Dr. Jay Kim

Kim

Stats
- $13M in research grants as the principal investigator or co-investigator.
- 35 peer-reviewed journals and 74 conference proceedings
- 11 years in a faculty position with expertise in Biomechanics and Environmental and Occupational Health

Research and Consulting Interests
- Exoskeletons
- Whole-body Vibration
- Office ergonomics
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Biomechanics

Dr. Kim’s "Why"
Witnessing firsthand the impact of poor work practices on my parents who spent whole their lives as construction and farm workers and suffered chronic pain and injuries has ignited a passion in me to study injury mechanisms and effective interventions. Using my engineering background, I hope address not only immediate concerns but also about contributing to a broader culture of care and respect for individuals' physical and mental health in the workplace.

Favorite project
Among professional drivers, low-back injuries are the single largest component of reported workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Whole-body vibration transmitted from vehicles is associated with WMSDs. Despite the injury association, the underlying injury mechanisms are poorly understood and the current standard practice to control WBV is ineffective. Through a longitudinal randomized controlled trial of a seating intervention funded by NIOSH R01, we further clarified the association between WBV and WMSDs by showing that the reduced exposure to WBV through an effective intervention significantly improved professional drivers’ musculoskeletal pain.