Hogene Kim, PhD

At the University of Michigan, I engaged deeply in sports biomechanics research and mentorship, focusing on injury prevention strategies. My work involved hands-on investigations into neck strengthening techniques for youth soccer and guiding students in creating predictive models. Additionally, I contributed to international studies on stroke rehabilitation, enhancing community interventions through advanced data analysis.

At the intersection of innovation and recovery, I led a $12M Translational R&D initiative under the Smart Rehabilitation program—bridging cutting-edge research with real-world patient outcomes. I guided cross-functional teams to successfully deliver external rehab R&D projects, steering both the technical vision and strategic execution. To inform global health policy, I contributed to the WHO’s GATE initiative by distilling national assistive technology data into actionable insights—helping shape the future of equitable access to rehabilitation tools worldwide. Key Highlights: • Led early-stage clinical integration of cutting-edge technologies by managing a $1M/year Medical & Rehabilitation Robot Pilot Program. • Accelerated innovation in assistive technology with 39 awarded patents in rehabilitation robotics and devices. • Enhanced global visibility and knowledge exchange by organizing and moderating annual International Symposiums on Rehabilitation Research. • Served as Principal Investigator on high-impact clinical research projects, securing and executing funding across diverse rehabilitation domains, including: o Smart Rehabilitation Exercise – $400K (2021–2023) o Community-Based Disability Programs – $200K (2020) o Smart Ankle Foot Orthosis for Stroke Patients – $170K (2019–2021) o Cognitive-Motor Interference in Stroke – $75K (2019–2021) o Clinical Rehabilitation Testbed Planning – $50K (2019) o International Research Collaboration – $30K (2018) o Robotic Ankle Movement Trainer for Stroke Survivors – $100K (2015–2018)

At the forefront of smart rehabilitation innovation, I spearheaded a $4M annual program that pushed the boundaries of therapeutic technology and transformed patient care. As Co-Principal Investigator, I partnered on pioneering research aimed at redefining rehabilitation strategies for individuals with disabilities—driving progress that blends cutting-edge science with real-world impact. Key Accomplishment: • Launched and led 17 innovative projects at the Smart Rehabilitation Exercise Living Lab, spearheading advancements in device development, biophysiological measurement systems, and community participation initiatives.

Key Highlights: • Founded the “Dr. Lee, Jong Wook Fellowship” in international rehabilitation training; secured $100K annually to advance global research collaboration and capacity-building initiatives. • Conducted the first comprehensive study on disability status and policy in North Korea, raising international awareness and informing humanitarian and policy discussions. • Led a cross-national collaboration with NC State University to analyze global assistive technology trends, delivering strategic recommendations to shape South Korea’s national disability policy.

In this role, I led a portfolio of 28 transformative rehabilitation R&D projects, steering teams through complex clinical trials and engineering hurdles to bring cutting-edge robotic solutions to life. With 15 patents secured, I helped solidify our position as pioneers at the forefront of rehabilitation robotics innovation. Key Highlights: • Pioneered a robotic interface for gravity compensation, resulting in two awarded patents. • Engineered advanced shoulder rehabilitation robots, earning three patents for innovation in therapeutic technology. • Developed robotic systems for mechanical impedance measurement, enhancing precision in rehabilitation interventions (2 patents). • Innovated a novel method for spasticity assessment using inertial measurement units, securing two patents for clinical application.

Here, I led a transformative $4M annual program that propelled innovation in smart rehabilitation technologies, reshaping therapeutic practices to improve patient outcomes. As Co-Principal Investigator, I collaborated on a pivotal research project dedicated to advancing medical rehabilitation strategies for individuals with disabilities, blending cutting-edge science with meaningful impact. Key Highlight: • Achieved first place in the highly competitive ‘Renovative Growth’ category out of 108 candidates, driving significant advancements in community-based rehabilitation for people with disabilities.

Stewarded a $1.5M annual budget to drive the Rehabilitation R&D Support Program under the Ministry of Health & Welfare, championing breakthroughs in rehabilitation technology. I launched and led the ‘Clinical Rehabilitation Research Testbed’ with a seed investment of $200K—creating a dynamic platform where pioneering research meets clinical innovation to accelerate real-world impact. Key Highlight: • Designed and executed 20 strategic projects spanning extramural and intramural efforts, targeting equipment development, exercise protocols, policy innovation, and sensor technology integration.

Paved the way for two rehabilitation robots to enter the market by uniting four leading medical institutes into strategic consortiums—driving clinical validation, real-world application, and adoption through collaborative innovation. Key Highlight: • Achieved 1st place recognition from the Ministry of Industry & Trade for leading the highest-performing pilot program, setting a national benchmark for future initiatives.

• Founded and directed the NRC Robotic Gym, a cutting-edge rehabilitation research facility; secured supplemental funding through strategic negotiations with government agencies. • Co-led pioneering research on seating balance in spinal cord injury patients, driving key advancements in assistive technology and evidence-based rehabilitation practices.

Brought the real world into the classroom by delivering immersive lectures in Industrial and Safety Engineering—blending academic rigor with hands-on case studies and emerging industry trends. Whether teaching undergraduates or graduate students, I focused on bridging theory with application, turning complex topics like risk assessment and human factors into accessible, actionable knowledge. I also led curriculum development efforts, keeping content aligned with evolving safety standards and industry expectations—ensuring students graduated not just informed, but industry-ready. Key Highlight: • Enhanced graduate education in Safe & Health Convergence Engineering by designing and delivering specialized courses on Occupational Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Concentrations: Human Biomechanics (completed MS coursework) Dissertation Title: “Effects of Age and Peripheral Neuropathy on Responses to an Unexpected Underfoot Perturbation during Gait”

Concentrations: Product Design & Control and Robotics in Design Division Coursework: Smart Product Design (ME218 Alumni), Control & Robotics, Manufacturing

Concentration: Fluid Dynamics, Ship Resistance Hydrodynamics