals.