Post-Doctoral Researcher · Robotics Institute, Seoul National University
Hyunji Kim
I study human movement at the intersection of biomechanics, exercise physiology, and wearable assistive technology — with a focus on people underserved by conventional performance research, including individuals with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and stroke, and everyday exercisers just starting out.
About
I completed my Ph.D. at the Sports Engineering Lab, Department of Kinesiology, Seoul National University (2021–2026), with a dissertation on deep learning–based VO2/VCO2 estimation and fitness assessment for individuals with spinal cord injury, aimed at making self-directed exercise monitoring accessible outside the lab. Before that, my M.S. work examined how shoe conditions shape the biomechanics of recreational runners. I originally trained in chemistry education (B.S., Seoul National University) before moving into human exercise science.
I'm now a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Robotics Institute, Seoul National University, working on wearable sensors, sensory feedback, and assistive technology — and mentoring the next group of researchers coming up through the lab.
Experience
Professional Career
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2026.3 – presentPost-Doctoral Researcher, Robotics Institute (RI), Seoul National University
Research Experience
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2024.4 – presentDevelopment of Barrier-Free Experiential XR Content Technology to Improve Accessibility to Online Activities for the Physically Disabled
Quantification of needs for barrier-free XR environment usage and wheelchair ergometer personalization for individuals with cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries.
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2025.3 – 2025.8Developing a Running Pattern Solution for Amateur Runners
Developed a mobile application that analyzes running biomechanics from smartphone video.
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2024.9 – 2025.9Health Enhancement Research through Setting Fitness Standards for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury and Analysis of Biomechanical Correlations
Analyzed biomechanics of active SCI individuals to develop exercise guidelines and optimize wheelchair use and overall health.
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2024.7 – presentTechnical Collaboration with Neumafit and Endurorace
Expert consultation on data analysis for athlete performance optimization; development and validation of a continuous lactate monitoring system through large-scale lactate measurement experiments in running and cycling.
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2023.7 – 2024.2Deep Learning-Based Aerobic Capacity Estimation in Running (with Neumafit)
Developed algorithms to precisely estimate aerobic capacity indicators (VO2, VCO2) during running.
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2023.4 – 2024.4Developing Evaluation Methods for Analyzing the Effects of Soft Wearable Robots
Developed quantitative metrics for evaluating walking performance with soft wearable gait assistance robots.
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2023.1 – 2026.5Developing Wearable Soft Robots for Human Performance Augmentation (ERC, 3rd phase)
Provided expertise on evaluation methods for walking and grasping assistance wearable soft robots.
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2021.8 – 2024.84D Printing of Mechanical Meta-Material Footwear Soles for Gait Function Augmentation and Foot Disorder Treatment
Quantified effects of shoe sole stiffness differences due to meta-structure on center of pressure and lower limb joint angles during walking for mild flatfoot.
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2021.4 – 2024.12Technology Innovation Program: Development of Safe and Comfortable Human Augmentation Hybrid Robot Suit
Analyzed motion patterns, energy efficiency, and joint loads of prototype shoes using motion capture, metabolic systems, and musculoskeletal simulations.
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2020 – 2021Development of a Human-Centered Personal Protective Suit for Disaster Preparedness
Quantified weight distribution impact in protective suits on energy expenditure and analyzed gear design in simulated disaster scenarios.
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2019 – 2020Developing Compression Wear That Augments Human Motor Performance by Tactile Feedback
Verified gait patterns induced by compression wear patterns, focusing on ankle angles.
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2019 – 2020Effects of Chewing Gum on Exercise Efficiency and the Body
Compared the effects of masticatory action on rhythm patterns and muscle activation during cycling.
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2019Development of CROSS-MAST Training Program
Analyzed muscle activation differences during adjustable resistance profiles; produced a comprehensive exercise report for CROSS-MAST, a precision-controlled dual cable machine.
Publications
Published Journal Papers (6)
- K. Kim, H. Kim (Co-first author), W. Hwang, Y. Choi, K. Kim, J. Ahn & H. Lee (2025) A multidisciplinary review on footwear 3D printing: from biomechanics to therapeutics, International Journal of Bioprinting 025210204.
- S. Hong, H. Kim (Co-first author), J. Ahn & W. Park (2025) Influence of time since injury and physical activity level on upper limb kinematics and muscle activation during wheelchair propulsion in complete T12/L1 spinal cord injury, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 26, 807.
- H. Kim, S. Hong, W. Park & J. Ahn (2025) A Bottom-Up Classification of Wheelchair Users Based on Propulsion Kinematics beyond Injury Level, IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering (TNSRE) 33, 3878–3887.
- H. Kim & J. Ahn (2025) Technologically Advanced Running Shoes Reduce Indices of Injury Risk, Scientific Reports 15, 17828.
- P. Pathak, H. Kim, H. Kim, K. Lee, J. Park & J. Ahn (2023) Feasibility of mitigating out-toeing gait using compression tights with inward-directing lines, PLOS ONE 18(9), e0291914.
