Prof Dr. Do Gun Kim | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Sunchon National University, South korea

Dr. Do Gun Kim is an accomplished environmental engineer and Associate Professor at Sunchon National University, Republic of Korea. With over two decades of academic, research, and industry experience, his expertise spans advanced water, wastewater, and groundwater treatment technologies. Dr. Kim began his career in the private sector with Kavotech and Ssangyong Engineering before transitioning to academia, holding key positions at JEI University and Kyung Hee University. He earned his B.S. from the University of Seoul and both his M.S. and Ph.D. from KAIST in Environmental Engineering. Dr. Kim has published extensively, with over 80 peer-reviewed articles and multiple patents to his name. His research emphasizes physico-chemical treatment processes, innovative materials for pollution remediation, and non-point source pollution management. He is recognized for blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications to address environmental challenges in water quality and sustainable engineering.

Profile

• Googlescholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), completed in August 2010, where his research focused on advanced water treatment technologies. Prior to his doctorate, he earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from KAIST in February 1996, where he developed his foundation in physico-chemical treatment processes. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Seoul, which he completed in February 1993. Throughout his educational career, Dr. Kim has demonstrated a consistent commitment to addressing complex environmental challenges, particularly in the areas of pollution control and sustainable resource management. His academic background is further strengthened by two national engineering licenses in water pollution control and noise and vibration mitigation, awarded by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea. These qualifications support his applied and interdisciplinary approach to environmental research and teaching.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Do Gun Kim is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Sunchon National University since July 2020. Before this, he served as a Research Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher at Kyung Hee University (2010–2020), contributing to advanced civil and environmental engineering research. He also briefly worked as an Assistant Professor at JEI University in 2016, teaching environment and health courses. Dr. Kim’s professional experience includes significant time in the private sector with companies like SIB Co., Ltd. (2009–2010), Kavotech Co., Ltd. (2003–2008), and Ssangyong Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (until 2002), where he worked in R&D on environmental technologies. His well-rounded background bridges both academia and industry, providing him with practical insight into environmental systems, engineering design, and pollution control. These roles have shaped his approach to research, integrating laboratory innovation with real-world environmental problem-solving.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Do Gun Kim’s academic and research excellence is reflected in his extensive publication record, with 67 international and 14 domestic journal articles, alongside 7 Korean patents and 1 PCT international patent. His innovative work in environmental engineering has contributed significantly to the advancement of water treatment technologies and pollution reduction strategies. He holds two national-level professional engineering certifications—one in water pollution technology and another in noise and vibration—issued by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea. These certifications validate his technical expertise and professional contributions to environmental management. While specific named awards are not listed, Dr. Kim’s sustained funding, prolific publications, and patents underscore his recognition and impact in the field. His roles at top Korean institutions such as KAIST, Kyung Hee University, and Sunchon National University reflect the esteem in which he is held by academic and professional communities.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Kim’s research is centered on advanced physico-chemical processes for water, wastewater, and groundwater treatment. He focuses on key mechanisms like adsorption, catalysis, coagulation, filtration, and advanced oxidation processes to enhance contaminant removal efficiency. His work places strong emphasis on innovative materials, including carbon-based adsorbents, nano-metallic particles, and hybrid composites tailored for environmental remediation. Additionally, Dr. Kim actively investigates methods for reducing non-point source pollution, which poses significant challenges in urban and agricultural runoff management. His integrated approach combines theoretical modeling, lab-scale experimentation, and pilot-scale application. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, he aims to develop sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable solutions for improving water quality and environmental health. His projects often explore synergies between material science, environmental chemistry, and civil engineering, thereby pushing the boundaries of traditional water treatment paradigms. This multi-dimensional focus enhances resilience and sustainability in water resource management systems.

✅ Conclusion