Youngki Kim

Youngki Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, within the College of Engineering and Computer Science. His research focuses on Automotive Engineering, Integrated Design and Manufacturing, Machine Learning, Optimization, and Intelligent Systems, with specific interests in lithium-ion batteries, vehicle modeling/simulation, energy management of advanced powertrains, and connected/autonomous vehicles. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (2014) and advanced degrees from Seoul National University (M.S. 2003, B.S. 2001).

Research & Grants

• Recipient of multiple industry grants (e.g., Hyundai, Ford, NSF) for projects like battery thermal management, predictive control algorithms, and one-pedal driving systems.
• Developed frameworks for eco-climate control, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and battery state-of-charge/health estimation.
• Active in cross-disciplinary research combining machine learning with traditional engineering methodologies.

Teaching

Instructs advanced courses such as Control Systems Analysis, Linear Systems Control, and Predictive Control of Dynamic Systems. Specializes in battery systems modeling, energy management, and mechatronics.

Lab affiliations include the DAIR (Distributed Automotive Innovation Research) initiative and collaborates extensively with automotive industry partners. His work emphasizes practical applications of control theory and data-driven methods to improve vehicle efficiency and safety.