Dr. Seung-Jae Kim is named 2020 CBU distinguished scholar

Riverside, Calif. (May 22, 2020) – California Baptist University has named Dr. Seung-Jae Kim, professor of bioengineering, as Distinguished Scholar for 2020.

Kim’s research proposal for “Artificial Intelligence in Human Movements” earned him the distinction awarded annually by the CBU Board of Trustees.

The aim of Kim’s research proposal is to discover machine learning techniques for biomechanical research and incorporate the results of the study into class projects. The research will explore the usage of machine learning methods in human movement biomechanics and develop a method to evaluate the human gait.

In his proposal, Kim said over the years he has investigated human locomotor adaptation using psychophysical experiments. He also has worked on developing rehabilitative strategies that accelerate and enhance the process of acquiring and retaining motor learning. Recently, Kim developed course material designed to help students learn and practice fundamental machine learning algorithms using Python programming language.

Artificial intelligence utilized by machine learning has many applications in numerous fields, including healthcare, education, finance and transportation, Kim said. Research of artificial intelligence and bioengineering offers great potential to improve clinical decision-making, accelerate rehabilitation programs for neurological disorders and educate students.

“It appears that we are on the cusp of artificial intelligence technologies that can identify subtle differences in tissues, cells or proteins between a healthy person and one with certain diseases,” Kim said. “Successful leaders of the future will be those benefiting from deep knowledge and intuition in both the artificial intelligence and engineering fields. Yet we face a serious shortage of such versatile individuals. I believe that we need to nurture students with the intellectual flexibility and passion to undergo lengthy training in engineering, computer programming, machine learning, biomedical science, mathematics and statistics.”