- B. Lim, H. Kim (Co-first author), J. Bae, J. Seo, S. Kwak, C. Shin, J. Ahn & W. Song (2021) Effect of masticatory movement using gum on walking and cycling: a randomized crossover design, Exercise Science.
Journal Papers in Review or in Preparation (6)
- (Revision under review) J. Choi, J. Kim, H. Kim, Y. Choi, J. Lee, J. Hwang, Y. Choi, H. Min, J. Kim & J. Ahn. Estimation of Pulmonary Oxygen Uptake (VO2) and Carbon Dioxide Production (VCO2) Using Transfer Learning.
- (In preparation) H. Kim, Y. Choi, W. Park, S. Lee, B. Lee & J. Ahn. Development and Validation of a Detachable, Open-platform Wheelchair Ergometer with Inline Shaft Torque Sensing for Accessible Exercise Assessment in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury.
- (In preparation) J. Oh, S. Koh, G. Shin, H. Kim & J. Ahn. Effects of Grip Socks During Prolonged Running: Lower-Limb Joint Energy Absorption and Mechanical Efficiency.
- (In preparation) Y. Choi, H. Kim, G. Lee, J. Kim & J. Ahn. Continuous Vertical Ground Reaction Force Waveform and Biomechanical Running Parameter Estimation Using a Single Mask-Type IMU Sensor and Deep Learning.
- (In preparation) G. Kim, H. Kim & S.B. Panday. Effects of Awareness of Umpire's Judgement in Martial Arts Competition on Players' Performance and Psychological State.
- (In preparation) H. Kim, S. Hong, C. Kim, M. Son, Y. Choi, H. Lee, G. Shin, W. Park & J. Ahn. Characterizing Upper-Limb Interaction Strategies of Adults with Cerebral Palsy in Extended Reality: A Mixed-Methods Kinematic and Observational Study.
International Conference — Oral Presentations (6)
- H. Kim, Y. Choi, G. Shin, C. Kim & J. Ahn (2026) Exercise Science for All: AI-Powered Physical Activity Monitoring and Prescription in Spinal Cord Injury, The 2nd International Conference on Learning Sciences and Educational Innovation (ICOLSEI 2026).
- S. Hong, H. Kim (Co-first author), J. Ahn & W. Park (2024) Impacts of Disability Duration and Physical Activity Level on Wheelchair Propulsion Strategies in People with T12/L1 Spinal Cord Injury, Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting.
- H. Kim, S. Hong, W. Park & J. Ahn (2024) Classifying Wheelchair Propulsion Strategies: A New Bottom-Up Approach Based on Kinematic Data Analysis, Proceedings of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society 2024.
- H. Kim & J. Ahn (2023) The Effects of Habitual Foot Strike Pattern and Footwear on Running Pattern and Economy, 2023 Conference of International Society of Biomechanics (ISB).
- H. Kim & J. Ahn (2023) Acute Effects of Shoe Conditions on Foot Strike Pattern of Runners with Different Habitual Patterns, 2023 Conference of International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS).
- Y. Hong, D. Koo, H. Kim, J. Cho, J. Ahn & J. Park (2022) The Effect of Back-Loaded Distribution on Metabolic Energy and Subjective Fatigue: An Ergonomic Evaluation for the Development of a New Personal Protective Respirator, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1).
International Conference — Poster Presentations (4)
- H. Kim, Y. Choi, G. Shin, C. Kim & J. Ahn (2026) Physiological vs. Perceptual Exercise Intensity Targeting in Spinal Cord Injury Users: A Pilot Comparison Study, 2026 10th World Congress of Biomechanics (WCB).
- J. Cho, H. Kim & J. Ahn (2026) RPE-based Identification of Fatigue-related Changes in Running Spatiotemporal Variability, 2026 10th World Congress of Biomechanics (WCB).
- H. Kim, C. Kim, Y. Choi & J. Ahn (2025) Muscle Synergy Analysis during Grasping Tasks in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: A Framework for Telerehabilitation, 2025 ASB International Conference.
- Y. Choi, H. Kim, K. Lee, J. Choi, J. Kim, J. Kim & J. Ahn (2025) Validation of A Single Mask Type IMU for Running Gait Analysis, 2025 ASB International Conference.
Domestic Conference — Oral Presentations (5)
- G. Kim, H. Kim (Co-first author) & S.B. Panday (2026) Synergy Analysis of Lower Leg Muscle according to Target Conditions in Taekwondo Spin Kick: Comparison with VR Virtual Target Conditions, 2026 Conference of Korean Alliance of Martial Arts. Best Presentation Award
- H. Kim, C. Kim, Y. Choi & J. Ahn (2024) Muscle Synergy Complexity in Affected and Unaffected Upper Limbs of Individuals with Post-Stroke Hemiplegia during Grasping Tasks, 2024 Fall International Conference of KSSB. Best Presentation Award
- H. Kim, S. Hong, W. Park & J. Ahn (2023) Analysis of Wheelchair Propulsion Patterns in Wheelchair Users with Various Spinal Cord Injury Levels: A Study on Strategy Development through Bottom-Up Classification, 2023 Fall International Conference of KSSB-KSB. Best Presentation Award
- S. Hong, H. Kim (Co-first author), J. Ahn & W. Park (2023) Duration of Disability, Professional Experience in Sports, and Wheelchair Propulsion Strategy in People with Spinal Cord Injury: Case Study, 2023 Fall International Conference of KSSB-KSB.
