Meet Dr Ken Ri Kim

However, as many advanced technologies have been embedded in our daily lives, there is a high demand on the function that can translate digital formats of varied information to external or detachable devices. With the digital weaving knowledge and skills, the future direction is set to investigate the potential in various e-textile materials and multilayer weave structures to develop smart textiles.

The main influences upon my practice have been optical colours, human vision system, traditional weaving technics, and digital image processing that are all important elements to develop systematic weaving methods. Multi-weave colour production that is introduced using digital weaving is unique and very few people explore and develop. The research journey has been captivating to understand how human eyes perceive optical colours that was the key to develop new digital weaving technics/methods.

To anyone considering a PhD in this area, I would advise that weaving research comes to be novel and exclusive as there are very few people who have an insight on the area. So far, many traditional weaving processes have been converted into automated processes to improve cost and production efficiency and therefore, it is very important to understand the manufacturing processes and software applied to modern digital weaving. In addition, the knowledge of electronic/material would be highly advantageous to be able to develop and embed functions in textiles. 

It would be important that research students consider themselves as a project leader. It is like they sit on a driving seat and supervisors are on a passenger seat to support and guide them. Doctoral study is an exciting journey, and a high level of independence is the key to design and develop their research from the very beginning to the end. This experience is fundamental to develop their future professions. My way of supporting students as a supervisor is varied as everyone has different experiences in research. A clear and effective communication style is highly important to discuss and review a research progress and a monthly supervisory meeting is helpful to discern how to support a research student. 

Interdisciplinary research forms a supervisory team with different expertise, and it supports research students not only to successfully define/build a research scope but also to develop an effective research methodology. Many exciting opportunities are offered to research students in collaboration with other departments. For example, textiles with ergonomics, engineering, architecture, sport science, etc. It would depend on what research students are willing to develop and explore through their research. 

Publication is one of the most meaningful ways to share your research and to make impacts in a particular area. It helps other researchers advance their work as it builds on the body of knowledge that exists in your research field. In addition, it is the way to validate your research questions and approaches. Peer review process is critically important to have some important feedbacks from other researchers to advance and interpret your work. 

We face many different research challenges to solve through critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. For PhD students, having a 'Growth Mindset' would be important as academics constantly seek out opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills. Varied trainings and supports are available for research students that are provided from Loughborough Doctoral college. The personal development opportunities for research students are expected in experiencing varied research agenda/tasks and participating in conference, journal publications, design competitions and exhibitions provide insightful experiences for personal development. 

PhD study requires a large financial commitment. Many jobs are offered with a PhD, and you will have more career options to fill higher-level and research-driven positions. However, if you decided to do PhD study, it is very important that you are sure of the benefits of the study and consider how it will help you to build your future career. It is helpful to have a 5year/10-year plan with specific goals to achieve in a short and long term.