Kwang Jin Kim

Kwang Jin Kim, Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, with secondary appointments in Physiology & Biophysics, Pharmacology & Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in Electronics Engineering from Seoul National University (1971, 1973) and his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania (1980). His career includes postdoctoral training at UCLA and faculty positions at Cornell University Medical College before joining USC in 1991.

Dr. Kim's research focuses on electrophysiology and pathophysiology of pulmonary and ocular epithelial barriers. Key areas include nanoparticle-alveolar interactions, autophagy mechanisms, ion transport regulation, and tight junction dynamics. His work employs advanced techniques like confocal microscopy, Ussing chambers, and genetic knockout models to study barrier functions.

Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on nanoparticle interactions with lung cells (uptake, trafficking, toxicity), autophagy modulation in disease contexts, and molecular regulation of alveolar fluid clearance. His lab frequently utilizes knockout mouse models to elucidate roles of claudins and transporters in lung homeostasis.

Scientific Awards:

• Public Health Service New Investigator Award (1985-1988)
• American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (1980-1982)
• University of Pennsylvania Research Fellowship (1977-1980)

He maintains active membership in professional societies including the American Physiological Society and American Association for the Advancement of Science. His laboratory investigates pulmonary and ocular barrier functions using electrophysiological, molecular, and imaging approaches.