- H. Kim & J. Ahn (2021) Effects of Performance Boosting Running Shoes on Muscle and Joint Loads, 2021 Fall International Conference of Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics. Excellent Presentation Award
Domestic Conference — Poster Presentations (2)
- H. Kim & J. Ahn (2025) Wheelchair Propulsion Strategies in Spinal Cord Injury: Beyond Injury Level Classification, 2025 16th Conference of Korean Society of Medical Robotics (KSMR).
- H. Kim, Y. Choi, K. Kim, S. Chung, H. Lee & J. Ahn (2022) Quantifying the Effect of 3D Printed Footwear Soles on Foot Pressure Distribution, 2022 Fall International Conference of KSSB-KSB. Best Poster Presentation Award
Grants, Fellowships & Patents
- Canada Leads Program Funding (250,000 CAD, 2 years), University Health Network (UHN), Canada, 2026–2028 (pending formal appointment; PI: Dr. Darshan Brahmbhatt)
- SNU Postdoctoral Overseas Visiting Research Fellowship (15M KRW) — Visiting researcher at the University Health Network (UHN), Canada, 2026
- NRF PhD Fellowship (20M KRW) — Humanities and social sciences academic research fellow (Type B, Sports science), 2024–2025
- BK21 Outstanding Researcher Fellowship, Seoul National University, 2021
- (Patent pending) H. Kim, B. Lee, J. Ahn. "Exercise Load Measurement and Control Apparatus, System, and Method for a Wheelchair Ergometer," Korean Patent Application No. 10-2026-0104472, 2026.
Awards & Honors
- The Best Presentation Award — Conference of Korean Alliance of Martial Arts, 2026
- The Best Presentation Award — International Conference of Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics, 2024
- EMBS NextGen Scholar Award — Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2024
- The Best Presentation Award — International Conference of Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics – Korean Society of Biomechanics, 2023
- The Best Poster Presentation Award — International Conference of Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics – Korean Society of Biomechanics, 2022
- Excellent Presentation Award — International Conference of Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics, 2021
Media & Public Engagement
- 2026.05 ▶ 안될과학 Unrealscience 마라톤 세계 신기록, 정말 장비빨일까? 내가 슈퍼슈즈를 신으면 일어나는 일!
- 2024.08 ▶ 엔듀로레이스 ENDURORACE 달리기 실력을 바꿀 수 있는 한 가지! 러닝 이코노미 (Running Economy)
- 2024.08 ▶ 엔듀로레이스 ENDURORACE 러닝 수준을 좌우하는 러닝 3대 지표, 제대로 알고 계신가요? - VO2max, 러닝 이코노미, 젖산 역치
Skills
Languages
Korean (native), English (upper intermediate), Japanese (elementary), Chinese (beginner)
Programming & Computational Methods
MATLAB, Python, R · Machine learning & transfer learning (PyTorch) for physiological signal estimation · Signal processing of multimodal biosignals (EMG, kinematics, kinetics, metabolic data)
Experimental Systems & Data Acquisition
Motion capture (Qualisys, Optitrack) · Force plates & instrumented treadmill (Bertec, AMTI) · Surface EMG (DELSYS, Noraxon) · IMU & wearable sensors (custom Arduino-based, Xsens, Samsung Galaxy Watch/Buds) · Pressure measurement (Pedar, Zebris) · Energy metabolism (COSMED K5, Polar, Pacer, StatStrip Lactate Meter) · Custom wheelchair roller ergometer with DAQ integration (LabJack, torque sensor, LabVIEW/MATLAB control) · Computer vision for biomechanics from smartphone video
Modeling & Biomechanical Analysis
Inverse dynamic analysis & musculoskeletal modeling (AnyBody, OpenSim, Visual3D) · PCA, LDA, muscle synergy analysis
Human-Centered & Qualitative Research
In-depth interviews and participatory studies with individuals with cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury; integrating qualitative insight with biomechanical and physiological assessment
Research & Professional Skills
Founding member of a new laboratory (Sports Engineering Laboratory, SNU) — established core equipment, experimental setups, and research protocols · Independent project design and execution · Interdisciplinary collaboration across biomechanics, sports engineering, mechanical engineering, textile/clothing engineering, and clinical research
Professional Memberships
- IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), 2024–present
- American Society of Biomechanics (ASB), 2025–present
- International Women in Biomechanics (IWB), 2024–present
- Ergonomics Society of Korea, 2025
- Korean Society of Martial Arts, 2026–present
- Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics (KSSB), 2021–present
Contact
Sports Engineering Lab, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea